Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders: Light Orlando Lunch & Learn Recap
- Amanda Selby
- Mar 31
- 5 min read
Light Orlando and Partners work with Ocoee High School 3DE Seniors
On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, leaders from across Central Florida gathered at the Lakeshore Center in Ocoee, Florida, for an inspiring and collaborative Light Orlando Lunch & Learn. As part of Light Orlando’s growing Lunch & Learn Series, launched in 2025 and already connecting more than 160 nonprofit and faith-based leaders, this event offered something uniquely impactful: the opportunity to learn directly from the next generation.
Light Orlando welcomed nonprofit leaders, church partners, and community organizations to hear from 3DE seniors at Ocoee High School, who presented innovative solutions to one of the most pressing challenges nonprofits face today- recruiting and retaining volunteers.
Consultancy Project Overview
Over the course of the school year, Light Orlando and partners worked with 29 senior students in the 3DE program at Ocoee High School for a hands-on Consultancy Project. Students stepped into the role of consultants, working closely with nonprofit leaders to better understand both the importance of volunteers and the real challenges organizations face in engaging them.
The students were tasked with answering key questions:
How can we simplify the volunteer recruitment process while keeping it effective?
What strategies can help reengage past volunteers and deepen their connection to the mission?
What innovative and sustainable solutions can support long-term volunteer engagement?
Throughout the project, students participated in five meetings, collaborated in teams, and applied critical skills like time management, strategic questioning, active listening, and problem-solving. The Lunch & Learn served as the culminating moment, where each team presented their final recommendations to an audience of community leaders.
Presentation Day: Student Consultancy Team Presentations
Seven teams of students presented creative, thoughtful strategies- each offering practical solutions that organizations can begin implementing right away.
Team One: Volunteer Transportation
Presented by: Colin Stubbs, Ryan Kantor, Reese Guido
Team One addressed a major barrier to volunteer participation: transportation. Their proposal focused on organizing charter buses to transport student volunteers to and from service sites, creating a structured and accessible experience.
By coordinating school-based pickup and drop-off locations and partnering with student organizations like Student Government and NHS, this approach helps reduce concerns around cost, time, and liability. The team emphasized that removing transportation barriers not only increases participation but also creates a more engaging, “field trip”-like experience for students.
Team Two: Internship Opportunities for Teens
Presented by: Jonathan Medacier, Sebastian Hicks, Maria Delgado, Khamar Caldwell
This team proposed leveraging volunteer experiences as a pathway to career exploration through unpaid internships. By partnering with organizations like 4Roots Farms, Advent Health, and the Orlando Union Rescue Mission, students can gain hands-on experience in fields they may want to pursue in the future.
Their strategy positions volunteering as both service and skill-building, giving teens a compelling reason to get involved while strengthening long-term engagement.
Team Three: Targeted Outreach to College Students
Presented by: Meeshmynha Clerjuste, Nyreka Adkins, Jaida Dale, Casmen Jean
Team Three focused on increasing engagement among college students, particularly through fraternities, sororities, and campus organizations where community service is already a priority.
They highlighted programs like Upward Bound at Rollins College and emphasized the importance of visibility—encouraging Light Orlando to expand its presence across platforms and tap into the hundreds of student organizations already seeking volunteer opportunities.
Team Four: Skill-Based Volunteer Workshops
Presented by: Naya Gomez, Savannah Henry, Camia Kelly, Nestor King
This team introduced the idea of volunteer-led workshops, where individuals can teach valuable life skills to others in the community. From sewing and car maintenance to money management and tutoring, these workshops create meaningful engagement opportunities for both volunteers and participants.
By integrating workshops into existing service events and promoting them online and in-person, this model not only attracts new volunteers but also deepens ongoing involvement by giving people a sense of ownership and purpose.
Team Five: Volunteer Recognition Programs
Presented by: Samuel Das, Vincent Huynh, Robert Bellamy, Jacob Nuckoles, Madison Stepp
Recognizing that retention is just as critical as recruitment, Team Five proposed implementing structured volunteer recognition programs.
Ideas included a “Volunteer of the Month” spotlight, rewards like gift cards or local business discounts, and features across social media and newsletters. Backed by national research, the team demonstrated that volunteers are far more likely to stay engaged when they feel seen, appreciated, and valued.
Team Six: Recognition & Points Pyramid
Presented by: Ash-lyn Barton, Ahzii Stovall, Zavian Palmer, Anaya Santiago
Building on the theme of recognition, Team Six developed a gamified “Points Pyramid” system designed to increase engagement and motivation. Volunteers would earn points and move through levels such as “Spark,” “Glow,” “Shine,” “Beacon,” and “Lighthouse”. The terminology for these levels is a creative nod to Light Orlando’s mission.
This system encourages consistency, rewards participation, and creates a fun, goal-oriented experience for volunteers.
Team Seven: “Light Leaders” Young Adult Program
Presented by: Andrelle Romain, Elijah Taylor, Kharyse Mayhew, Cynthia Louissaint, Christopher Cummings
Team Seven proposed launching a “Light Leaders” program aimed at engaging young adults through a structured 90-day rollout plan.
Their strategy includes a social media launch, campus partnerships, Serve + Social events, and public recognition of volunteers. They also introduced the idea of “Volunteer Fairs,” where organizations can connect directly with potential volunteers, very similar to a job fair, but focused on service opportunities.
A Meaningful Exchange of Ideas
One of the most impactful aspects of the event was the dialogue that followed each presentation. Leaders had the opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback, and engage directly with the students—who responded with confidence, insight, and professionalism.
It was truly an inspiring day, filled with fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. Every leader in the room walked away with new ideas and renewed energy for their mission.
Special Thanks
A heartfelt thank you to the individuals who generously gave their time to support Ocoee High School’s 3DE Seniors:
Troy Wright
Patricia Kry
Camille McCashland
Adam Moscrip
Allison McGinley
Rebecca Ruggles
Glen Providence
Nicholas Freeman
Julia Fong
Yinglin Ma
Your investment in these students made this experience possible.
Light Orlando’s Lunch & Learn continues to be a powerful space for collaboration, and this session was a perfect example of what can happen when community leaders and young minds come together with a shared purpose.
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