Kelly McBride

Author / Educator
The Poynter Institute

Speaker for 1/19/12

 

     

Kelly McBride is a writer, teacher and one of the country’s leading voices when it comes to media ethics. She has been on the faculty of The Poynter Institute for eight years. The world’s largest newsrooms, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, NPR and the BBC, frequently quote her expertise.

After getting her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, she began her career as a police reporter in the hills of the Idaho Panhandle, covering the meth trade and the white supremacy movement.

She got a master’s degree in theology from Gonzaga University and gained a national reputation as a religion reporter, covering the moral side of fertility issues, sexual orientation, evolution and the Catholic Church’s abuse scandal. She recently traveled to South Africa to teach and research storytelling on mobile phones. Her current work involves Poynter’s Sense-Making Project, a Ford Foundation project examining the transformation of journalism from a profession of a few to a civic obligation of many, the effects of technology on democracy, and the media habits of the millennial generation.

Laura Hamilton

President
Bridging Freedom

Speaker for 1/5/12

 

 

Laura Hamilton obtained her Bachelors in Bio-Medical Sciences and her Masters of Public Health in Global Health Practice at the University of South Florida. The Master’s program prepared Ms. Hamilton for non-profit program planning, methodologies, assessments, and grant proposals. She has over 30 years of experience within the corporate and faith-based communities within Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Polk counties. Her specialties have been in business development, intellectual property and technology transfer, grants management, teaching, and youth discipleship.   

As President of Bridging Freedom, Ms. Hamilton has developed this non-profit to help children that have been trapped in commercial sexual exploitation. It is a horrific crime that has become the second largest criminal activity in the world, and within Florida is the third in the nation for human trafficking. Bridging Freedom focuses on helping local youth who have been manipulated, kidnapped, or have run away from abusive homes only to find themselves preyed upon by pimps and Florida's adult industry. Ms. Hamilton collaborates with the law enforcement members of the Clearwater/Tampa Bay Area Task Force Against Human Trafficking which includes local police departments and the FBI, State of Florida DCF Human Trafficking staff, and with many professionals within our communities and universities.

In 2009, when the FBI did a sweep across the United States rescuing 53 child sex trafficking victims, there were only 9 beds available in the entire United States. In 2010, Tampa FBI rescued 27 child sex trafficking victims with no restoration facilities to place them at in our local area. Florida needs secure shelters with specialized rehabilitative programming for severely abused and traumatized victims of child sex trafficking. Bridging Freedom is taking the lead in the Tampa Bay area to provide a holistic, individualized, and interdisciplinary home to children who have been traumatized by commercial sexual exploitation. We are committed to raising funds to plan and implement a therapeutic safe home for these children who have been rescued by law enforcement agencies in the Tampa Bay area.

Grace Armstrong

CEO
Nonprofit Leadership Center
of Tampa Bay

Speaker for 12/1/11

 

     

Grace has been an Executive Director in the nonprofit sector for over 20 years. After obtaining her BA degree in Education from the University of South Florida, Grace worked with the Florida State Department of Children and Families as manager of contracts with various not for profit organizations. Subsequently, Grace was the Executive Director for two nonprofit organizations. During her tenure she more than doubled the size of both organizations, expanded the boards, raised money for two buildings, and increased the financial viability of the agencies.

Grace is a graduate of the Eckerd Leadership Development Program, the Charitable Giving Institute, and the Easter Seals Academy for Advancement.

Grace’s passion and expertise is in mentoring, coaching, and educating staff, volunteers, and board members to help them and their organizations fulfill their personal and organizational missions with excellence. She is delighted to work for the Nonprofit Leadership Center of Tampa Bay and utilize her skills and experience on behalf of the community.

Karen Mertes

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret)
United States Air Force
Founder of
Fulfill Your Destiny, Inc.

Speaker for 11/17/11

 

     

Karen R. Mertes is a Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) from our United States Air Force and a lifetime member of the Military Officers Association of America. Having served for over 20 years in the Military Intelligence and Air Force Comptroller career fields, Karen is often asked to give presentations sharing key leadership tips she has learned in her Air Force career.

Her leadership experience includes having had the rare opportunity to serve in two back-to-back Financial Squadron Commander positions. In an overseas assignment, Lieutenant Colonel Mertes served as Comptroller or Chief Financial Officer of a military base with a budget in excess of $169 million dollars. Serving at Misawa Air Base, Japan, she was the only female Squadron Commander (out of 18 Commanders) and she led her Squadron to an “Outstanding” (the top) rating during the 2005 Headquarters Pacific Air Forces Unit Compliance Inspection, the only Squadron to earn an “Outstanding” rating during this inspection; a feat matched in only 4 of 216 comptroller Pacific Air Forces inspection reports since 1970. Karen has a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Boston University, a Master’s of Science in business administration and a second Master’s of Science in cost estimating and analysis from the prestigious Air Force Institute of Technology.

Karen survived a personal tragedy caused by a drunk driver. As a result, she founded Fulfill Your Destiny, Inc., a non-profit corporation that helps individuals in the community whose life paths have been permanently altered by unforeseen circumstances. As a motivational speaker, Karen speaks about how character drives destiny and turning one’s worst day into one’s ‘best bad day’ catapulting people to levels of success never imagined. A woman of philanthropy, Karen continues to honor our Air Force’s second core value, “Service before Self." She is an active member of the Tampa Bay Business Professional Women (BPW) club; a Community Action Board member of WEDU and the honorary chairperson for the Women, War and Peace Project; and serves on the boards for Hands Across the Bay and Dress for Success.

Lenice Emanuel

CEO
YWCA Tampa Bay

Speaker for 11/3/11

 

     

The YWCA Tampa Bay has been dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women since its inception in 1919. BPW member Lenice Emanuel is one year into her role as the YWCA Tampa Bay's new chief executive officer. Lenice will share her thoughts on serving as a leader for a transitioning nonprofit and the YWCA's current relevance to St. Petersburg's women, children and families.

Lenice Emanuel brings 17 years of record leadership in nonprofit management, government, fund-development and community relations to YWCA Tampa Bay. Most recently, she comes from the YWCA of Greater Mobile, Ala., where she led the 106-year old organization with a $1 million annual budget and 60-person staff. Prior to her work with the YWCA, she was the director of grants and community development for the City of Prichard, Ala., where she acquired and managed grants of more than $8 million in federal and state funding.

As President of Emanuel and Associates, Lenice provided consulting services to support the work of nonprofit organizations such as nonprofit formation, research, grant writing, program evaluation and organizational development. She has also worked as a project director and division director of parental and community involvement for the Mobile Area Education Foundation as well as Senior Project Director for Success by 6 with the Montgomery YMCA. During her career, she has secured and managed numerous grants totaling more than $15 million.

Lenice earned a Master of Liberal Arts degree in leadership and ethics from Spring Hill College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from Auburn University at Montgomery. Her community service includes affiliations with the following: The Quest for Social Justice, Spring Hill College AHANA (African-American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native-American) Minority Initiative, and the Fannie Motley Scholarship Fund. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and served in the Junior League of Montgomery.

Sylvia Rusche

Agent/Owner
State Farm Insurance Agency

Speaker for 10/20/11

 

     

As an independent contractor agent/owner for State Farm Insurance Agency for 28 years, Sylvia Rusche has developed and executed good business practices in response to the highs and lows of her industry. Simultaneously, her background as a ballet dancer has shaped the emphasis she has placed on investing her time, talent and treasure into St. Petersburg non-profits year after year. In celebration of National Business Women's Week, Sylvia Rusche is a prime example of a woman who has transitioned night-and-day careers, all while balancing the commitment to her family and friends, her profession and her community.

Prior to joining State Farm in 1983, Sylvia taught for the Twin City Ballet Company in Monroe, Louisiana, where she had been original dancer since its founding in 1970. Here, she served as the assistant director of the company and ballet mistress of the junior division. During her time with State Farm, she spent two year as an agency manager in Ft. Lauderdale from 1990-1992, managing a group of 16 independent contractor agents.

Sylvia's involvement in the St. Petersburg community has been extensive and varied. She was a member of Suncoasters of St. Petersburg, where she chaired the Junior Sungoddess Scholarship Program for ten years. She has enjoyed tutoring at Academy Prep and sponsoring the Movies in the Park series as part of the St. Petersburg Preservation / Centennial Waterfront Celebration for the city of St. Petersburg. A former member of the boards for First Night St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg Museum of History, she currently serves as a trustee at The Studio@620, where she has produced, promoted and sponsored independent musician concerts for the past three years.

Cam VanNoord

Breast Cancer Survivor

Speaker for 10/6/11

 

Cam VanNoord was born in upstate New York as Colleen Anne Murphy (hence Cam) and moved at a young age to the suburbs of Massachusetts. She spent her youth there and graduated from Boston College with a dual degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She went on to pursue her Master’s in Education (Diagnostic Evaluation/Testing) while teaching in some of Boston’s most affluent suburbs. She later moved into the corporate world securing management positions in health care and later moved into the non-profit world as a senior level fundraiser.

Fourteen years ago, Cam and her family moved from outside of Boston to Clearwater. This move prompted her to start the Susan G. Komen Race of the Cure serving the Tampa Bay region. Ironically, four months after the inaugural event, Cam was herself diagnosed with breast cancer. She was working at a Tampa hospital as she went through eight months of chemotherapy, a radical bilateral mastectomy and many surgeries for reconstruction. She went from being a Race for the Cure founder the first year to being a survivor the second year. Four years ago she had to have her implants removed as they failed. As the Race celebrates its twelfth anniversary this year, and Cam celebrates her own survival of 12 years, bringing the Race for the Cure to Tampa Bay remains one of her proudest accomplishments.

Professionally, Cam has participated in several leadership programs throughout Florida. She has held a number of Board positions in the Tampa Bay area and continues to be an active leader and member of many groups, chapters and clubs. In 2001, she was one of four women awarded the inaugural Johnson & Johnson’s National Woman of the Year. Cam’s current venture focuses on Montessori education. She spent a year teaching Upper Elementary students (ages 9-12) but discovered administration was the area where she could make the most difference. Having worked with Montessori school administrators up and down the east coast, she recently wrote a Montessori Charter School application last year for Pinellas County. Cam is married to Len VanNoord, a non-profit senior executive and consultant, and is the mother of two grown children, a son in Manhattan and a daughter in Boca Raton. She continues to write new chapters in her life’s book.

Barbara Zdrevecky

Planned Parenthood of
Southwest & Central Florida, Inc. President/CEO

Speaker for 9/15/11

 

     

Barbara Zdravecky has served as President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida (PPSWCF) for more than 17 years. In 2006, she was honored with the Ruth Green Award as the top Planned Parenthood CEO in the country by Planned Parenthood Federation of America. During Barbara's tenure, PPSWCF has seen phenomenal growth and expansion, providing thousands of women and families with reproductive health care services and information. Under Barbara's leadership, Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida's annual budget has grown from $1 million to $8.5 million, and its number of employees has grown from just a handful to approximately 100. Planned Parenthood now serves more than 26,000 patients at its seven health centers in Southwest and Central Florida, including its new 23,000-square-foot regional headquarters in downtown Sarasota, which opened in December, 2008, and features a state-of-the-art health center.

In 2009, readers of SRQ Magazine voted Barbara winner of the "Best Community Leadership" category in the "Best of SRQ Local" competition. Barbara was recognized for her ability to "rally and inspire area residents." In 2007, Sarasota Magazine recognized Barbara as one of "The 100 Most Powerful People in Sarasota," calling her the "brave, bold CEO of Planned Parenthood" who has "attracted leaders and politicians to her cause through charm and total conviction."

JoAnn Urofsky

General Manager and Associate
Vice President for University Advancement,
WUSF Public Broadcasting

Speaker for 9/1/11

 

     

JoAnn Urofsky leads the public broadcasting operation for the University of South Florida that includes WUSF, Ch. 16, WUSF 89.7FM, and WUSF Radio Reading Service in Tampa, Florida. The stations serve audiences throughout the west central coast of Florida from Crystal River to Venice.

Prior to her assignment as general manager of WUSF Public Broadcasting, JoAnn Urofsky served as station manager of WUSF 89.7 in Tampa and WGCU in Fort Myers, Florida. Prior to moving to Florida, she was program director of WAER in Syracuse, New York, and spent several years at West Virginia Public Radio where her work included assignments as jazz director, reporter, Morning Edition host, and cultural affairs producer. Her commercial radio background encompasses country, MOR, and adult contemporary formats at stations in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Urofsky was educated at The Pennsylvania State University where she earned a bachelor of arts degree in radio and television communications, and at Syracuse University where she earned an M.A. in broadcast communications. She holds a certificate in non-profit management from the University of South Florida.

As an active member of the community, JoAnn has served local and national civic, charitable, and professional groups. She serves on the board of directors of NPR, and has served two terms as secretary and member of the board of Public Radio Program Directors, Inc. She served two terms on the board of the Station Resource Group and also on the board of Radio Research Corporation. In Tampa, she served as president, vice president, and member of the board of Network of Executive Women and is a member of Leadership Tampa Alumni and Athena. She has been a volunteer for MacDonald Training Center and the Florida Aquarium. In Syracuse she served as vice president and member of Women in Communications, Inc. and was a national judge for the Clarion Award.

Eileen O'hara

CEO / Co-founder
Brimstone Originals®

Speaker for 8/4/11

 

     

Eileen is the co-founder and CEO of Brimstone Originals®, a Largo, Florida-based, certified women-owned, mother/daughter business that manufactures and distributes a line of all-natural gourmet pepper jellies and wing dips/sauces called Bleu Heat®. While directing the day-to-day operations of the seven-year-old company, as a “hands-on” CEO, Eileen participates in all facets of the company, including exhibiting the products at various events locally and nationally.

In her past life, Eileen worked as a public housing administrator at the Roanoke Housing Authority in Roanoke, Virginia. Following relocation to Florida in 1989 Eileen purchased and managed the day-to-day operations of Exotica Florist and Gifts on Longboat Key until its sale in 1998. During that time, while working on her undergraduate degree in Creative Writing at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. Having earned a Master’s in English from the University of South Florida, Eileen now also works as a writing consultant and adjunct professor at Eckerd where she teaches academic writing to students enrolled in the Program for Experienced Learners.

Eager to support the local community, Eileen serves on PARC’s Social Enterprise Committee in St. Petersburg and utilizes PARC’s facilities for warehousing and order fulfillment of Brimstone Originals® products.She was a finalist for the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2010 Businesswoman of the Year and eWomenNetwork’s 2010 nominee for Tampa Bay’s Most Innovative Woman in Business Award. Eileen is also a founding member of the Social Enterprise Alliance/Tampa Bay Chapter and a member of the Largo Chamber of Commerce, serving on the Chamber’s Economic Development and Women in Business Committees.Married to Rick Smith, who she met while attending Eckerd, Eileen is mother of two daughters, Julie and Amy, grandmother of two grandsons, Dylan and Tyler, and the eldest of her three siblings. Hailing from the northern regions of New York State, her work ethic, derived from generations of agrarian family members, is the driving force behind her philosophy that happiness and contentment come from within, to always have a “Plan B,” and to be patient because whatever you wish for might not yet be ready for you.

Judge
Irene Sullivan

Author of
"Raised by the Courts:
One Judge’s Insight into
Juvenile Justice"

Speaker for 7/21/11

 

      America locks up more young people - approximately one million teenagers annually - than any other nation in the world. Girls represent the fastest-growing percentage of our juvenile justice system, and a vastly disproportionate percentage of juvenile offenders are African American. As an award-winning family court judge, Irene Sullivan knows the statistics all too well, but she also knows the faces behind the numbers.

In her book, "Raised by the Courts: One Judge's Insight into Juvenile Justice," Judge Sullivan takes us behind the scenes to a segment of American society that routinely makes headlines - but in many ways remains invisible to us. Delivering eye-opening accounts of the broken families, broken promises, and broken systems that have failed our most vulnerable citizens, she also offers a strong dose of hope, reporting on excellent new juvenile programs throughout the country.

Irene Sullivan served as an elected Circuit Court Judge in the Unified Family Court, where she handled juvenile delinquency, dependency and domestic violence cases. She is a nationally-recognized speaker on youth development, juvenile justice and truancy matters and is an advisor to the Florida government as a gubernatorial-appointed member of the Blueprint Commission on Juvenile Justice Reform. Judge Sullivan presided over specialty courts such as Girls Mission Possible and Truancy Court. As special projects director for her juvenile court, she was involved in finding alternatives to incarceration and mental health treatment for the children and youth in her court. She has received radio, television and newspaper coverage for her work on diversion policy and positive, cost-beneficial program initiatives.

Judge Sullivan serves as vice president of the National Truancy Prevention Association and is a member of a statewide taskforce on Disproportionate Minority Contact. She serves on the advisory boards of Stetson University College of Law, the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida, Inc., and PACE Center for Girls. A trial lawyer for 22 years before her election as judge, Irene Sullivan was born in Detroit, obtained her journalism degree from Northwestern University, and her law degree from Stetson University College of Law.

Robyn Larson

Director of Women's
Residential Tampa
Crossroads, Inc.

Speaker for 7/7/11

 

     Robyn Larson is the Director of Women’s Residential for Tampa Crossroads, where she has worked for eight years. While studying journalism, she began working with a gang recovery program in the Chicago area. This led to a mentoring program dealing primarily with former prostitutes and substance abusers. Once in Florida, she did some marketing work for Greenpeace prior to partnering with the Tampa Crossroads Rose Manor Women’s Residential Facility in the capacity of Program Manager.

Working closely with the exceptional clinical staff, Robyn has assisted in creating new and innovative group therapy and individualized treatment plans. Robyn also works hands-on with Tampa Crossroads Administration endeavoring to keep the program within its yearly budget, as well as creating new funding opportunities. Upon the opening of Tampa Crossroads' homeless female veteran facility, ATHENA, she has worked in creating a similar creative and supportive program for our honored female veterans. Robyn continues leading by example and believing every human being deserves a second chance and valued support.

The ATHENA Program is the newest clinical endeavor of Tampa Crossroads, Inc. This 16 bed transitional housing program, located in Ybor City, provides safe housing and treatment services specifically for female veterans who are homeless as a result of substance abuse and mental illness, PTSD, sexual abuse and trauma, physical disability, domestic violence, or due to a lack of transferable employment skills after discharge from the armed forces. The ATHENA Program is the only transitional housing program within the State of Florida specifically designed to address the unique needs of homeless female veterans.

ATHENA participants are provided safe housing for up to 24 months within the fully renovated and newly furnished ATHENA facility. During this time, these female veterans will participate in individual and group counseling weekly and learn the life skills they will need to support permanent, independent living and leave the life of homelessness behind them forever. Additional groups offered at the ATHENA Program include marriage and family counseling, relationship groups, meditation groups, exercise activities, nutrition classes, parenting classes, budgeting classes, cooking classes, and appreciation of the arts classes.

Darden Rice

Florida Program Director
Gulf Restoration Network
President
St. Petersburg
League of Women Voters

Speaker for 6/16/11

 

 

As the Florida Program Director for the Gulf Restoration Network, Darden Rice works to plan, develop, and implement regional and Florida outreach campaigns. She brings more than fifteen years of experience developing and implementing strategic grassroots conservation campaigns. Darden worked for environmental groups such as Alaska Wilderness League, and served as a longtime clean energy advocate for the National Sierra Club, serving most recently as the National Field Coordinator for the Cool Cities Global Warming program. Darden received her B.A. in American Studies from Eckerd College in 2000.

Darden is a civic as well as environmental leader in her community. She co-founded the Pinellas Living Green Expo and was a one-time candidate for Pinellas County Commission. Currently, she serves as President the St. Petersburg League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization that has fought since 1920 to improve our systems of government and impact public policies through citizen education and advocacy.

Gov. Rick Scott recently signed a set of election law changes intended to curb voter fraud. The new law cuts the number of early voting days in Florida from 15 to 8, and places more restrictions on voters seeking to update their names or addresses at the ballot box. It also requires third-party groups that register new voters to submit forms with those voters' names within 48 hours or face fines. Darden Rice, St. Pete chapter president for the League of Women Voters, says the League will now stop registering voters in Florida - Click Here For More Info

Also, Darden and her employer, Gulf Restoration Network, may have a thing or two to say about the impact of the revision of growth management laws on Florida's Nature Coast. Learn more about this environmental issue by clicking this link

Amy Norman

President/CEO
Tampa Bay Technology Forum

Speaker for 6/2/11

 

 

Amy Norman joined the Tampa Bay Technology Forum (TBTF) in 2005. Two years later, at the age of 29, she was appointed President and CEO. TBTF is a non-profit membership association committed to connecting and growing the technology community in Tampa Bay. TBTF meets its mission by providing events, education, networking, advocacy and philanthropy programs to its more than 350 members. Amy’s key responsibilities include the overall management of the organization, strategic planning, communication, fundraising and business development. She also serves on the Board of the TBTF Foundation.

Prior to TBTF, Amy was the Program Director for the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), a national not-for-profit healthcare organization. Her position included traveling, both nationally and internationally, to foster programs for healthcare awareness and patient advocacy.

Amy graduated from the University of South Florida in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications, with a focus on Public Relations. She enjoys jogging, wine tasting, singing, golfing and spending time with her family.

In honor of June being Women in Science and Technology Month, our speaker is Amy Norman, President and CEO of the Tampa Bay Technology Forum, a non-profit membership association committed to connecting and growing the technology community in Tampa Bay. Amy will talk about the importance of encouraging women to embrace technology and the issues facing women in what is typically known as a male-dominated field. From strawberry (she's a former Florida Strawberry Festival Queen) to BlackBerry, Amy Norman is a high energy tech CEO .Click here to read more about Amy Norman:

Dr. Imsara

Doctor of Oriental Medicine

Speaker for 5/19/11

 

 

Dr. Imsara, AP #1885, is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and is considered a primary care physician in the state of Florida in the domain of Oriental Medicine. She holds a second masters degree in the field of Public Health from USF and earned her bachelors in Sociology at USF in 1993.

She is also an experienced Evolutionary Astrologist who has studied astrology since she was nine years old. She had studied since 1994 with her primary astrological mentor, Jeffrey Wolf Green and continues to dedicate her life to deepening her skill in astrological interpretation and insight.

Dr. Imsara is also extensively trained in Pranic Healing and Qi Gong techniques. She appreciates their simplicity in alleviating many kinds of complaints, both physical and emotional. She has made it her life mission to continue to refine her skills and her life reflects her practice. Dr. Imsara lives a simple life happily amongst the dolphins in nature in Pass-A-Grille, Florida.

 

Manny Leto

Program Outreach Coordinator

Speaker for 5/5/11

 

 

Emanuel Leto is the Program Outreach Coordinator for the Tampa Bay History Center. He also serves as the Editor of Cigar City Magazine, a local history publication focusing on the Tampa Bay Area. Before joining the History Center, he served as Assistant Director of the Ybor City Museum Society, a non-profit organization charged with supporting the Ybor City State Museum.

 

Linda Burhans

Author

 

 

It is readily apparent when you meet Linda Burhans and see how she conducts her business affairs in the Tampa Bay area that her personal mission is “To acknowledge and appreciate all people.” With over 30 years experience in leadership positions in corporate America, she now is one of Tampa Bay’s leading women entrepreneurs. As founder and CEO of The Party Crew, Inc., and CEO of SendACard123.com, she lives her mission daily.

In 2002, Linda turned her focus on assisting others to improve relationships. Hence, Professional Women Empower, a non-profit organization was born. The group’s mission was, “to provide support to women through guidance, vision and passion.” Under Linda’s direction, women were motivated and inspired to be the best they could be while contributing to their community. PWP was put to rest after four successful years. Shortly after that she became COO of Heart Centered Business Networking™. With multiple meetings monthly around Tampa Bay, every person seeking to improve their business and personal relationships will have the opportunity to learn from Linda’s successes.

Her devotion to assisting others replenishes her energy and allows her to keep up the fast pace. Supported by a loving family, Tom, her husband of 31 years, daughter Nicole and grandchildren Skylar and Tommy, their love keeps her refreshed and ready for exciting challenges.

Look for Linda’s recently published book “Goodnight and God Bless”, a collection of wonderful memories of her loving mother. The book is a humorous and heartfelt story to inspire and assist anyone with the challenge of being the caregiver to a loved one.

 For more information see her websites:

www.lindaburhans.com and www.harmonyhh.com

 

Patti Egan

St. Petersburg
General Hospital

 

 

Education and Certifications:

• Graduate of the University of Illinois at Chiccago Medical Center in Clinical Dietetics.
• Clinical Dietician at SPGH for inpatient care and Long Term Care
• State Surveyor for AHCA (Agency for Healthcare Administration)
• Certified in Weight Management
  


Personal:

• Triathalete
• Marathon Runner (13- INCLUDING BOSTON)
• Tennis Player
• Wife and Mother of 2
  

Pam Dubov

Pinellas County
Property Appraiser

 

 

Pam Dubov was sworn in as the Pinellas County Property Appraiser on January 6, 2009. She served as the senior non-elected manager of the Pinellas County Property Appraiser’s Office for nineteen years and has twenty years experience in appraisal and assessment administration. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cameron University and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army upon graduation. While serving in the Army, she attained the rank of Captain and was selected to command a field artillery unit.

Pam received a Masters of Business Administration degree with honors, from Florida Institute of Technology and a law degree from Stetson University College of Law magna cum laude. She is now on the adjunct faculty at Stetson. She has completed over 500 hours of appraisal and professional ethics courses and currently holds numerous professional designations and certifications including Certified Assessment Evaluator, International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO); Certified Florida Evaluator, Florida Department of Revenue; Associate Member of the Appraisal Institute; and is member of the Florida Bar.

Active in the community, Pam is a graduate of Leadership Pinellas; was a volunteer for the “Get A Life” project where career women were matched with middle school students to serve as role models and mentors; has participated career orientation days and teach-ins for high school students at numerous high schools and the Pinellas Technical Education Center; and has been a member of numerous other community organizations including the Belleair and Downtown Clearwater Rotary Clubs; and the Clearwater Family YMCA Board of Managers.

She and her husband, retired Army Lt. Colonel Bruce J. Dubov, have been married for twenty-nine years and moved to the Tampa Bay area at the conclusion of their military service. They currently reside in the East Lake area of Pinellas County. Pam has three step-children and eight grandchildren.

 

Carol Barkalow

US Army, retired , Author

 

 

Carol Barkalow graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in May 1980 as a second lieutenant. She was a member of the first class of women to be admitted to West Point. She has been stationed all over the world during her 22 years of service. In addition, she served with the 24th Infantry Division during Desert Storm. She retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 2002.

She grew up in upstate New York and in high school played field hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball and ran track and field. At West Point she played basketball and team handball.

She has earned numerous awards and decorations while in the Army and even jumped out of airplanes.

In 1990, Carol published a book, In the Men’s House, detailing her four years as a member of the first class of women to graduate from West Point. The book also highlights her first eight years of active duty service. She has appeared on numerous networks, FOX, CNN, PBS and CSPAN. Her accomplishments were also showcased on segments of the TODAY Show, McLAUGHLIN Hour, CNN Future Watch, and during the PBS special on West Point’s 200th Anniversary.

Carol currently resides in St Pete Beach with her partner, Toni and their son, Brad.

 

Diane Egner

83 Degrees Media

 

 

Diane Egner is publisher and managing editor of 83 Degrees, a weekly online publication that reports on "What's New?'' and "What's Next?'' in the Tampa Bay region's new economy by producing stories about talented people, innovative ideas and investments, and quality of life. She transitioned to online journalism (www.83degreesmedia.com) in 2009 following a successful career in public broadcasting and daily newspapers in Florida. Her previous work as Content Director at WUSF Public Broadcasting received special recognition by the Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists and she won the top award for editorial writing from the Florida Society of Newspaper Editors while at The Tampa Tribune. A graduate of Leadership Florida, she earned a BA in journalism from the University of Minnesota.

 

Tami Simms-Powel

ALVA International, Inc.

 

 

Tami Simms-Powel has been in the business of organization, marketing and graphic design since starting her first business in 1993 at the age of 23. An entrepreneur by genetics, she left the freelance world in January of 2002 to join her mother's real estate team as Director of Marketing and Concierge Services. Tami’s background as a luxury resort concierge resulted in the Team’s unique concierge program that takes client service to a new level in their Florida market.

A Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Tami and her mother Sharon are instructors for the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing based in Dallas, Texas. Tami served for two years on RE/MAX International’s luxury property division advisory board, and is a frequent speaker and panelist nationwide.

Outside of real estate, Tami is thoroughly engaged in the community, serving in numerous non-profit and volunteer leadership roles on local, state and national levels.

 

Marie Stempinski

Strategic Communications

 

 

Marie Stempinski is President of Strategic Communication, a full service PR/Marketing/Business Trends Consulting firm in St. Petersburg. She has been a communication professional for over 40 years. Marie holds a B.S. in Broadcasting and a M.A. in Journalism from the University of Florida and was the first woman reporter at WFTV-Ch. 9 in Orlando. Her career spans commercial television, educational television, college administration and teaching, and a stint as a Business Communications specialist with General Electric.
Marie founded Strategic Communication 25 years ago and has served Fortune 50 companies, non profits and small businesses.

Her presentation today, “Marketing to Women and Marketing Your Woman Owned Business”, highlights the fact that women have more discretionary income than ever before, make more than men in some cities, and make over 80 percent of the family buying decisions in the U.S. Marie focuses on the fact that female and male thinking and buying habits are quite different. She says business owners and marketers should come to the party before they lose out on this growing, financially independent market made up of American women.

 

Deborah Clark

Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections

 

 

Deborah Clark joined the Elections office in 1978, and served as Deputy Administrator 1982 through June 2000. Governor Jeb Bush appointed Clark Supervisor of Elections in June 2000, to complete the unexpired term of Dorothy Ruggles. Clark was elected to a four-year term in 2000 and re-elected in 2004 and 2008.

Her objective is to provide the most reliable, accurate and secure elections possible for Pinellas County. Clark received her official designation as a Certified Elections and Registration Administrator (CERA) from The Election Center in 2005. She was among the first 300 elections officials nationwide to achieve this status.

Clark is very active in the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections (FSASE) and has served in the following positions: Director; Get Out the Vote Committee Chair; Canvassing Board Committee Co-chair; Scholarship Committee Co-chair; Education/Training Committee Co-chair; and member of the Vision Committee, Bylaws and Rules Committee, Communication and Publications Committee, Rules Development Committee, Legislative Committee and Reapportionment Ad Hoc Committee. Clark is a member of the International Association of Clerks, Recorders, Elected Officials and Treasurers (IACREOT).

Clark is a current Board Member, and has served as Secretary and Chairman of the Pinellas Federal Credit Union. She is an Associate Board Member of Kids Voting Tampa Bay. Clark served as Pinellas County Government Chairman for the year 2000 and 2002 United Way Campaigns; served on the United Way Allocations Panel for ten years; and is a current Keel Club member. Clark is a member of Morton Plant Foundation, Arbor Vitae Society and Women in Philanthropy. Clark taught election administration classes for new municipal clerks through the Florida Institute of Government, Florida State University..

Jane Castor

Chief of Police
City of Tampa

 

 

Jane Castor made history when she was appointed Tampa’s first female Police Chief. But that wasn’t her first accomplishment for the history books. Twenty-five years ago, she was the first female elected president of her police academy class. She has continued a leadership role throughout her career. She moved quickly through the ranks and has served in nearly every capacity within the Department from Patrol, Narcotics, Family Violence and Sex Crimes to Criminal Intelligence, the Field Training Program and Administration. As Chief, she commands a force of 1,000 police officers.

Chief Castor is one of the architects of the Tampa Police Department’s progressive crime fighting strategy that has reduced crime by 56% in the last seven years. Jane Castor has also led the Department of Homeland Security’s Tampa Bay Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI). In that role, Chief Castor became a pioneer in homeland security trends in local law enforcement. Chief Castor’s dedication to the community reaches beyond her role as Chief. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Hillsborough House of Hope and Trinity School for Children.

Chief Castor earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminology from University of Tampa where she attended on volleyball and basketball scholarships. She developed her natural leadership abilities on the hardwood where she served as captain of both teams. She has been inducted into the University of Tampa’s Athletic Hall of Fame. She also holds a Master’s of Public Administration from Troy State University. She is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy. This year, Chief Castor was named Law Enforcement Executive of the Year by the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives.

Donna Moore

Home !st Lending

 

 

Donna Moore moved to Florida 25 years ago, from the upper peninsula of Michigan where she grew up on a large dairy farm. She has milked more than one cow in her lifetime and still considers herself a farm girl at heart. After moving to Florida she met her husband, Bill who owned a commercial printing company in downtown St. Petersburg. Eventually the two of them ran the company together and later Donna took over the management. After operating the business for 15 years they sold it and Donna became a licensed mortgage broker. Her first Reverse Mortgage was done for a Tampa, Florida couple trying to exist on a limited income, of which 60% monthly was going to an existing mortgage. When she saw how the Reverse Mortgage changed their lives and eased their financial burdens, she knew she had to bring awareness of this program to as many seniors as she could and became a certified reverse mortgage expert. For that reason, Donna is passionate about speaking to groups and organizations about the pros and cons of the program.Donna also believes in educating our youth on finances and credit worthiness. She has presented programs on understanding credit scoring to our troops at MacDill Airforce Base and to church organizations along the Gulf Coast.

She and her business partner, Janet Brooks, operate their own mortgage branch office of Home 1st Lending, not only helping seniors through reverse mortgages but also originating FHA, VA and conventional loans. Originally they opened the office as the only two loan officers, over the past two years they have grown to 17 employees.When Donna is not working, she loves to spend time with her family, including her husband, his children, her daughter and their 7 grandchildren. She also adores her Jack Russell, who is addicted to frisbees, tennis balls and has endless energy for both. Donna is a member of her church choir, belongs to the Better Living for Seniors Consortium, a Sun Shine City Kiwanis member and Officer of RealTalkers Toastmasters International. She enjoys challenging herself with public speaking and previously won first place in the Area Humorous Speech Contest in Toastmasters.Donna’s favorite quote is from Jim Rohn: “Whoever renders service to many puts himself in line for greatness – great wealth, great return, great satisfaction, great reputation and great joy.” She believes we all have the ability to be great.

Deborah Connelly

President, PayCoachHR

 

 

Deborah A. Connelly, a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and President of PayCoachHR, is a nationally acclaimed payroll trainer and educator in the academic and software development industries. Debbie has over 20 years experience training Payroll and HR software applications for your top providers. Such providers include ADP, eStar, Mangrove, and Sage. Client training includes implementation of statutory changes and how to use your software to accomplish the task. She has been teaching CPP Preparation classes, and now PayCoachHR Webinars, since she introduced them at St. Petersburg College in 1994. Some of Debbie’s past accomplishments include the Technical Editor of the widely acclaimed Principles of Payroll Administration and The Payroll Answer Book. She is the newly appointed Vice President of the Central Pinellas Chapter of the APA, past President of the Suncoast Bay Area Chapter and active member of the National association. Debbie is an active member of both the national and local chapter of SHRM and the Chair of the Young Careerist Program for the Business and Professional Women/St. Petersburg.

PayCoachHR provides Workshops and Online Webinars for individuals and companies preparing to sit for the Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) exam and for the beginner payroll professional, Speaking Services on the latest payroll tax compliance issues and Annual Membership Services including a Payroll in a Crisis (PIC) hotline with discounts on services. Please visit her website at www.PayCoachHR.com for more information.

Richard Keane

Narrator: Stock Shock

 

 

When a humble and dedicated U.S. postal worker was pushed into early retirement by the recent economic meltdown, he had no idea he would end up on the White House radar. The office of the President of the United States was interested in learning more about his part in the new movie "Stock Shock" which reveals the inside story behind the recent economic recession. Richard Keane, Jr. found himself chosen to be the narrator of the movie "Stock Shock" after filmmakers decided his story epitomized the impact of market manipulation on the average American investor.In late 2008, deprived of his postal income, but still determined to put his daughter through college Richard decided to take his chances in the stock market. While he didn't lose his shirt, he felt buffeted by the wild gyrations of the market and out-gunned by techniques of market professionals such as flash trading and short selling.

Teaming up with filmmakers to expose the unfair advantages of industrial traders, Richard began reaching out to government agencies. As the movie premiered it generated a buzz across the internet attracting 30,000 twitter followers and fan sites. It's brought together thousands of struggling investors who lost money during the recent crash.

In a grassroots movement, many viewers began sending their DVDs with letters to the SEC. Richard sent his letter to President Obama. Richard never expected a call back. "I got the phone call on August 19, 2009 from the office of the President of the United States," Richard remembers with pride. "I told them it was great that the SEC and President Obama were taking action to make sweeping changes in the financial world." From bloggers, to activist investors, to government officials, "Stock Shock" has become the new rallying cry for change on Wall Street. Since its release the SEC has settled its first case against naked short sellers. "I never thought in my wildest dreams I would be in a Hollywood movie telling the world about stock market corruption," says a shocked Richard, " I'm no star, but as the narrator of the movie, I am the voice of victimized military veterans, police officers, firefighters, teachers and the rest of the working class people of the world."

Janet Long

Florida State Representative,
District 51

 

 

Representative Long is no stranger to working in State Government. Her career in public service began in 1975 as a Legislative Aide working in the Old Capitol.

In 1980, Janet served as the Assistant to the Pinellas County Legislative Delegation until 1986 when she was appointed by Commissioner Bill Gunter as the Deputy Insurance Commissioner for the Florida Department of Insurance with primary day to day management and oversight of the Regional Office located in Pinellas County. She was reappointed by Commissioner Tom Gallagher and again by Commissioner Bill Nelson.

In 2002, Representative Long was elected to the Seminole City Council and elected again in 2004 without opposition. In 2006, she was elected as a Democrat to the Florida House of Representatives from District 51. In her first year of office, she passed five out of her six bills. She has created an electronic newsletter which keeps her constituents abreast of her activities and those of the legislature. In an effort to insure that her constituents have a voice, she has held various town hall meetings in her district and around Pinellas County on property taxes, the Lealman fire district, the Pinellas Park Water Management District, and raising the standards for Pre-K education. She was re-elected to the Florida Legislature in 2008 and serves on Military & Veterans Affairs Policy Committee, Economic Development & Community Affairs Policy Council, and Insurance, Business & Financial Affairs Policy Committee.

Janet has been married to her husband, Richard, a retired officer with the Seminole Fire Department, for over thirty years. Her daughter is a nurse. Her oldest son is a U.S. Army Veteran Apache pilot who recently flew missions in Afghanistan and is now flying in the private sector. Her youngest son is a police officer with the City of Clearwater and also a National Guard Reservist. Her daughter-in-law is also a police officer with the City of Clearwater and a Navy Reservist. She also has three beautiful grandchildren.

Karen Mincey

CIO & Vice President of Information Technology
of TECO Energy

 

 

Karen has worked in the electric utility industry for 26 years. In 1990, she joined Tampa Electric as an engineer in the Marketing Department, and her various roles at TECO include Distribution Engineering, Telecommunications and Information Technology.

Karen leads a team of technical professionals responsible for TECO Energy's corporate computing systems. Under her leadership, TECO Energy has been recognized several times as one of the “100 Best Places to Work in IT” and among the “Top 500 Companies in Technology Innovation.”

Karen serves on the boards of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and the Boys and Girls Club of Tampa Bay, and is a past chair of the Hillsborough Community College Foundation Board. She has been a recipient of Tampa Bay’s "40 Under 40" award, which recognizes top community achievers.

Nationally, Karen received the first-ever Woman of Color in Technology "Chairman's Award," recognizing the achievements of the nation's top minority engineers, scientists and technologists.

Karen has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Orleans and a Master of Business Administration from Loyola.

Ruth Chapman

CEO, Shapemaster Florida

 

 

Results-driven Business Owner and CEO with entrepreneurial flair and proven ability to direct and control, delivering profit and shareholder value. 25 years senior management experience (20 at board level) covering the full spectrum of business operations in complex commercial environment of the manufacturing service industry. Proven track record of inspirational leadership achieving large-scale transformation.

Expertise and in depth understanding of organizational structure and culture with the ability to deliver change through people and technology. Outstanding reputation and track record of success at national and governmental level in the surface engineering and metal finishing industries.

For more detailed information on Ruth Chapman, click here to see her entire profile.

Leslie Waters

Lobbyist, Campaign Consultant, Keynote Speaker

 

 

LESLIE WATERS is an experienced State Legislative Leader, Experienced Local Government Official, Experienced State and Federal Lobbyist, Experienced Government Relations Manager for Allstate Insurance Company, Experienced Small Business Owner, Experience Campaigner, Experienced Campaign Coach, Experienced Political Grassroots Motivational Speaker and Facilitator.

She brings energy and enthusiasm not often seen when dealing with the political process. Her "view from the inside out" her "first hand" and "up-front" knowledge of all sides of the political process, and her knowledge of local, state and national issues impacting the bottom-line of business and industry is invaluable.

(from About Leslie at http://www.waterswave.com)

• Born in Gulfport; Lives in Seminole for 31 years
  Florida State University – B.S. and M.S.
• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
• Supreme Court Certified Mediator
• ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY – 29-year career in Human Resources,
  Corporate and Government Relations Management
• THE FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES – 8 years, leaving in 2006 due to
  term-limits; last 2 years served as Speaker Pro-Tempore
• LESLIE WATERS GOVERNMENT RELATIONS – (2006-present)
• Lobbyist – Washington DC; mental health issues
• Campaign Consultant – Judicial, School Board, City and Legislative candidates.
• Keynote Speaker – International, National, and Statewide; Conventions &
  Conferences: “Good Government” topics.
•  CITY OF SEMINOLE, Vice Mayor (Present)

Jeanine Williams

Assistant City Attorney
St. Petersburg

 

 

 

Jeannine S. Williams is the immediate past president of the St. Petersburg Bar Association. She was the fifth woman and first African-American to lead the 84 year-old organization of more than 1200 lawyers, judges, and law students. She is also a past president of the Fred G. Minnis, Sr. Bar Association and Foundation as well as the Community Law Program, Inc.

Ms. Williams graduated from Florida A&M University with a B.S. in Business Economics and received her law degree from the University of Florida College of Law, where she served as president of the trial team and a member of the Justice Campbell Thornal Moot Court Board. Ms. Williams has been an Assistant City Attorney in St. Petersburg for nine years. She provides advice in the areas of employment, workers compensation, disability, business development and energy law. She has litigated employment and breach of contract actions in federal and state courts. She currently serves on the Executive Council of The Florida Bar City, County and Local Government Law Section.

For her dedication to public service and to the community, she was honored by the Supreme Court of Florida with the Chief Justice’s Commendation for Leadership, by the Stetson University College of Law with the William Reece Smith Public Service Award and by the St. Petersburg City Council with the Sunshine Ambassador Award. Her greatest accomplishments, her two daughters, are the results of a team effort with her husband, Alfred.

 

 

 

 

Larry Renda

Owner, Air Quality Control

 

 

Larry Renda received his BA in Marketing and Business administration in 1974 from Walsh College. As a resident of Detroit Michigan, Larry worked for Ford Motor Company in purchasing for 8 years.

Down sizing in the automotive manufacturing industry precipitated the desire for Larry and his brother Joe to look for opportunities outside of the Detroit area. The lure of Florida’s mild climate and a chance to purchase a St. Petersburg Mechanical Contractor’s business brought Larry and Joe Renda to Pinellas County.

In 1980, at the onset of this new venture, Larry and Joe handled all the sales, service, installation and administrative duties for Air Quality Control. With a small existing customer base, they built and have grown the business into a prominent competitor within the Tampa bay Community.

Larry is now the Secretary/Treasure for Air Quality Control, Inc. He is the Human Resources administrator, oversees the permitting department and is the office manager. He has served on the board of R A C C A, (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor Association) and was its President in 2004.

From its small beginnings, Air Quality Control has grown to 30 employees and has over 8,000 clients. It is a Nationally Green Certified Contractor. With both a state Mechanical and Gas License, Air Quality Control has developed many relationships with providers in the region, such as TECO Peoples Gas, as a TECO Gas Advantage Dealer/Contractor and Carrier Corp. as a Carrier Certified Dealer.

Air Quality Control won the 2008-2009 Carrier Achievement Award. They won 2009 Sub Contactor of the Year award and the 2010 Contractor of the Year Achievement Award from NARI, (National Association of Remodelers Industry)

Marcia Cohen, P.A.

Attorney and Mediator

 

 

 

Marcia S. Cohen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Roosevelt University of Chicago, a Masters degree in Music Composition from Northwestern University, and received her Juris Doctor degree from Stetson University College of Law in 1984. Since becoming a member of The Florida Bar, she has practiced almost exclusively in the area of labor and employment law with a concentration in employment discrimination and sexual harassment. A more recent focus of her practice has been in the area of international law. She has the distinction of having had a successful case before the U.S. Supreme Court, and is a certified mediator and a certified arbitrator.

As a part-time resident of Paris, France, Ms. Cohen has spoken there on equal opportunity and the promotion of diversity. She has been a guest lecturer on U.S. civil rights and employment discrimination law at the University of Paris at Nanterre, and is of counsel to Cabinet Cimadevilla, a Paris law firm specializing in international law.

Ms. Cohen is a member of the Legal Panel of the Pinellas County Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, was the recipient of its 2007 Gardner Beckett Civil Rights Award, and has been an advocate for the legal rights of women, disabled persons and minorities for over 20 years.

 

 

 

 

Rebecca
Duffy

Duffy Insurance and Financial Group

 

 

 

A trained professional, dedicated to helping individuals save, grow and protect their money.

Rebecca has worked in the financial services industry since 1996 and is a fully registered and insurance licensed representative with Invest Financial Corporation. She is the owner and president of Duffy Insurance and Financial Group in St. Petersburg.

Rebecca works primarily with individuals and small business owners in developing lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect. She prides herself in making a difference in their financial future through education and “actions with a plan”.

Rebecca studied business and received her Associate of Arts degree from St. Petersburg College. She has been a member of BPW/St. Pete-Pinellas since 2001, is a current member of the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and serves as the Executive Director of the Rogers Heart Foundation, a private non-profit organization. Rebecca and her husband, Mike, have two grown children and have lived in the St. Petersburg area since 1957.

 

 

 

Patty
Clark

Celebrant

 

 

Patty Clark is a Life-Cycle Celebrant and Non-denominational Minister who works with individuals, couples, families, organizations and business to help them celebrate and honor transitional events with meaningful ritual and words. She has been creating and performing weddings for over 10 years and in the past few years has expanded her practice to include ceremonies which cover a broad spectrum of transitional life events. She facilitates such diverse events as:

• Baby Naming or Adoptions Ceremony
• Graduation Celebrations
• Funeral or Remembrance Ceremony
• Elder Honoring
• Retirement, Job Downsizing or Other Life Transition
• Military Homecomings
• Commitment Ceremonies
• Even Divorce Ceremonies Which are Focused on Healing and Moving Forward

Patty’s goal in these events is help you fully understand, recognize and own that experience.

Patty gets a tremendous satisfaction in helping people explore how ritual can enhance their lives.  If you sometimes feel that you are caught too deep into the speed of life, then Patty will inspire and motivate you with creative, yet practical, ways to bring significance into your days, whether for yourself, your family, with friends or at work.

 

 

 

Dr. Frank
Farkas

Farkas Chiropractic Clinic

 

 

 

 

Dr. Frank Farkas, Clinic Director of Farkas Chiropractic Clinic is committed to helping his patients attain their best health and vitality.  He leads a team of doctors and therapists, who through the use of the most modern techniques and equipment, design individualized care plans encompassing the wellness spectrum.  With extensive experience lecturing, conducting classes on various health issues and mentoring chiropractic students,

Dr. Farkas relates well to all age groups. Dr. Farkas has provided outstanding chiropractic care to the St. Petersburg community for over 30 years and also has been recognized for his work as a state legislator and on many nonprofit boards.  www.farkasclinic.com

 

Theresa
Mejia-Johnson

Fathers Perspective Magazine

 

 

Dr Mejia Johnson has over twenty years experience in business, education, and the human services field. She has worked in human resources for the oil business, created a think tank at a community college, and developed the first accredited mortgage finance educational program. She is currently a consultant to a number of nonprofit organizations, working as adjunct staff as necessary. Dr Mejia Johnson has worked with single mothers, previously incarcerated fathers, youth, and preschoolers. She has also worked with troubled teens, developmentally disabled youth, and gifted children.

In addition, she has expertise in grant writing, fund development, and workforce development. Dr Mejia Johnson has experience with a variety of assessment instruments that measure personality, potential job skills, educational levels, communication issues, and familial structure. These assessments are utilized to better assist clients to create a positive, healthy future for themselves and their families.

She holds a PhD in International Business and is the President and Chief Operating Officer of a parenting magazine for fathers, Fathers Perspective, as well as the President and Chief Operating Officer of a non-profit organization titled I Am A Dream. Fathers Perspective is the first national magazine for fathers with a focus upon parenting. Dr Mejia Johnson has coordinated five conferences related to fatherhood and promotes responsible, committed fatherhood with workshops in various U.S. locations.

Dr Mejia Johnson has assisted parents to enhance their relationship with their spouse or partner and with their children. She assisted with the development of Universal Preschool for the school system in the city of Denver, Colorado which is now available to all families with four year old children. She understands the value of connecting with family members in a meaningful way. Her professional life is devoted to the lives of children, families, and communities. She recognizes the potential of every parent and of every child.

Jen Holloway

Brighthouse Network

 

 

If Jen Holloway had a nickel for every time some has asked her "So, what exactly ARE you doing for Bright House," she'd have a pretty hefty bag of change. This past December, she wrapped up her career as the long time morning anchor for Bay News 9 and started a new position in the Tampa Bay Division marketing department. The best part? No more 2 AM wake-up calls!

While Jen's loyal viewers may miss her on the morning news, they still get to see her as the "face" of Bright House in the company's television commercials, PSA's and videos. Her on-camera work also includes locally produced programming including the annual "Bright Stars Senior Idol" show.

As Bright House's "ambassador", Jen makes appearances and assists with both internal and external events, ranging from employee recognition banquets and Ad Sales awards dinners to Bay News 9 tours, Business Solutions client luncheons, bulk community presentations and Call Center training.

Her new position takes her out into the community, as well, interacting directly with new and potential customers at company-sponsored events including the St. Pete Grand Prix, the Buccaneers Fan Fest and our own Customer Appreciation Days. She also supports our Community Relations activities such as teaching elementary students for Junior Achievement, emceeing fundraisers and modeling in fashion shows for numerous community organizations.

While Jen may have left the anchor desk, she is still very much a part of Bright House Networks and the Tampa Bay community.

>

Karen Brown
Dunlap

The Poynter Institute

 

 

Karen Brown Dunlap is president of The Poynter Institute as well as a Trustee at Poynter and a member of the Board of Directors of the (St. Petersburg) Times Publishing Company. She is also on the board of the Newspaper Association of America Foundation and Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc.

Dr. Dunlap has led seminars on writing throughout the nation and abroad, including sessions in South Africa and the Netherlands. She is co-author of The Effective Editor with Foster Davis, co-author of The Editorial Eye with Jane Harrigan, and was editor of the Institute’s Best Newspaper Writing series. She has served twice as a Pulitzer Prize jurist.

Dr. Dunlap was a reporter for the Macon News and the Nashville Banner, with stints as a staff writer at the St. Petersburg Times. She began her tenure at Poynter in 1989. Prior to that she taught journalism at Tennessee State University in Nashville, and at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Dunlap is a graduate of Michigan State University and Tennessee State University, and received her Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. She has been recognized as an outstanding alum by each.

Dr. Dunlap is married, with four children and lots of grandchildren.

Peggy O'Shea

Pinellas County School Board Chaiwoman

 

 

Peggy O'Shea, Chairperson, was elected to the school board in November of 2008. Prior to her election, she was appointed by the Governor to serve as Chairperson of the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas. This is the agency that administers school readiness programs and Florida's Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program.

In addition, Peggy has been active in the Pinellas County Schools, most recently as a member of the Choice Reform Task Force. She also served on several district task forces and School Advisory Councils.

She is a member of the Executive Board of the Palm Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce having served as chair of their education and their government affairs & economic development committees. She is a former member of the Board of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative, the East Lake Community Library, Pinellas Public Access Advisory Committee, and a member of the Palm Harbor Rotary.

Peggy's business experience includes working as a mediator and managing a commercial arbitration and mediation service. She has also been involved in politics managing campaigns.

Peggy and her husband Dan are 23 year residents of Pinellas County and parents of twin daughters.

Jessica Lowe

Lobbyist for
BPW/FL and FL NOW

Bob Ballou

Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of St. Petersburg

 

 

Division Chief Bob Ballou is the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of St. Petersburg. In that role, the Chief is responsible for the supervision and administration of the City's emergency management program. This program consists of plans, procedures and public education related to the mitigation of, preparation for, response to and recovery from man-made and natural disasters.

Chief Ballou is a Certified Florida Professional Emergency Manager, a State certified Fire Officer, Fire Inspector, Water Rescue Diver, and is trained in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing. He is also a State and County certified Emergency Medical Technician. His education includes two associate's degrees from St. Petersburg Junior College, one in General Education and the other in Fire Science, and a bachelor's degree in Public Safety Administration from Eckerd College.

Dr. Dawn Cecil

Associate Professor of Criminology, University of South Florida

Building Powerful Women Personally, Professionally, and Politically.

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