Freddy Morello is executive director of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Greater Orlando with more than a decade of service in the social services sector. NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
Morello’s experience includes leading programs in New York, Massachusetts, Florida and Georgia. has a demonstrated ability to provide strategic vision and leadership to foster the success and growth of program participants and staff. With an Innovative eye towards the future, his goal is to improve and advocate for stronger services in underprivileged areas in our
communities.
Prior to his work in Orlando, Morello was a faculty member at Clubhouse International for five years. Clubhouse International is a nonprofit organization that helps to establish Clubhouses where people with mental illness can go to get their lives back.
Through over 320 local Clubhouses in more than 30 countries around the world, Clubhouse International offers people living with mental illness opportunities for friendship, employment, housing, education and access to medical and psychiatric services in a single, caring and safe environment. This social and economic inclusion seeks to reverse the alarming trends of higher suicide, hospitalization and incarceration rates associated with mental illness.
NAMI Greater Orlando: Mental Health Support
Dr. Bahiyyah Maroon is chief executive officer at Polis Institute. Widely recognized for her contributions to innovation in social good initiatives, Maroon is a recipient of the United States President’s Volunteer Service Award and has been a National Science Foundation Fellow. In her career, she’s provided research and strategy insights to Intel Corporation, the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Education, Harvard University, Columbia University and the U.S. Department of Labor, among others.
She holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of California Santa Cruz. She is the author of a forthcoming book of essays “Black Lives, American Love” (Chicago Review Press, 2023). A dedicated public scholar, she is often highlighted in the press for her social science insights (Women’s Health, Bustle, ABC, Healthline). Maroon is passionate about using
scientific insights to create solutions for building a more compassionate and vibrant world benefiting the many.
The Polis Institute partners with stakeholders to improve solutions to social and economic issues. The institute helps communities and stakeholders achieve their vision of socio-economic mobility and success in areas of health, education, community empowerment and more.
POLIS Institute
Tracy Swanson, Chief Executive Officer at Foundation for a Healthier West Orange
Drawing on background as a former Disney executive and prior certified public accountant/business strategist, Tracy Swanson provides leadership for the foundation, representing the nonprofit entity to community citizens and healthcare/wellness stakeholders to build enduring, collaborative relationships designed to identify and support the health and
wellness needs of the community. She leads the identification of innovative collaborations and synergies that maximize the impact of investments for the health and well-being of west Orange County residents.
As a local health and wellness advocate, the foundation invests in and champions programs to make west Orange County, Florida the healthiest community in the nation by empowering and encouraging residents in their pursuit of health and wellness. The foundation manages programs like Healthy West Orange, the HUBB community resource center and several targeted health initiatives.
Swanson served as CEO of the West Orange Healthcare District for seven years. The West Orange Healthcare District was created by an Act of the 1949 Florida Legislature to improve the health and well-being of west Orange County residents. She also worked as vice president for benefits, health and workforce solutions at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for eight years.
FHWO-Foundation for a Healthier West Orange
Sandi Vidal serves as the vice president of community strategies and initiatives for the Central Florida Foundation. Within her role at the foundation, Sandi works on a variety of initiatives including sustainable development goals, poverty alleviation and social justice, and is the staff liaison for the 100 Women Strong Giving Circle. Sandi is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Business with a degree in Business Administration and is a die-hard Cane in a house full of Noles. She has more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership and over 20 years of business management experience.
Sandi has a passion for public speaking, advocating for solutions to complex social issues. She is also a local Jefferson Award winner for volunteerism, and currently serves on the nominating committee for the League of Women Voters of Orange County, as an advisor for the Health Equity Advisory for the East Orange Regional Planning Council, is a member of Mayor Buddy Dyer’s Multicultural Board, and serves on the board of ProNet. She has worked on many projects and initiatives in the community including Thrive, Black Boardroom Leadership Institute, and leads an international cohort of
foundations working on sustainable development goals.
Central Florida Foundation/High Impact Philanthropy
Rachel Allen The founding executive director of the Peace and Justice Institute, Rachel C. Allen is a lifelong educator, national speaker, writer and peace and justice practitioner. For the past 15 years she has directed the work of the Peace and Justice Institute, named one of the 101 things to love about Central Florida by the Orlando Sentinel and winner of the Orlando Business
Journal’s Diversity in Business Awards in 2022.
The institute focuses on making a difference by intentionally engaging in principles and practices that explore, advocate and honor the dignity of self, others and the earth. In 2018 Rachel was invited to speak at a special session at the United Nations to share a
credible pathway to the culture of peace and was noted as a Social Justice Game Changer by the Orlando Magic. PJI’s work to create a resilient Central Florida was recognized by the Office of the Governor and in 2021 Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer awarded PJI his Community Builder Award.
PJI regards every community member as a rising peace and justice practitioner and provides the
means for all to be leaders of socially inclusive change and innovation in their circle of
influence. After 15 years of development at Valencia College and with an expansion of reach
and vision, PJI has been established as a 501(c)3 organization.
Peace and Justice Institute-ALL People ALL Voices ALL Matter