Consortium’s 2025 Private Partner of the Year
The Consortium proudly recognizes The Able Trust as this year’s Outstanding Private Partner Award recipient. What began as a simple conversation at ConnectED quickly grew into a powerful statewide partnership transforming futures for Florida students with disabilities.
Through the High School High Tech and Futures in Focus programs, The Able Trust has worked hand in hand with local education foundations to expand access to career exploration, college readiness, and soft skills development—particularly in smaller and rural communities. Their flexibility and commitment have made it possible for more than 1,200 students to discover pathways to meaningful employment and higher education.
From college tours to industry visits, these experiences have changed lives, inspiring students to graduate, gain confidence, and pursue their dreams. The Consortium is deeply grateful for The Able Trust’s dedication to inclusion, opportunity, and partnership. Together, we are building a brighter, more inclusive future for Florida’s workforce.
Volunteer Florida’s 2025 Excellence in Volunteerism
The Consortium celebrates Augustus “Gus” Guadagnino, named Volunteer Florida’s 2025 Excellence in Volunteerism honoree. For nearly four decades, Guadagnino has advanced education, workforce readiness, and community well-being through hands-on leadership and faithful service.
He founded the Hernando County Education Foundation in 1988 and helped build a powerful engine for opportunity that now secures millions in scholarships and classroom grants each year, benefiting more than 25,000 students and teachers. Signature initiatives such as Tools 4 Schools and Operation Cinderella continue to expand equity and access for families across the community.
His impact extends well beyond education. Guadagnino has served on more than 30 boards, championed career and technical pathways as a local school board chairman, and launched organizations that strengthened the regional economy while opening doors for veterans and job seekers. Colleagues describe him as a compass, steady and precise, always oriented toward the common good.
The Consortium offers sincere gratitude and congratulations to Gus Guadagnino for a lifetime of service that lifts students, schools, and Florida’s future workforce.
2025 Joe Rizzo Learner & Leader Award
The Consortium proudly recognizes Tatila Brock Paul, Executive Director of The Education Foundation of Alachua County, as the 2025 Learner and Leader Award recipient. This honor celebrates her ongoing commitment to personal and professional growth and her dedication to strengthening both her foundation and the statewide network of education leaders.
Paul is known for her curiosity, openness, and willingness to learn from everyone she meets. She eagerly shares her experiences leading a medium-sized foundation, offering insight and inspiration through Consortium webinars, conferences, and learning communities. Her colleagues describe her as a “sponge,” always ready to absorb new ideas and apply them to her work.
Beyond her active engagement with the Consortium, Paul has pursued professional development through the Next Generation Leadership program at her local community foundation and recently earned a Nonprofit Leadership Graduate Certificate from the University of Florida.
The Consortium congratulates Tia Paul for her commitment to growth, collaboration, and excellence in leadership.
2025 Jim McKenzie Consortium Champion Award
The Consortium proudly names Jennifer Vigne, President and CEO of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County, as the 2025 Jim McKenzie Consortium Champion Award recipient. This recognition honors her decade of leadership, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to strengthening Florida’s network of education foundations.
Throughout her 10 years of service, Vigne has exemplified what it means to lead with generosity and purpose. She has made herself a constant resource to her peers, sharing her expertise through professional development webinars, learning communities, and strategic conversations that help elevate leaders statewide.
A former Consortium Chair, Vigne most recently led the CEO Search and Transition Task Force, guiding a thoughtful and seamless 10-month process to identify and onboard the Consortium’s new leader following a 17-year tenure.
Her steady leadership, collaborative spirit, and commitment to excellence embody the heart of the Consortium. We congratulate Jennifer Vigne for her outstanding service and celebrate her as the 2025 Consortium Champion.
2025 Staff Superstar Award
The Consortium proudly recognizes Stephanie Viviano, CFO at Champions for Learning in Collier County, as the 2025 Staff Superstar Award recipient. Chosen from among 360 staff across local education foundations, this honor celebrates a professional who consistently supports peers, shares resources, and strengthens the statewide network.
Viviano has been a dedicated member of the CFO Learning Community, offering practical insight and peer-to-peer support for finance officers and staff. She also contributed her expertise on the Consortium’s Finance Committee, helping navigate evolving fiscal oversight needs with accuracy, transparency, and care.
Last spring, she stepped in as interim CEO at her foundation and invested in learning by attending the Consortium’s June Leadership Retreat, deepening her understanding of statewide practices and partnerships.
The Consortium congratulates Stephanie Viviano for her leadership, generosity, and commitment to excellence that benefits students, teachers, and Florida’s future workforce.
Pictured: Accepting the award for Stephanie, Champions for Learning President and CEO, Eric Williams
