Nonprofit Industry Veteran Jaye Abbate Joins Florida’s Children First as Vice President of Communications and Community Relations
Florida’s Children First (FCF), a statewide advocacy organization focused on protecting the legal rights of at-risk and foster care children, is proud to announce the addition of Jaye Abbate as Vice President of Communications and Community Relations.
“We are delighted to welcome Jaye to the FCF team,” said
Howard Talenfeld, President and Founder of Florida’s Children First. “She adds
a new dimension to the organization that allows us to harness the power and
passion of corporate partners, community advocates and concerned citizens who
want to give a hand up as we collectively strive to put all of Florida’s
children first.”
In this role, Abbate will focus on strengthening the statewide advocacy network
that protects the rights of children throughout Florida. She will educate,
inform and advocate for critical public policy changes and resources required
to generate positive outcomes for Florida’s most vulnerable youth and
families.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of FCF and the incredible work this organization
does to advocate for the rights and protection of children in our state,” said
Abbate. “Community service is my passion and I truly believe in the powerful
changes that can occur when we use philanthropy and volunteerism as a tool to
build bridges among organizations and individuals in our community.”
Before Abbate joined FCF, she served for seven years as CEO at ArtServe, an award-winning nonprofit arts incubator that fosters entrepreneurship and artistic growth. She was previously responsible for marketing initiatives as the Marketing Manager for the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and has been an active member in many civic and nonprofit groups, including Broward Arts Connection and Broward Executive Council.
Abbate graduated from Northwestern University and later attended the School of Design and Architecture at Harvard University, where she studied design under Massimo Vignelli.
Florida’s Children First, Inc. was founded in 2001 by child advocates, volunteers and attorneys from across the state who were working on issues affecting Florida’s most vulnerable children. FCF staff, board members, volunteers, and advocates devote their time to ensure that each child in care or in an at-risk situation will have a voice that is heard when decisions are made.