Orlando Women of the Year 2025 Honorees – Stephanie Palacios, Dr. Georgia Lorenz, Mumtaz (Taz) Tharoo

Photography by Roberto Gonzalez at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

From left: Stephanie Palacios, Dr. Georgia Lorenz, Mumtaz (Taz) Tharoo

Stephanie Palacios: Director of advocacy and government relations, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

Stephanie Palacios has dedicated her career to public service. Her time as an assistant public defender showed her how the root causes of poverty and food insecurity can profoundly impact those around her. She also learned about federal policies and programs that help ensure her neighbors had access to health and nutrition services in her work as a congressional aide. 

“Through these two very different experiences, I witnessed the power of advocacy to affect policy changes that can impact real people,” says Palacios. “By combining research, data and narrative, advocates help policymakers better understand what they can do to support their constituents.”

She’s doing just that in her role at Second Harvest, fostering relationships with local, state and federal lawmakers; crafting a policy agenda and policy positions; and advocating for policies that align with and advance the food bank’s mission across seven Central Florida counties.

In 2024, Palacios secured $761,776 in state and federal appropriations funding to advance the Food Bank’s mission.

“While policy work can often feel like a marathon, I am not alone in the race,” says Palacios. “The most rewarding aspect of my job is the opportunity to meet, learn from and work alongside some of the most innovative, kind and compassionate people in our community. Witnessing the collective efforts of this vast network of community-minded individuals and organizations who collaborate with Second Harvest to support our neighbors facing hunger is truly inspiring and gratifying.”

Palacios is also a champion of self-advocacy. 

“As a breast cancer survivor who underwent a double mastectomy at 36 years old,” she says, “I will always encourage women to do their self-exams, never skip a mammogram and trust their instincts (and seek medical attention) if something doesn’t feel right.”

Dr. Georgia Lorenz: President, Seminole State College of Florida

“Never forget that leadership is the art of helping people change who they’re thought to be to who they ought to be.”

This quote, from John Maxwell, says that leaders need to help others live up to their full potential and become the best versions of themselves that they can be. It is what Dr. Georgia Lorenz’s mentor, Jeff Shimizu, did for her, and what she tries to do for others every day. 

“At Seminole State, the faculty and staff provide a wrap-around support network that helps our students realize all that is possible for them and gives them the tools to achieve their dreams,” says Dr. Lorenz.

It’s something Dr. Lorenz not only practices at Seminole State, but in her work supporting foster youth through First Place for Youth and IMPOWER. as those youth make the transition to independence.

“I know firsthand the challenges that any 18-22-year-old college student faces,” says Dr. Lorenz. “Imagine facing those same challenges at that stage of life without a stable home or support network. Both at Seminole State and through my work in the community, I want to impact that.”

It’s all part of Dr. Lorenz’s self-described role as Seminole State’s “#1 cheerleader,” and hearkens back to her days as a synchronized swimmer, a sport she pursued from age 7 through college.

“I was not the most talented swimmer on the team, but I could outwork anyone and that has served me well,” says Dr. Lorenz. “I bring that work ethic, drive and enthusiasm to what we do at Seminole State every day. And I have found that enthusiasm is contagious. It ignites motivation and enthusiasm in others which facilitates our achievement.” 

Mumtaz (Taz) Tharoo: Co-founder and COO of PayKoncept and Tuesday

Entrepreneurship and service have always been at the core of who Mumtaz (Taz) Tharoo is. She saw firsthand how underserved small businesses were when it came to payment technology—and later, how nonprofits struggled with fundraising tech. That’s what sparked PayKoncept and Tuesday: mission-driven solutions built to level the playing field for those often overlooked.

“I’m passionate about building communities that work together to solve big problems,” says Tharoo. “Through PayKoncept, that means connecting business owners with tools that drive financial freedom. Through Tuesday, it means uniting nonprofits in collaboration. As Henry Ford said, ‘Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.’”

Tharoo says her ability to relate to others helps her build authentic relationships that often lead to unexpected opportunities. “Whether supporting nonprofits or small businesses, I bring warmth, strategic insight and a problem-solving mindset that allows me to serve others beyond the technology we offer,” she says. “What fuels me is watching others win.” 

“I also love supporting women entrepreneurs,” she adds, “in building passive income through our referral partner programs.”

Tharoo is reminded of the best piece of advice she ever received: Don’t chase acknowledgment—chase impact.

“Be bold in your purpose, even if it looks different from the norm,” she says. “Let your work speak before you do. That advice shaped how I lead and live.”

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