Duke Energy Foundation Awards $100,000 to Nonprofits in Central Florida
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Duke Energy Foundation has announced a $100,000 grant to three nonprofit organizations aimed at enhancing leadership development, career readiness, and entrepreneurship in Central Florida and the Tampa Bay area.
Empowering Communities
Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, emphasized the importance of empowerment in achieving potential: “When people are empowered to learn, grow and pursue their goals, it opens doors for them and many others. We’re proud to help create pathways to success and strengthen the communities we serve.”
High-Impact Investments
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Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County – Awarded a $25,000 grant to expand leadership and engagement initiatives, aimed at recognizing youth achievement and equipping community leaders.
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Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando – Also receiving $25,000, the fund will broaden its Next Gen Workforce Leadership Academy, helping college students develop critical skills and professional networks.
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Prospera Initiatives – With a $50,000 grant, this organization will offer education, assistance, and financial tools to support small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly in the Greater Orlando and Tampa Bay areas.
Positive Responses
Local leaders expressed gratitude for Duke Energy’s support:
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Yetzenia I. Negron, president of the Hispanic Heritage Network, stated, “We are deeply grateful for Duke Energy’s continued belief in our mission and their unwavering investment in the next generation.”
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Carolin Requiz Smith, executive director of the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund, highlighted the partnership’s role in building a skilled workforce.
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Augusto Sanabria, president of Prospera Initiatives, stressed the importance of entrepreneurship for economic mobility.
About Duke Energy
The Duke Energy Foundation invests over $30 million annually in community support. Duke Energy Florida supplies electricity to 2 million customers across a 13,000-square-mile area, while Duke Energy serves 8.7 million customers across multiple states.
For more information, visit duke-energy.com.
Contact:
Aly Raschid
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
X: @DE_AlyRaschid
