United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. Welcomes Three New Board Members: Carl Battle, Lacandria Washington, and Zanisha Premilien
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. Welcomes Three New Board Members: Carl Battle, Lacandria Washington, and Zanisha Premilien
Orlando, FL — February 14, 2025 — On our 11th Anniversary, the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc. (UFCF) proudly announces the appointment of three dynamic community leaders—Carl Battle, Lacandria Washington, and Zanisha Premilien—to its Board of Directors. These individuals bring unparalleled expertise, deep community ties, and a shared commitment to education, mentorship, and holistic community support. Their leadership will play a pivotal role in expanding UFCF’s impact across Central Florida.
Carl Battle: A Dedicated Mentor and Champion for Youth Empowerment
For the past four years, Carl Battle has been a pillar of support for students at Evans High School through the Future Leaders United (FLU) Program. As a longtime mentor, educator, and advocate, he has worked tirelessly to help students navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and unlock their full potential.
In addition to his work with UFCF, Battle serves as the OAG Program Coordinator at the Central Florida Urban League, where he oversees initiatives that promote youth leadership, career readiness, and social responsibility. His extensive community involvement includes leading UFCF’s weekly mentorship sessions on Mondays at Evans High School, Tuesdays at Robinswood Middle School, and biweekly workshops on Wednesdays, ensuring that students across Central Florida have access to vital guidance and support.
With over 1,000 students impacted through his mentorship, Battle’s philosophy—“Mentoring and coaching never stops”—drives his unwavering commitment to shaping the next generation. His expertise in program development, youth engagement, and nonprofit leadership makes him an invaluable addition to UFCF’s Board of Directors.
Lacandria Washington: A Champion for Community Healing and Advocacy
Lacandria (Candie) Washington is a dedicated healthcare professional and community advocate, whose passion for service stems from both personal experience and professional expertise. A native of Fort Pierce, FL, Washington earned certifications as a CMA, CNA, and HHA, along with an Associate’s Degree in Business Management, before embarking on a career in hospital supply chain management.
After experiencing the tragic loss of family members to substance abuse and gun violence, Washington and her sister founded a platform for grieving mothers to share their stories, advocate for change, and embark on the path to healing. Her work focuses on providing resources, support, and empowerment for families affected by trauma, with the goal of fostering resilience and community-driven solutions.
Washington’s expertise in healthcare, community outreach, and social impact will be a powerful asset to UFCF’s mission of providing holistic support to families and youth.
Zanisha Premilien: Board Secretary and Emerging Nonprofit Leader
Zanisha Premilien’s appointment as Board Secretary marks a significant milestone in her leadership journey with UFCF. Having grown through UFCF’s programs, Premilien previously served as President of the Future Leaders United (FLU) Program and a Junior Board Member, where she played a critical role in developing mentorship, career readiness, and leadership programs for youth.
As Board Secretary, Premilien will oversee governance, documentation, and compliance, ensuring the Board operates efficiently and transparently. Her ability to connect with students, develop programming, and engage with community partners will help UFCF enhance its mentorship and youth development initiatives.
Her journey—from a student leader to a key decision-maker—exemplifies UFCF’s commitment to cultivating leadership from within the community.
Strengthening UFCF’s Future
“We are honored to welcome Carl, Lacandria, and Zanisha to our Board of Directors,” said Sandra Fatmi-Hall, CEO & Executive Director of UFCF. “Carl’s mentorship, Lacandria’s advocacy, and Zanisha’s leadership within UFCF bring an incredible depth of experience and passion that will shape the future of our organization. Their commitment to education, mentorship, and community development will help us expand our impact and continue transforming lives.”
With these appointments, UFCF reaffirms its commitment to providing educational resources, mentorship programs, and holistic community support for individuals and families across Central Florida.
For more information about UFCF and its initiatives, please visit www.unitedfoundationcf.org or contact info@unitedfoundationcf.org.
About the United Foundation of Central Florida, Inc.
Founded in 2014, UFCF is dedicated to empowering individuals and families through education, mentorship, and community engagement. With a focus on early intervention and holistic support, UFCF has distributed over 7.3 million pounds of food, provided more than $350,000 in educational scholarships, and impacted over 300 students on their path to higher education, military service, or workforce development. The foundation has made a $35 million economic impact to the Central Florida Region through its programs and services.
