Local female leader keeps Central Florida economy running [Video]

In 2021, women in Florida comprised nearly 50% of the workforce but just 31% of top executive roles.

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During Women’s History Month, Channel 9 will introduce women in positions of power.

Belinda Ortiz Kirkegard, the president of the National Entrepreneur Center, helps ensure local businesses stay open.

“I am the champion for the organization, which is a one-stop shop for all small business needs,” she said.

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Ortiz Kirkegard helps local entrepreneurs grow and advocates for expansion. She is the first Hispanic female president of the nonprofit, and she started over a year ago after decades of work in public administration.

She serves as a board member with AdventHealth in their Central Florida division, as a chair on the AdventHealth Giving Board, and the only woman currently on the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority board.

“There hasn’t been a woman on that …