Corporate communicator … consultant … mentor … non-profit organizer … volunteer. Lawrie Platt Hall has done it all. And for a career filled with accomplishments, she was fittingly honored with the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce’s Women of Influence Lifetime Achievement Award. One of only two honorees this year, Lawrie was recognized both for professional excellence during her 45-year career — and outstanding civic engagement beyond it.
A resident of The Mayflower at Winter Park, Lawrie began her professional journey in 1965, at a time when women were not welcome in many industries and most board rooms. Undeterred, she set out to carve her own path. Over more than four decades, she entered male-dominated fields, took pioneering leadership roles, and set an example that helped pave the way for the women who followed.
After holding high-level communications positions in Los Angeles, Cincinnati and Reno, Lawrie came to Central Florida where she became the director of external affairs at Tupperware. She was also the first woman to be named Special Assistant to the Mayor by then-Orlando Mayor Bill Frederick. Eventually, she founded her own consulting company.
While that’s a seriously impressive resume, it’s only half of the Lawrie Hall story. A lifelong believer in giving back, Lawrie has also lent her support to a wide range of local nonprofits and community organizations, including the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, the Urban League, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Osceola United Way, among others.
“Paying your civic rent and staying relevant and involved in your own right — that’s very important,” she says. “You’re out there doing something that is purposeful and meaningful.”
At The Mayflower, Lawrie is every bit as involved, serving on the Residents Council, chairing the Buildings, Facilities & Infrastructure Committee, and even hosting candidate forums for local mayor and city commission races.
“I spend a lot of time making sure the questions we pose are relevant and important to Winter Park and our residents,” she says. “We want to give each candidate a fair chance at showing why they ought to be elected.”
Bringing new ideas from the community into The Mayflower – and vice versa – creates a vibrant dynamic, Lawrie says: “When I moved here, I didn’t leave my brain at the door. I still want to be engaged and involved in things that interest me — and where I can bring expertise from my career to be useful in the community.”
—
About living at The Mayflower, Lawrie says, “I have a beautiful apartment with a gorgeous view of Bradford Lake and the lush landscaping and walking paths. I’m safe and comfortable … and I have a wonderful group of friends.”
If you’re ready now to enjoy the good life at The Mayflower, we have a select number of spacious apartment floor plans waiting just for you. Or, if you’re planning further ahead, we’ve begun construction on our brand-new neighborhood, Bristol Landing. Whatever option you choose, you’ll find safe, secure, maintenance-free living complete with luxury services and amenities, stimulating programs and activities, attentive staff, and friendly neighbors —in a quiet, park-like setting just minutes away from downtown Winter Park.
Don’t hesitate: Call 407-672-1620 or send us a message to schedule a tour and learn more. We look forward to hearing from you!