Technology has the power to transform businesses, industries, and communities. But some of the most meaningful impact we make happens when we step away from our desks and come together for a cause that touches so many lives.

On Saturday, October 31, 2026, SIM Central Florida will once again participate inTech Leaders Think Pinkas part of theAmerican Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer WalkatLake Eola Park in Orlando, FL. It's more than a walk. It's an opportunity for our technology community to stand together in support of survivors, honor those we've lost, and help fund research, education, and patient support programs that continue to save lives.

Breast cancer has affected countless families, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. Chances are, each of us knows someone whose life has been changed by this disease. That shared experience reminds us that making a difference isn't just about innovation in the workplace. It's about showing up for one another when it matters most.

One of the greatest strengths of the SIM CFL community has always been its willingness to lead beyond the boardroom. Whether we're mentoring the next generation of technology leaders, supporting STEM education, or volunteering throughout Central Florida, our members consistently demonstrate that leadership is measured by the impact we make on others.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is another opportunity to live out those values.

Every participant represents hope. Every donation helps advance research and expand access to life-changing resources. Every conversation helps raise awareness and encourages others to prioritize early detection and regular screenings. While significant progress has been made, the work is far from over, and communities like ours play an important role in moving that mission forward.

This event is also a reminder of what makes SIM CFL unique. We are more than a professional association. We are a network of leaders who believe success is about lifting others up, building stronger communities, and using our collective influence to create positive change.

Whether you choose to walk, donate, volunteer, or simply help spread awareness, your involvement matters. Together, our individual actions become something much greater.

As we prepare for this year's event, we invite every member, partner, family member, and friend to join us at Lake Eola. Let's wear pink, walk with purpose, and demonstrate what our community can accomplish when we unite behind a cause bigger than ourselves.

Because every stride honors a story.

Every step inspires hope.

And together, we can continue making a difference.

Join SIM Central Florida for Tech Leaders Think Pink on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Lake Eola Park, and help us take another step toward a future without breast cancer.

SIM CFL - Community Event: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

or sign up/donate by clicking here as well!

Artificial intelligence has moved well beyond the pilot phase. Across Central Florida, organizations are shifting their focus from exploring AI's possibilities to delivering measurable business outcomes.

Over the past year, many companies tested generative AI tools, automation platforms, and advanced analytics solutions. The initial excitement generated valuable insights, but technology leaders are now asking a more important question: How do we scale AI responsibly and effectively?

The answer starts with business alignment. Successful organizations are identifying specific challenges that AI can solve, whether improving customer experiences, streamlining operations, enhancing cybersecurity, or accelerating decision making. Rather than implementing AI for its own sake, they are prioritizing use cases tied directly to strategic goals and measurable results.

As organizations move from experimentation to implementation, the value of a strong professional network becomes increasingly important. SIM CFL members represent a diverse cross-section of industries, perspectives, and experiences. While every organization's AI journey is unique, many of the challenges are remarkably similar. Questions about governance, security, workforce readiness, and ROI are being asked in boardrooms and IT departments throughout the region.

This shared experience creates an opportunity for meaningful collaboration. Through conversations, events, roundtables, and peer connections, members can learn from one another's successes, setbacks, and lessons learned. The collective knowledge within the SIM CFL community helps technology leaders make more informed decisions while avoiding common pitfalls.

Talent development is also emerging as a key differentiator. Technology teams are expanding their skill sets to include AI literacy, data management, and change leadership. Members who invest in continuous learning and knowledge sharing are helping shape the future of technology leadership across Central Florida.

The conversation around AI is evolving. The focus is no longer on what AI might do someday. It is on what organizations are achieving today and how leaders can build sustainable strategies for the future.

By bringing together technology leaders who are facing similar opportunities and challenges, SIM CFL continues to foster the connections and insights that help transform AI potential into lasting business impact.

Download the membership sponsorship letter templateand use it as a starting point when requesting approval.Click Here.

Learn more atsimcfl.org

One of our greatest priorities at SIM CFL is creating meaningful opportunities for leaders to connect, grow, and support one another. We continue to build a space where women across Central Florida’s technology community can find mentorship, inspiration, professional development, and genuine connection.

What makes SIM so impactful for women is the environment it creates. It’s a place where conversations go beyond titles and job roles. Women come together to share experiences, discuss leadership, navigate career growth, and encourage one another through the challenges and opportunities that come with working in technology. These connections often lead to new opportunities, stronger professional relationships, and a deeper sense of confidence and belonging.

We are proud to support initiatives that cultivate and elevate women leaders in technology. By fostering mentorship, collaboration, and leadership development, SIM CFL continues to empower individuals at every stage of their careers while strengthening the future of the Central Florida technology community.

The impact of having women involved in organizations like SIM CFL extends far beyond networking. Representation matters, and creating spaces where women feel supported, heard, and encouraged to lead helps shape a more inclusive and innovative industry. When women are empowered through community and shared experiences, the benefits are felt across teams, organizations, and future generations of technology leaders.

As our organization continues to grow, so does our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive community for technology leaders across Central Florida. We are incredibly grateful for the individuals who continue to champion mentorship, collaboration, and opportunities that inspire and empower women in technology.

Download the membership sponsorship letter templateand use it as a starting point when requesting approval.Click Here.

Learn more atsimcfl.org

April 9th 2026 was an unforgettable experience for our SIM Central Florida community and one that truly reflected the core of who we are and what we stand for.

One of SIM CFL’s main missions goes beyond networking and professional development. At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to giving back and supporting meaningful organizations, uplifting our community, and using technology as a force for good. That’s why partnering with Limbitless Solutions for this event was so incredibly special.

We were honored to take part in an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour where their team walked us through the entire process of creating their life-changing bionic arms. From concept to creation, we explored their workstations and innovation labs, gaining firsthand insight into the dedication, creativity, and precision behind every piece they build.

Seeing their products up close was remarkable but what truly stayed with us were the stories. Hearing how Limbitless has impacted the lives of so many individuals and families gave deeper meaning to every detail we witnessed. It was a powerful reminder of why organizations like theirs and partnerships like this, matter so much.

A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the SIM CFL prosthetic arm on the Limbitless donor wall. As part of our 25th anniversary, this moment symbolized more than just a milestone. It represented our ongoing commitment to investing in organizations that are creating real, lasting change.

We closed out the evening with our Vendor Appreciation Happy Hour, celebrating the incredible partners who help us continue this mission.

We are truly grateful to support causes that make a difference. This is what SIM CFL is all about. Last Thursday also coincided with UCF’s Day of Giving, making the experience even more special. If you’re able, I encourage you to support Limbitless Solutions and the transformative work they’re doing.

Learn more or contribute here:https://dayofgiving.ucf.edu/organizations/limbitless-solutions

Why We Created This Letter

Professional memberships can be a powerful growth tool — but they often require manager approval or company sponsorship.

To make that easier, we created a simple letter template that helps team members clearly explain the value of joining SIM Central Florida (SIMCFL), a community of senior IT leaders in the region.

This isn’t just about attending meetings — it’s about strengthening leadership, decision-making, and organizational outcomes through peer insight and shared experience.

Benefits of Joining SIMCFL

SIMCFL membership supports both individual development and company-wide impact, including:

• Smarter, faster technology decisions:Learn from peers who have already navigated similar challenges — helping avoid costly missteps and improving outcomes.
• Stronger leadership and strategic thinking:Build skills in communication, innovation, and executive-level decision-making that translate directly into better team and business results.
• Early visibility into trends, risks, and emerging technologies:Stay ahead of cybersecurity concerns, evolving IT best practices, and new technology shifts — before they become urgent problems.
• Positive visibility in the Central Florida tech community:Participation aligns our organization with respected IT leaders and regional initiatives, supporting brand presence, recruiting, and workforce development.

Download the membership sponsorship letter templateand use it as a starting point when requesting approval.Click Here.

Learn more atsimcfl.org

This year,SIM Central Floridamarks a significant milestone: 25 years of connecting technology leaders, driving innovation, and fostering professional growth across our region. Over a quarter-century, our chapter has become more than just a professional organization — it’s a community where IT executives, academic leaders, and senior business professionals come together to collaborate, share knowledge, and make a meaningful impact.

To commemorate this milestone, we recently unveiled our new logo — a symbol of our legacy, evolution, and commitment to the future. While a logo may seem simple, it represents decades of collaboration, learning, and leadership that continue to define SIM CFL. It’s a nod to our history, a reflection of the vibrant network we’ve built, and a reminder of the exciting work still ahead.

SIM Central Florida: Shaping Technology Leadership

Since its founding, SIM CFL has been dedicated to shaping and influencing the management and use of information technology in Central Florida. Our chapter provides a platform for technology leaders to explore best practices, discuss emerging trends, and tackle challenges together. Members gain unique opportunities to:

• Connect with peers and industry leaders, building collaborative and enduring professional relationships.
• Sharpen leadership skills, gaining insights from thought leaders, nationally recognized experts, and innovative practitioners.
• Contribute to the community, giving back through mentoring, scholarships, STEM initiatives, and philanthropic programs.

Through monthly meetings, events, and exclusive networking opportunities, SIM CFL empowers members to not only advance their careers, but also strengthen the tech community in Central Florida.

A Quarter-Century of Impact

Over the past 25 years, SIM CFL has grown into a premier organization for IT leadership. Our members have guided critical initiatives, shared innovative solutions, and collaborated across sectors to advance technology strategy in the region. From cybersecurity panels to behind-the-scenes tours, networking socials, and leadership workshops, every event is designed to foster learning, connection, and professional growth.

Over the past decade alone, SIM Central Florida has demonstrated its deep commitment to community impact by contributing more than$250,000toward STEM-related scholarships, grants, and programs across the region. These contributions have supported students pursuing technology careers, provided resources and assistance to K-12 and post-secondary schools, funded tuition scholarships for leadership development, and helped promote economic, social, and environmental sustainability throughout Central Florida.

The unveiling of our new logo reflects this history of achievement and commitment. It’s more than a visual update — it’s a symbol of innovation, collaboration, and the collective energy of our community. For members, it’s a reminder of the value of being part of a vibrant, forward-thinking network that continues to evolve alongside the technology landscape.

Why Join SIM Central Florida?

Whether you are an IT executive, academic leader, or senior business professional, SIM CFL offers unmatched opportunities for engagement, professional development, and community impact. Membership provides access to:

• Exclusive events with industry leaders
• Networking with peers who understand your challenges
• Platforms to share ideas, mentor others, and give back
• Insights into emerging technology trends and best practices

Joining SIM CFL is about more than attending events — it’s about being part of a community that shapes the future of technology leadership in Central Florida.

Looking Forward

As we celebrate 25 years, our focus remains on the future of IT leadership and innovation. The new logo is a reminder that our journey is ongoing — and that the best is yet to come. We are proud of our members, our history, and the thriving community we’ve built together.

If you’re looking to connect with IT leaders, gain new insights, and make a lasting impact in the Central Florida tech community, there’s never been a better time to join.

Learn more and explore membership opportunities atsimcfl.org