Winter Park Institute

Winter Park Institute Leaders from the arts, humanities, science & literature who present ideas in the public square.

Today, we are honored to welcome five remarkable new members to our Board of Trustees, alongside the announcement of our...
06/03/2026

Today, we are honored to welcome five remarkable new members to our Board of Trustees, alongside the announcement of our 2026–2027 leadership team.

Please join us in welcoming:
• Michelle Alban
• Aleksandra Cuprys
• Dr. E. Ann McGee
• Daniel F. McIntosh
• Megan Rose

We are also pleased to introduce our new Board officers:
• Lawrence Lyman, Board Chair
• Linda Warren, Vice Chair
• Megan Rose, Treasurer
• Stephanie Carmany, Secretary

We also pause to express our profound gratitude to outgoing Board Chair Tony Jenkins, whose leadership guided the Winter Park Institute through one of the most transformative chapters in its history.

Under Tony’s leadership, the Institute expanded both its reach and impact across Central Florida, including landmark conversations with Arthur Brooks and 66th U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at Steinmetz Hall. His vision helped position the organization for long term growth, deeper community engagement, and an exciting future ahead.

As we look to the future, our commitment remains clear: to engage global thought leaders in meaningful conversations that spark ideas, strengthen our community, and help shape a more connected and hopeful future for Central Florida and beyond.

The future is bright. Thank you to everyone who continues to believe in and support the mission of the Winter Park Institute.

One of the most meaningful parts of April 13 was looking around the room and seeing so many generations learning togethe...
05/02/2026

One of the most meaningful parts of April 13 was looking around the room and seeing so many generations learning together.

Students, young professionals, parents, grandparents, and longtime community leaders all came to hear Secretary Condoleezza Rice and to be part of something bigger than themselves. That is the kind of community the Winter Park Institute is building. We believe some of the most important conversations happen when people of different ages and experiences come together, listen closely, and reflect with one another. Cross-generational learning makes all of us stronger, wiser, and more connected.

Learn more at www.winterparkinstitute.org

04/30/2026

We had the best time celebrating with our sponsors at Judson’s Live before Secretary Condoleezza Rice took the stage on April 13 at Steinmetz Hall. It was a special moment to come together and celebrate such a respected leader.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Orlando Health, and to Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation, Lokal Harvest USA, Northern Jet, The Central Florida Pledge, Dr. Phillips Charities, the David & Stephanie Carmany Foundation, the City of Winter Park, Florida Blue, VyStar Credit Union, Grand Bohemian Orlando, Andalusian Private Capital & Advisory, Allan & Linda Keen and Family, Jeffrey and Caroline Blydenburgh, and the Zimmerman Family Foundation.

With full hearts, we want to thank the sponsors and supporters who help make Winter Park Institute possible.

Because of your generosity, we are able to engage global thought leaders in meaningful conversations that impact our world and bring those conversations to Central Florida in ways that invite reflection, connection, and community.

Thank you for believing in this work and for helping us create opportunities to explore new ideas that improve our lives and our communities.

This is what it looks like when a community comes together to listen, learn, and grow through meaningful conversation.On...
04/30/2026

This is what it looks like when a community comes together to listen, learn, and grow through meaningful conversation.

On April 13, Central Florida came together for an unforgettable evening with 66th Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. The room was filled with energy, curiosity, and lessons of leadership as people of different ages, backgrounds, and experiences chose to sit in the same room and grow together.

We invite you to follow us and learn more at www.winterparkinstitute.org

Thank you to our presenting sponsor

Join us for the final event in Winter Park Institute’s April series, presented by . 🎟️ Tickets are free!On Tuesday, Apr...
04/25/2026

Join us for the final event in Winter Park Institute’s April series, presented by . 🎟️ Tickets are free!

On Tuesday, April 28 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, we will gather for an evening focused on women’s leadership, empowerment, and turning Secretary Condoleezza Rice’s inspirational conversation into real community impact right here in Central Florida.

We will also announce Winter Park Institute’s new community initiative, funded in part by a portion of ticket sales from the April speaker series. With the support of Orlando Health, this work continues beyond a single evening and into the health and strength of our community.

The evening will include a community reception with appetizers and drinks, followed by a women’s leadership panel moderated by Heather Harris of Orlando Health. Panelists include Dr. Georgia Lorenz, President of Seminole State College, Nekeshia Woods, Managing Partner at Parkway Venture Capital, and Wendy Walker, President Emerita of Leadership Florida.

The evening will also feature remarks on compassionate leadership from Sarah Feely of Compassionate Leaders Circle.

✨ Come be part of the conversation.

🎟 Free tickets: www.winterparkinstitute.org

CentralFlorida

On April 13, Winter Park Institute welcomed Secretary Condoleezza Rice, the 66th Secretary of State, for a conversation ...
04/23/2026

On April 13, Winter Park Institute welcomed Secretary Condoleezza Rice, the 66th Secretary of State, for a conversation presented by and moderated by Brian Besanceney.

Before she was Secretary of State, before the motorcade, the briefings, and the weight of history, Condoleezza Rice was a little girl in Birmingham. That is where she began. Not with power, but with formation.

And perhaps that is why the evening felt so personal.

What we heard at Steinmetz Hall was not just a conversation about leadership. It was a story about discipline, faith, courage, mentorship, and the quiet ways a life is shaped long before the world is watching.

Some nights give you information. Some nights send you home thinking about your own life, your own childhood, and the experiences that shaped who you are now.

April 13 was that kind of night.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, sponsored the evening, and made a donation.

Join us for our next event on Tuesday, April 28. Reserve your free tickets today at www.winterparkinstitute.org

What an inspiring evening! ✨ Last night, the Central Florida community came together for an evening of thoughtful conver...
04/14/2026

What an inspiring evening! ✨
Last night, the Central Florida community came together for an evening of thoughtful conversation with Secretary Condoleezza Rice, the 66th U.S. Secretary of State. It was a night of reflection, connection, and meaningful dialogue, and the community is still buzzing about it today. These are the moments that remind us why gathering matters. A community listening closely, thinking deeply, and leaving inspired.

❓What was your favorite moment from the evening, or what was one thing said last night that stayed with you?

💬Please tell us in the comments, and if you took photos, tag us. We would love to see and share your memories from the night.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor and to every guest, sponsor, partner, donor, and attendee who helped make the evening so special.

04/12/2026

Only 1 day to buy tickets! Monday, April 13 marks Winter Park Institute’s first speaking event of the year, and it is going to be a major night for our organization and for Central Florida.

The kind of night you will want to say you were there for.

Will you be in the room?

🎟 Tickets from $75
Use code: WPISave20

📍 Dr. Phillips Center

Purchase your ticket today:
www.WinterParkInstitute.org

We are deeply grateful to every ticket buyer, sponsor, partner, donor, and roundtable participant helping Winter Park Institute bring global thought leaders to Central Florida.

Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, , for leading the way.

We are also grateful for the support of:
Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation
Lokal Harvest USA








Andalusian Private Capital & Advisory
Allan and Linda Keen and Family
Jeffrey and Caroline Blydenburgh
Jim and Carole Henderson
Zimmerman Family Foundation
Gregg Hill
The Honorable Senator Mel Martinez and Mrs. Kitty Martinez
Hive Financial Assets
OneDigital
Stardust Holdingsedu University of Central Florida

🎟️ Last chance! If you could ask Condoleezza Rice one question, what would it be?Comment below. We are reading every que...
04/10/2026

🎟️ Last chance! If you could ask Condoleezza Rice one question, what would it be?

Comment below. We are reading every question, and one may be asked live.

Presented by Orlando Health, Winter Park Institute is bringing Secretary Rice to Central Florida for an unforgettable conversation on leadership, history, and the decisions that shape the world.

🎟 Tickets are now $75
Use code: WPISave20

📍 Downtown Orlando

Hurry! Purchase your ticket today:

www.WinterParkInstitute.org

Bring a friend and come hear one of the most influential leaders of our
time.

————-

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who purchased tickets, sponsored the event, partnered with us, donated, and participated in the roundtable. Because of your support, Winter Park Institute was able to bring global thought leaders to Central Florida.

, thank you for leading as our Presenting Sponsor

Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation
Lokal Harvest USA


,
,


Credit Union,

Andalusian Private Capital & Advisory,
Allan & Linda Keen and Family
Jeffrey and Caroline Blydenburgh
Zimmerman Family Foundation
Gregg Hill
The Honorable Senator Mel Martinez Mrs. Kitty Martinez
Hive Financial Assets
One Digital
Stardust Holdingsedu University of Central Florida

04/08/2026

Do you know who Condoleezza Rice is? 👀

• She was the 66th U.S. Secretary of State, one of the most powerful diplomatic roles in the world.

• She also served as National Security Advisor, helping guide the country after 9/11.

• She became the Provost of Stanford University, one of the top leadership roles in higher education.

• She is a part owner of the Denver Broncos and a member of Augusta National Golf Club, the private club that hosts The Masters Tournament.

• She is also a concert level classical pianist who once considered becoming a professional musician.

Now you know.

A few days from now the Winter Park Institute will host Secretary Condoleezza Rice live in
Central Florida for a conversation about leadership, global affairs, and the future.

🎟 Tickets: $88.50 | $177 | $265.50

📅 Coming in April

📍 Downtown Orlando

Reserve your seat:

www.WinterParkInstitute.org

Bring a friend and come hear one of the most influential leaders of our time.

Address

Winter Park, FL
32789

Telephone

+13214410755

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