LIFT ORLANDO WELCOMES NEW HIRES TO STRENGTHEN CRADLE-TO-CAREER EDUCATION PATHWAYS

ORLANDO, Fla. - January 22, 2025 - Lift Orlando, a place-based community development organization that collaborates with residents, business leaders, and community partners to strengthen neighborhoods through mixed-income housing, cradle-to-career education pathways, health and wellness services, and economic viability opportunities, is excited to announce the hiring of two exceptional leaders: Thomas R. Tyler as college and career specialist and Jarvis Wheeler as project director of educational strategy. Their expertise and passion for education will play a pivotal role in enhancing Lift Orlando’s cradle-to-career education pathway pillar.

Thomas R. Tyler joins Lift Orlando with more than 20 years of experience in education, program management, and mentorship. He is currently an adjunct professor of mathematics at Daytona State College and previously had a long history with Orange County Public Schools. Throughout his career, he has focused on dismantling barriers for students and families, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities. In his new role, Tyler will manage programs aimed at college and career readiness, collaborating closely with students, families, and community partners to empower youth from the 32805 ZIP Code.

With the EmpowerED Program already supporting 20 scholarship recipients, Lift Orlando is committed to fostering a vibrant and opportunity-rich environment where children can thrive with Tyler’s leadership. "I look forward to collaborating with K-12 school counselors and college student success professionals, building relationships with Central Florida businesses and community organizations, and developing programs that empower students to overcome barriers and realize their full potential," remarked Tyler.

Jarvis Wheeler, who proudly comes from the neighborhoods served by Lift Orlando, steps in as project director of educational strategy. He brings more than 15 years of experience in leading school transformation efforts and has a strong commitment to building partnerships within the community. Prior to joining Lift Orlando, he served as the vice president of community impact at Children's Home Society of Florida in Orlando, Florida. Wheeler will oversee the launch of new educational opportunities in the 32805 ZIP Code, ensuring that Lift Orlando's investments effectively meet the needs of both children and families. "This role serves as a homecoming for me, with the chance to once again pay it forward by serving a community that has poured into me. I’m excited to fulfill this in collaboration with the local community, Orange County Public School District, and also with the support of national leaders like Harlem Children’s Zone and Purpose Built Communities,” said Wheeler.

“I couldn’t be more excited about these new additions to our team. Their passion for this work will surely create lasting change in our community. It’s a privilege for me to work alongside these talented professionals,” said Mark Shamley, Lift Orlando’s vice president of community impact. 

Lift Orlando envisions a future where children grow up with hope and return with joy. Its cradle-to-career education pathway initiative is vital to this vision. The nonprofit has identified the need to bolster a holistic infrastructure for education that would provide wraparound support systems starting from pre-K to college, culminating in financial assistance and resources that enable more students from the 32805 ZIP Code to attend secondary education and contribute to Central Florida’s economy.

Eddy Moratin, president of Lift Orlando, expressed enthusiasm about the new hires: “We are thrilled to welcome Thomas and Jarvis to our team. Their backgrounds and front-line experiences will be invaluable as we deepen our commitment to educational excellence and equity.”

With their combined strengths and passion for education, Tyler and Wheeler are positioned to make a meaningful impact, alongside Lift Orlando’s stellar education team, on residents and the broader Orlando community.

For more information and interviews, please contact C. Major at major@liftorlando.org or via phone at 407.394.6411.

About Lift Orlando  

Lift Orlando is a place-based community development organization that collaborates with residents, business leaders, and community partners to strengthen neighborhoods so people can thrive. The organization focuses on mixed-income housing, cradle-to-career education pathways, health and wellness services, and economic viability opportunities.