A Meaningful Visit: Representative Fentrice Driskell at the Wimauma Opportunity Center

Last Friday, Enterprising Latinas had the honor of welcoming Representative Fentrice Driskell for a meaningful and timely visit at the Wimauma Opportunity Center.

The gathering brought together our board members, key partners, members of the Wimauma community, and Enterprising Latinas staff for a roundtable conversation led by our CEO, Liz Gutierrez.

The meeting was designed as an open, informal dialogue—one rooted in listening, shared responsibility, and collective vision. During the conversation, we discussed critical issues affecting our communities, including economic opportunity, access to resources, and the broader challenges facing our democracy. Representative Driskell generously shared her insights from a statewide perspective, offering thoughtful reflections and valuable guidance that will help inform our work moving forward.

A central part of the conversation focused on the evolution and future of the Wimauma Opportunity Center. We shared our plans for expansion and reaffirmed why Wimauma was chosen as a priority community—one that for too long had been overlooked, yet holds immense potential. Our approach recognizes that individual success cannot be separated from community well-being. Sustainable economic mobility requires not only job training or employment pathways, but also strong, connected communities with access to education, support systems, and opportunity.

As highlighted during the roundtable, Enterprising Latinas does not work in isolation. Our impact is made possible through partnerships, collaboration, and the dedication of our staff and community allies. This visit underscored the importance of that collective effort and the power of bringing diverse voices to the table.

We are deeply grateful to Representative Driskell for her continued advocacy, her willingness to engage directly with our community, and her commitment to understanding the realities on the ground.

Conversations like this strengthen our mission and reaffirm our belief that women’s economic development and community development must go hand in hand.

Together, we remain committed to building healthier, more prosperous communities—starting in Wimauma, and extending far beyond.