Zeynep Portway

About Zeynep Portway

As Executive Director of the Samaritan Resource Center, I lead a collaborative network of…

Experience

1. Executive Director

   Samaritan Resource Center

   Jun 2020 — Present · Orlando, FL, US

   As Executive Director of the Samaritan Resource Center—the only drop-in resource hub serving those experiencing or at risk of homelessness in East Orlando—I lead a dynamic team and coalition of partners united around a simple mission: helping our neighbors rebuild stability, dignity, and hope.Key Achievements & Leadership HighlightsExpanded reach and impact: Grew SRC’s annual client base from 1,624 individuals in 2023 to more than in 2025 year-to-date, including hundreds of children and seniors.Housing success: Led initiatives that have helped over 600 people move into stable housing and connected more than 120 to employment, in partnership with government agencies and local employers.Program innovation: Designed and launched Project HomeStart, a bridge housing and training model combining short-term lodging, case management, and employment pathways.Social enterprise development: Created Seeds of Hope, a client-driven succulent business providing income, job skills, and community connection.Health & outreach expansion: Secured county funding and partnerships with True Health to launch SRC’s first street medicine program, bringing medical care directly to unsheltered neighbors.Community engagement & advocacy: Initiated the Who Is My Neighbor? campaign and monthly Town Hall series to reshape public perception of homelessness through storytelling and civic dialogue.Partnership building: Cultivated long-term collaborations with key partners such as AdventHealth, CareerSource Central Florida, Valencia College, and Orange County Government, driving shared outcomes across housing, health, and workforce sectors.Organizational growth: Strengthened SRC’s infrastructure through enhanced financial management, staff development, and data-driven reporting systems, positioning the organization for sustainable growth and increased funding.

Education

• Rollins College

  Certificate in Leadership Practice

  2013 — 2013

• Columbia University

  Bachelor of Arts Degree

  1992 — 1994

Skills

• Payroll
• Career Counseling
• Leadership
• Community Relations
• Customer Service
• Talent Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Interviews
• Project Planning
• Leadership Development
• Employee Relations
• Strategic Planning
• Human Resources
• Marketing
• Public Speaking
• Career Assessment
• Workshop Facilitation
• Fundraising
• Strategy
• Supervisory Skills
• Training
• Volunteer Management
• Nonprofits
• Research
• Program Development
• Team Building
• Management
• Team Leadership
• Budgets
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Policy
• Temporary Placement
• Event Management
• Social Media
• Teamwork
• Public Relations
• Coaching
• Recruiting
• Staff Development