In a national climate where political rhetoric continues to intensify and public discourse fractures along ideological lines, Central Florida leaders are choosing a different path. More than 250 leaders gathered for the 2026 Leadership Summit marking the launch of Year Three of The Central Florida Pledge, a growing cross-sector civic commitment now representing more than 5,000 individuals and organizations who have pledged to disagree without dehumanizing.
Founded in 2023 by philanthropist Alan Ginsburg and guided by Chairman Dr. Joel C. Hunter, The Central Florida Pledge has become one of the region’s most meaningful civic movements. It brings together leaders from business, faith communities, education, healthcare, and nonprofits — many who do not share political, religious, or cultural views — and challenges them to remain connected even when disagreements run deep. The goal is not consensus. The goal is character.
This year’s summit centered on civic resilience and leadership in divided times. Rather than focusing on policy or partisanship, the gathering explored how respect can remain non-negotiable when perspectives differ. Dr. Joel C. Hunter hosted a fireside chat that brought a global lens to the conversation, welcoming two internationally respected voices from Northern Ireland’s historic peace process.
From Left to Right: Dr. Joel C. Hunter, The Right Honorable Bertie Ahern, Reverend Dr. Gary Mason, Founder
The Right Honorable Bertie Ahern, who served as Prime Minister of Ireland during one of the most pivotal periods in the nation’s history, reflected on his role as a principal architect of the Good Friday Agreement. That landmark peace accord helped bring an end to decades of violent conflict in Northern Ireland and remains one of the great diplomatic achievements of modern times. His insights underscored the patience, persistence, and political courage required to move from entrenched division toward durable peace.
Joining the conversation was Reverend Dr. Gary Mason, Founder and Director of Rethinking Conflict, a respected peace builder who has worked for decades at the intersection of faith, community, and reconciliation. Deeply embedded in the Northern Ireland peace process, Dr. Mason continues to advise leaders around the world on transforming division into dialogue and possibility. Together, their lived experiences reinforced a powerful truth for the room: deeply divided communities are not beyond hope when leaders are willing to choose dignity.
The summit also included the presentation of the Annual Central Florida Pledge Awards, recognizing leaders in Civic, Service, Education, Faith, and Student categories who exemplify courageous and dignified leadership in action. These awards are not based on popularity or platform, but on posture — honoring individuals who consistently model respect in tense environments, build bridges across differences, and elevate conversations rather than inflame them.
Each recipient represents the living embodiment of The Pledge’s core principle: that leadership is measured not only by what we accomplish, but by how we engage one another in the process. From classrooms to city halls, congregations to community organizations, these honorees demonstrate that it is possible to hold strong convictions while still protecting the humanity of those who disagree.
From Left to Right: The 2026 Educator of the Year – Stetson University — President Christopher Roelke, The 2026 Business Leader of the Year – Rosen Hotels & Resorts — Frank Santos, The 2026 Student Leader of the Year – Eltavious Johnson, The 2026 Civic Leader of the Year goes to The Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts — Kathy Ramsberger. The 2026 Faith Leader of the Year goes to the Islamic Center of Orlando — Imam Tariq Rasheed, Alan Ginsburg, Dr. Joel C. Hunter
At a time when national headlines are dominated by polarization, The Central Florida Pledge is quietly building something different in Central Florida — a civic culture rooted not in uniformity of opinion, but in shared humanity. Disagreement will always exist. The commitment to treat one another with dignity is a choice.
