ORLANDO – During its 6th annual Change Maker Impact Awards, Heart of Florida United Way recognized Mia Poinsette, founder and executive director of the Poinsette Foundation, with its Women United Impact Award. Mia was recognized for her work in uplifting underestimated women and children of color in Central Florida.
The Change Maker Impact Awards is an event that recognizes individuals and groups who are making significant contributions to the Central Florida community.
As part of the recognition, the Poinsette Foundation was awarded $5,000 to donate to the nonprofit of its choice. The organization selected the Edgewood Children’s Ranch, which provides children and their families a safe environment to live purposeful and transformed lives.
Other honorees during the event included:
- Live United Impact Award for Leadership: Linda Landman Gonzalez, Orlando Magic Youth Foundation
- Live United Impact Award for Advocacy: Donna Wyche, Orange County Government
- Live United Award for Equity: Aeras Foundation
- Live United Impact Award for Health: Orange County Public Schools
The five honorees selected from the Community Choice nominations include:
- Unsung Hero: Lashea Reaves, 8 Cents in a Jar
- Women United Impact Award: Mia Poinsette, Poinsette Foundation
- Mission United Impact Award: John Gionet, Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Council and retired Marine
- Emerging Leader Impact Award: Samuel Santiago, American Business Immigration Coalition
- Change Maker Junior: Kaylan Patel, 17-year-old student, Lending Hand Global Foundation
About The Poinsette Foundation – Founded in 2022, the Poinsette Foundation is a living family heirloom committed to empowering and amplifying the voices of underserved women and children of color. Guided by disruptive philanthropy, the organization partners with other nonprofit organizations to address gaps in service, fulfill immediate needs, and lead as a catalyst for change. To date, the organization has invested more than $100,000 in initiatives that enrich the lives of minorities throughout Orange and Osceola counties. To learn more about the Poinsette Foundation, visit poinsettefoundation.org.
