MODERATOR: Beth Kassab

Beth Kassab is a Central Florida native and long-time journalist who has devoted her career to local news. She arrived at the Winter Park Voice in 2023 with a strong passion for telling the stories of the people and organizations who help define this region.

Beth spent 20 years at the Orlando Sentinel where she covered politics, education, courts, business and local government and also wrote a popular column. She has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, NBC Nightly News, WMFE, WUCF and Fox35.

Beth graduated from the University of Florida, where she was editor-in-chief of the Independent Florida Alligator and served as chairwoman of UF’s Department of Journalism Advisory Board from 2018-2020.

In 2018, she was a finalist for the Scripps Howard First Amendment Award and has been recognized for her body of work by the Florida Society of News Editors.



Beth volunteers as a peer mentor for patients and caregivers at the American Brain Tumor Association.

Annie Martin

Annie Martin is an investigative journalist for the Orlando Sentinel.

A Washington state native, Annie graduated from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

She previously worked for the Daytona Beach News-Journal and the Battle Creek Enquirer in Michigan. Annie is an avid runner and reader. She loves exploring all of Florida’s natural wonders.

Due to an unforeseen event, this panelist had to pull out of the event.

Heather Wilkie

Executive Director, Zebra Youth

Heather Wilkie is the executive director of Zebra Youth, a groundbreaking, nonprofit organization committed to empowering LGBTQ+ youth to thrive. She has led the organization since 2010, overseeing award-winning programs that provide crucial mental health counseling, support and housing to thousands of LGBTQ+ youths ages 13-24 in Central Florida.

Heather, a licensed mental health counselor and graduate of Rollins College in Winter Park, has been a dynamic and energetic advocate for global change and equality. Her leadership has been instrumental in Zebra Youth's evolution into a leading provider of services to victims and families affected by the tragic Pulse shooting. She continues to lead efforts to ensure that LGBTQ+ youth in Central Florida have a safe space to turn to and has been at the forefront of groundbreaking research to identify and address gaps in services for homeless LGBTQ+ youth.

In addition to her exceptional work in the nonprofit sector, Wilkie is an LGBTQ+ activist. She participates in advocacy efforts related to the community while also serving on several vital leadership committees, including the Board of Directors for The Pride Chamber, Equality Florida's Orlando Gala Steering Committee, the Orange County Domestic Violence Committee’s Public Awareness & Education Committee, the One Orlando Alliance, and Orange County Public School’s Mental Health Commission.

Wilkie has received numerous accolades, including the Heart of Florida United Way’s Change Maker Impact 2025 award, Orlando Weekly's "People We Love" 2024, Harbor House of Central Florida’s Champion of Equality award and Orlando Magazine’s “Women of the Year” award, and the Orlando Sentinel’s “People Who Make Orlando a Better Place to Live” recognition.