CENTRAL FLORIDA SPORTS COMMISSION CELEBRATES WOMEN IN SPORTS

ORLANDO, FL (July 11, 2018) – On May 17, 2018, the Central Florida Sports Commission (CFSC) hosted its inaugural Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon presented by Orlando Health and honored three distinguished women in front of nearly 300 guests. The first ever Community Sports Leadership Awards – which will annually honor individuals for their longstanding commitment, contributions and service to the Central Florida sports community – were presented to Maribeth Bisienere, Linda Landman Gonzalez, and Joanie Schirm, all local industry executives. Each recipient demonstrated outstanding leadership, inspired others and increased the opportunities for women in sports. A recap video of the event can be viewed here.

Maribeth Bisienere serves as the Senior Vice President of Walt Disney World Parks and Security. “I’m so humbled to be recognized alongside Linda and Joanie, who have contributed so much to foster the sports scene in Central Florida,” said Maribeth. “This award recognizes the great work of the many community partners who continue to come together to make Central Florida the top sports destination it is today.” Maribeth led the strategic growth and management of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida, the industry leader in youth sports events, as well as the runDisney endurance series which spans five race weekends.

“I’m incredibly honored to represent the Orlando Magic and to have been recognized by the Central Florida Sports Commission at the Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon,” said Linda Landman Gonzalez. “The work they do for this community in driving economic development through sports is a benefit to not only our residents but visitors alike. Sports are the great unifier and have the ability to transcend all barriers and galvanize a community. Recognizing the contributions that all women have made in this industry is incredibly important. This recognition demonstrates the spirit of what sports brings to a community.” Linda Landman Gonzalez is the Vice President of Social Responsibility for the Orlando Magic and President of the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. She serves in a leadership role overseeing community relations, government relations, philanthropy, corporate giving, cause marketing and multicultural insights.

“One of the basic components of a good life is the joy that comes from serving one’s community,” said honoree Joanie Schirm. Joanie is the founder of Geotechnical and Environmental Consultants, Inc. and an author. She was also the founding volunteer President of the Central Florida Sports Commission (then known as the Orlando Area Sports Commission) and chairman of Orlando’s venue bid and host committee for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. “Being honored with the Community Sports Leadership Award for my volunteer service some two decades ago leading the creation of the Sports Commission, as well as six years chairing the bid and host committees for World Cup Orlando 1994, shows that the Central Florida Sports Commission ‘gets’ the value of both volunteerism and women in creating a vibrant sports community,” Joanie explained.

ESPN’s first female MLB analyst and two-time Olympian (gold and silver medalist), Jessica Mendoza, was the featured speaker. She gave a memorable talk on her perspective as the first female MLB analyst and recounted her years as young baseball fan. “It was such an honor to be able to share my story at the Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon,” said Jessica Mendoza. “Being a woman in a male dominated industry has made me passionate about educating others to get outside their comfort zone to impact those around them, regardless of what limitations are in front of them.” Jessica shared her story as one of the most notable softball players during the last decade, and imparted her message that “all women deserve to play sports for inspiration, empowerment and enjoyment.”

The luncheon was co-sponsored by the USTA National Campus and the City of Orlando. “We could not be more pleased with the success of the inaugural Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon presented by Orlando Health,” said Dan Malasky, Chairman of the CFSC Board of Directors. “We recognized the accomplishments of three outstanding female sports executives in our community, and profiled a true champion both on and off the field in Jessica Mendoza. With nearly 300 community leaders in attendance, we showcased the power of sport in the Central Florida region, and the Central Florida Sports Commission continues to lead the way in these efforts.”

Following the Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon, CFSC hosted a Student-Athlete Summit where Jessica Mendoza met with high school and collegiate softball players from Orange and Osceola Counties, as well as Rollins College and Stetson University. Jessica spoke about her work ethic and dedication that brought her two Olympic medals and the role she has played as a successful woman in the sports industry. In addition, she answered questions and took photos with each of the teams.

Complete list of event partners:

Presenting Sponsor
• Orlando Health

Event Sponsors
• City of Orlando
• USTA National Campus

Table sponsors
• The Abbey
• Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard
• Berman Construction
• CenterState Bank
• Fairwinds Credit Union
• Florida Hospital
• Florida Sports Foundation
• Full Sail University
• The Golf Channel
• The Grafton Family
• GrayRobinson, P.A.
• Holland & Knight
• Lake Nona
• Levy Restaurants & Lee Wesley
• OAI Visual Branding
• Orlando Business Journal
• Orlando Magic
• OUC – The Reliable One
• South Lake Hospital
• Southern Strategy Group
• Walt Disney Parks & Resorts

Contributing Partners
• AMI Graphics
• Fox 35
• Pelican Productions
• True Marketing
• Uproar PR

About Central Florida Sports Commission
The Central Florida Sports Commission (CFSC) is a private, non-profit organization established to attract and manage sports-related events, conferences and activities that drive positive economic development in the City of Orlando, Orange County, Seminole County, Osceola County and Lake County. Founded in 1993, CFSC has hosted or co-hosted more than 1,240 events in Central Florida with a total economic impact exceeding $1.4 billion in spending within our community. For more information, please visit www.centralfloridasports.org.