History

In 2001, Valerie Oberle and Joan Hutton founded Women’s Leadership Connection (WLC) originally named Women’s Leadership Network* in Southwest Orlando. Its purpose was to create an organization that enhanced the success of women in all aspects of life; through personal growth, professional support and giving back to the community.

WLC’s continues to provide events throughout the year supporting its vision to develop enriching relationships and focus on making a difference in the community. Our Wine with Purpose events have become our signature event. They are fun-filled learning experiences allowing us to raise money for our community outreach programs.  

The Women’s Residential and Counseling Center (WRCC) run by the Coalition for the Homeless was the first group to reap the rewards of WLC’s fundraising and hands-on work in a downtown renovation project at their facility. In 2005, WLC adopted another outreach organization, the Women’s Residential Program (WRP), run by Aspire, formerly The Center for Drug Free Living.

WLC continues to support Aspire’s Women’s Residential Programs in Central Florida. These programs provide affordable, compassionate, intensive residential treatment for women and women with children, including pregnant and postpartum women in a safe and structured environment. Their residents have substance abuse disorders. WLC’s support provides additional resources to these programs as they: (1) strive reach more individuals and families and (2) creating a lasting impact on the well-being of our community.

In 2011, WLC celebrated 10 years as an organization and also added Edgewood Children’s Ranch (ECR) to its community outreach programs. WLC continues to support ECR. The Ranch transforms children’s lives who have behavioral problems because of past traumatic experiences. It equips the children to live a purposeful life through love, structure, education and Christian values. WLC’s support helps Edgewood Children’s Ranch continue to make a significant difference in the lives of these children.

*In 2006 Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) changed its name to Women’s Leadership Connection (WLC) to clarify its purpose of connecting with other women. As the term “networking” evolved from a general “connecting with others” meaning to a more standard definition of business events with a business card exchange we changed our name to reflect our true purpose.

Outreach

Consistent with its original goals and objectives, WLC chooses nonprofit organizations to partner with who share their same mission, vision and values. Through community service and fundraising, WLC has been able to make a difference through:

• Enriching the lives of the children at ECR. The smiles on the faces of these children are priceless as they enjoy:  time in the newly renovated ECR library, updated cottages, tutoring & mentoring opportunities, special dinners, art & craft programs, special outings, and special treats. Celebrating each graduate is our pleasure.
• Supporting the residents of Aspire with facility updates, holiday celebrations, art & craft programs, resident welcome bags, and mentoring activities. Many firsts shared with these women. What a gift! The impact is rewarding to both the residents and the women of WLC.
• Fundraising events hosted in both private homes and by community supporters like Sand Lake Dermatology, Tim’s Wine Market, GeeGee’s Gems, Robb & Stucky, The Mall at Millenia, The Orlando Culinary Academy, and Cabi Clothing. So much fun!
• Developing Life Lessons mentoring programs for women in transition, both at the WRCC and Aspire. We identified resources within our organization and in the community to host workshops for the women on: Managing Finances, Dressing for Success, Setting Purposeful Goals, Interviewing Skills, Yoga and other Inspirational/Motivational topics.

Partnering with several Orlando area corporations to renovate the Women’s Residential and Counseling Center (WRCC), run by the Coalition for the Homeless. The joy on the faces of these women to have new furniture, curtains and fresh paint in their bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas was very rewarding to all who participated.

Mission Statement

VISION:
Women’s Leadership Connection is a group of women who develop enriching relationships and focus on making a difference in the community in meaningful ways to fulfill their purpose of cultivating significance – both individually and collectively.

MISSION:
Women’s Leadership Connection provides a variety of engaging and stimulating experiences for connecting through:

• Community Outreach programs
• Member Fellowship
• Fundraising Events
• Communications tools

VALUES:

• Integrity
• Passion
• Volunteerism
• Fun
• Simplicity