Our Team
UpliftED is a cross-sector coalition of community leaders working to build a better-educated Central Florida workforce.
By the year 2025, we want 60% of our workforce to hold a high-value credential or post-secondary degree. That’s a big increase from the 40% we have today. To hit that number, we’ve got partners in every sector — education, business, government, industry and nonprofit — working together to help more Central Floridians find, fund and finish high-quality higher education programs.
By making higher education more accessible and affordable to people across Central Florida, UpliftED will lift lives for students, boost local businesses and strengthen the economy of the region.
Below are the two batteries powering this monumental effort.
daisy c franklin, msw
UpliftED Director
Can be reached via email at:
Daisy.HigherUpConsulting@gmail.com
“I am both humbled and proud to serve as the Director of UpliftED, a much needed collaborative in the Central Florida Region. It connects people, businesses, nonprofits and educational institutions with not only one another, but also to resources that will help increase the number of people with high quality, industry-recognized credentials which may include a degrees. These connections, in turn, strengthen the region’s workforce by closing the skills gap. This work equals a strong economy which supports family financial stability. It is a win-win for everyone in the community.””
jon reiss
UpliftED Assistant
Can be reached via email at:
Jonathan.Reiss@HFUW.org
“With firm conviction, I believe education is the closest thing to being an equalizer within a nation riddled with disparity. This is why I’ve never been more excited to be part of an organization so committed to helping our community strive to be educated and employed. With the help of some of the best people in Central Florida, I feel the positive impact I can facilitate — which is how I change the area I live, into a place I can call home.””
Guiding Team
Anthony Cook
Coordinator of College and Career Counseling
Osceola County School District
Content Expert & Stakeholder
Karl Allen
Career Services Manager
CareerSource Central Florida
Content Expert & Stakeholder
Annie Jones
UCF Graduate Student
Student Representative
Daisy C Franklin, MSW
Consultant/Contract Director
Higher Up Consulting, LLC
Ray Larsen
Senior Vice President of Strategic Impact & Community Engagement
Heart of Florida United Way
Backbone Organization Representative