Dear Partners and Friends, 

This quarter, we marked the 10th anniversary of our Suits for Session service project, hosted our eighth annual Emergency Management Convening, and presented multiple Excellence in Volunteerism Awards—including to a dedicated emergency management volunteer and the founder of Kennedy Cares. I also had the honor of joining Memorial Healthcare System for a powerful fireside chat, where we discussed how service and support can transform lives. Volunteer Florida continues to fulfill its mission to #ServeFL by strengthening communities through service and support.

Black History Month Reception

In January, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis launched the 2025 Black History Month student and educator contests under the theme, Honoring African American Contributions to Florida’s Success. This important initiative invited students across the state to reflect on the achievements and lasting impact of African Americans whose leadership have shaped Florida’s history.

To celebrate the outstanding work submitted through these contests, a recognition reception was held at the Governor’s Mansion on February 26. Students and educators were recognized for their exceptional essays, artwork, and educational contributions.

Memorial Healthcare System Fireside Chat

I had the privilege of participating in a fireside chat hosted by Memorial Healthcare System, where we explored the vital connection between service, volunteerism, and community health. The conversation focused on how engaging volunteers can help address health disparities, support patient care, and strengthen the overall well-being of our communities.

I had the opportunity to share how Volunteer Florida continues to create pathways for individuals to serve—whether through disaster response, support for nonprofit organizations, or national service programs. It was a discussion that underscored the power of collaboration between the public service and healthcare sectors to create lasting, positive change for Floridians.

10th Annual Suits for Session Service Project

On March 25 and 26, Volunteer Florida proudly hosted the 10th Annual Suits for Session service project at the Florida Capitol. This milestone year marked a decade of collecting new and gently worn professional attire to support Floridians preparing to enter or re-enter the workforce. Thanks to the incredible generosity of donors, participants, and state agency partners, thousands of items were collected to benefit three outstanding recipient organizations: BRIDGES Re-Entry Program, Florida State University’s ProfessioNOLE Clothing Closet, and the University of South Florida’s Suit-A-Bull Clothing Closet.

Each of these recipients plays a vital role in equipping job seekers with the tools they need to succeed. The success of this initiative reflects the power of service and collaboration, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s Suits for Session one of the most impactful yet.

Eighth Annual Emergency Management Convening

On March 4–5, Volunteer Florida hosted the Eighth Annual Emergency Management Convening in Orlando—our largest gathering since its inception in 2016. Nearly 200 participants representing 95 organizations came together for two days of collaboration, learning, and networking focused on strengthening disaster response and recovery across the state.

During this event, I had the privilege of presenting Volunteer Florida’s Excellence in Volunteerism Award to Delaney Wildermuth, a rising leader in emergency management. Delaney played a critical role in responding to Hurricanes Helene and Milton and continues to support long-term recovery efforts. From managing mission-critical data and tracking resources to organizing coordinated response efforts, her leadership and commitment have made a lasting difference in the lives of survivors. We are proud to recognize Delaney for her outstanding service and unwavering dedication to Florida’s emergency management community.


TCCNA Presents Donation Check to Florida Disaster Fund

I had the privilege of joining FloridaCommerce and the Florida Chamber of Commerce for a special meeting with the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of North America (TCCNA), where they presented a generous donation in support of the Florida Disaster Fund. Their contribution will help communities across our state recover and rebuild after disasters.

We are deeply grateful for TCCNA’s partnership and their unwavering commitment to helping Floridians in times of greatest need. This meaningful collaboration serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can achieve when communities—both local and global—come together with a shared purpose.

CEO TAMAYO’S LEADERSHIP TOUR HIGHLIGHTS


PHOTO: CEO Tamayo attended the Special Olympics Florida Hall of Fame Ceremony in Orlando with VF Commission Chair, Sherry Wheelock, who serves as the President and CEO of Special Olympics Florida.


PHOTO: CEO Tamayo toured Community Cooperative in Fort Myers alongside VF Commissioner Stefanie Ink Edwards, CEO of the organization. With the support of more than 3,000 volunteers, Community Cooperative continues to make a remarkable impact in the fight against hunger and homelessness.


PHOTO: CEO Tamayo visited one of VF’s grantee organizations, Greater Miami, to meet with students and personally thank them for their service and commitment.


PHOTO: CEO Tamayo presented VF’s Excellence in Volunteerism Award to Kennedy Cares Tampa Bay in recognition of their outstanding service and unwavering commitment to uplifting communities across the region.


PHOTO: CEO Tamayo met with VF Commissioner Ivan Chavez to discuss expanding volunteer initiatives and strengthening community-building efforts across the state.

Thank you for your continued support of Volunteer Florida and our mission to #ServeFL. If there is anything we can do for you, or your organization, please reach out to me or my team.

Yours in Service,

Josefina Tamayo Chief Executive OfficerVolunteer Florida