Events

Dr. Gabriel Berrio is the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services for The School District of Osceola County and a dedicated leader with more than 30 years of experience in public education. Beginning his career as a teacher, he has served in numerous leadership capacities including Assistant Principal, Principal, Executive Area Director, and Assistant Superintendent. Dr. Berrio earned his master’s degree in educational leadership and Doctorate in Education from the University of Central Florida. He is passionate about advancing student success through strong educational partnerships, innovative support systems, and equitable opportunities for all learners.

Braulio Colón joined FCAN in 2023. He brings to FCAN over 20 years of professional experience in education community work as a non-profit executive, grantmaker, and system-change strategist. Most recently, he served as Vice President for Florida Student Success Initiatives at Helios Education Foundation where he served as a strategic lead in the Foundation’s community investment activities. Prior to Helios, Braulio co-founded and led the design and development of the Florida College Access Network as a statewide organization based at the University of South Florida.

Shawn Gard-Harrold is a longtime educator with a passion for leading student-centered innovation.  With experiences as a para-professional, teacher, instructional coach, school administrator, district administrator, and parent Shawn brings a diverse skillset to his work as the Assistant Superintendent for Educational Pathways (ePathways) Department in Seminole County Public Schools.  He hold a B.S. in Elementary Education and Reading, an M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction, an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, and an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership.  Shawn is passionate about opening doors for students so each can confidently answer the question, What’s Your ‘e’?

Neil Hamilton serves as Senior Vice President of Research & Strategy for the Orlando Economic Partnership (the Partnership). In this role, Neil oversees both the organization’s award-winning research activities and its overall approach to economic development. Neil previously spent five years between 2012 and 2017 leading the research program of the Partnership’s predecessor organization, the Orlando Economic Development Commission.  

Prior to returning to Orlando in 2022, Neil worked at Scottish Enterprise in his native Scotland, managing a diverse team of economists and data scientists providing the evidence base for Scotland’s economic development strategy and advising the Scottish Government on matters of inclusive growth. Neil began his career in neighboring Brevard County at the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast and has also spent time managing the Orlando and Jacksonville research operations of commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield.

Neil holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland and a graduate degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida, the latter completed as part of his work as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar. He serves on the Boards of the national Council for Community & Economic Research (C2ER) and the British American Business Council of Central Florida.

Since December 2016, Jeff Hayward has served as President and CEO of Heart of Florida United Way – Central Florida’s most essential charity dedicated to helping individuals and families overcome life’s challenges by providing the support they need to meet basic needs, achieve financial stability, and reach education goals — lighting the way to a strong foundation for resilience, dignity, and a brighter future across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.

Jeff began his career in public service as Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Lynn, MA, before being elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He later served as New England Vice President for a national healthcare company and as Chief of External Affairs at United Way of Massachusetts Bay.

Under his leadership, Heart of Florida United Way has expanded cross-sector partnerships that address financial stability, education, health, and access to essential services. The organization works closely with nonprofit agencies, businesses, government leaders, and volunteers to advance collaborative solutions that improve lives throughout Central Florida.

Jeff currently serves on the boards of the Orlando Economic Partnership and CareerSource Central Florida. A graduate of Saint Anselm College, he was an Annie E. Casey Foundation Fellow at Harvard University’s Kennedy School.

As Director of Research and Evaluation, Kimberly Lent Morales works closely with foundation grantees to learn from community investments to maximize student success.

Prior to Helios, Ms. Lent Morales was assistant director for research and policy at Florida College Access Network (FCAN), where she provided data and advocacy technical assistance and support for local college access networks and various FCAN partners across the state. She was seen by her colleagues at FCAN to be instrumental to that organization’s success in the advocacy and policy. Ms. Lent Morales worked at FCAN for more than five years, including as a senior research associate, focusing on K-12 and higher education data and policy analysis. Before FCAN, Ms. Lent Morales served as senior social and behavioral researcher and research coordinator for the University of South Florida/The Villages Health Partnership. She also has served as graduate research assistant at Hillsborough County Public Schools and the Harrell Center for the Study of Family Violence at University of South Florida. 

Ms. Lent Morales has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida, and a master’s degree in public health and is earning a doctorate in curriculum and instruction, with emphasis in measurement and evaluation, from University of South Florida.

Dave Sobush joined FCAN in 2023. Dave holds a Master of Business Administration from University of South Florida, a Master of Education, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida. In his previous role at the Florida Chamber Foundation, Dave was responsible for overseeing various research projects and headed up the Florida 2030 Blueprint Caucus. Dave brings deep experience in data analysis, public policy, and more. Additionally, he was involved with the International Economic Development Council, the Florida Economic Development Council, and the National Association for Business Economics.

Chris Huyck Trout is a strategic workforce innovator on a mission to help companies unlock the potential of all their talent to grow their business. Passionate about helping organizations figure out what’s possible, achieve it, and then reach beyond it.

Chris brings more than 35 years of leadership experience across talent & workforce development, organizational transformation, and leadership strategy. At The Walt Disney Company, Chris was VP of enterprise-wide Learning and Development, creating impactful experiences across all business groups & employees and reimagining leadership development across all levels, from first-time leaders to the C-suite. Chris led the strategy and operations of Disney Aspire, helping to reshape corporate education at scale and unlock opportunity for thousands of employees while strengthening business performance.

He is the founder and principal of Donlon Insights. A firm focused on helping leaders, teams, and organizations move from challenge/stuck to forward, unlocking new connections and build their talent. He also serves as a Senior Advisor with the Aspen Institute’s Upskill America Initiative.

Chris’ work is grounded in relentless curiosity, bold action, and a commitment to shaping better futures. He partners with organizations ready to rethink leadership and workforce strategies to strengthen business outcomes, advance individual growth, and build thriving communities.

He holds a Master’s in Education from Boston University and completed the Advanced Program in Organization Development and Human Resources at Columbia University.

Dr. Maria F. Vazquez is a nationally recognized educational leader with more than 35 years of experience serving public education. As Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools, she leads one of the nation’s largest school districts, serving more than 200,000 students and 25,000 employees.

The daughter of Cuban immigrants and a first-generation American, Dr. Vazquez’s passion for education is rooted in her own experience as an English language learner whose life was transformed by dedicated educators. She has served in every major leadership role in education, from classroom teacher to superintendent, bringing expertise in curriculum, operations, strategic planning, and organizational leadership.

Under her leadership, OCPS has earned 3 consecutive “A” district ratings, expanded student opportunities, strengthened workforce development, and advanced its Strategic Plan 2030. Recognized for her collaborative leadership and commitment to excellence, Dr. Vazquez remains dedicated to ensuring every student graduates prepared for success in college, career, and life.