Celebrating Women from Past Trailblazers to Present History Makers
We salute some of our past NCNW women trailblazers in history and move forward to look at a few amazing St. Petersburg, Florida women leaders who are making history as public officials and community leaders through their strong contributions and commitment to educate and empower our St. Petersburg community.
Thelma Bruce – President of the St. Petersburg Metropolitan Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW): A local women who illustrates ethical leadership and commitment to making a difference through community service.
Rene Flowers – Pinellas County School Board Single Member District #7: Well known as a civil servant who has held positions in city government and the school board and serves on numerous business and community board of directors
Dr. Tonjua Williams – President, St. Petersburg College: Rose through the ranks of St Petersburg College, serving in nearly all areas of the college and is now the college seventh President. The recipient of numerous educational awards and commendations.
Dr. Kanika Tomalin – St. Petersburg Deputy Mayor and City Administrator: Daily mission is to advance the City of St. Petersburg Planning Initiatives to successful implementation.
Dr. LaDonna Butler – Founder, The Well For Life: Dr. LaDonna Butler created a business that focuses on developing a space for individuals in need of mental health counseling and wellness.
Karen Davis-Pritchett – Vice President, Access & Inclusion for Empath Health: Amidst the odds, this distinguished lady oversees a large staff who provides integrative outreach support to individuals whose lives are facing adversity.
Nikki Gaskin-Capehart – Director of Urban Affairs at City of St. Petersburg: Local young lady who spends her day investing her energy into nurturing and developing Southside families and neighborhoods, where she once played as a child.
Terri Lipsey-Scott – Executive Director – Carter G. Woodson African American Museum: Worked as city administrator for 37 years and is committed to removing barriers that impede unification.
Deborah Figgs-Sanders – St. Petersburg Council Member of District #5: Recently elected to the city council for district 5; brings a wealth of community service to her newly elected position
Dr. Cynthia Johnson – Director, Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic: A champion for entrepreneurship with a career spanning over 27 years as a public administrator.
Mary Murph – Founder, The Sickle Cell Disease Association of Pinellas County: A woman driven by family crisis who worked tireless to create a local organization to fight sickle cell disease and be the voice of so many that suffers from the disease.
Jacqueline Williams Hubbard, Esq. is the President of St. Petersburg Branch of The Association for the Study of African-American Life and History, Inc. (ASALH); She is also Chair of the Community Remembrance Project Coalition (CRPC), which is working to install a lynching memorial in Pinellas County.
Gwendolyn Reese – President and CEO of Peaten Reese Peaten Consulting
Theresa Jones – City of St. Petersburg, Social Services Planning Manager: After a long successful career, with The City; returned to work to advocate for an often forgotten about segment in our community; homeless veterans
Lisa Wheeler-Bowman – St. Petersburg City Council District 7: Two term city council member and past city council chairperson. Chairs the Youth Services Committee and serves on six other committees
Maria Scruggs – President, NAACP Saint Petersburg Branch No.5130: Community activist that stands up for what she believes; a fighter for social justice and economic power.SPMS Members Share About NCNW Involvement
NCNW mission is to lead, develop, and advocate for women of African descent as they support their families and communities. Each member bring different ideas to SPMS to make the strong and cohesive organization it is today! Everyone’s voice count; read what some SPMS members have to say…
Valerie WilliamsAfter a trip to the Civil Rights Museum in AL, I joined NCNW/SPMS to continue the legacy of giving voice to women that are passionate about community service.
Ethel RobinsonBy joining NCNW/SPMS I saw the need where l could make a difference in my very own community. By providing my time and services to those less fortunate.
Timeka Walker
I am apart of NCNW/SPMS to continue the mission of our founder, Mary McLeod Bethune. To make a difference in people lives and to support women and their families.
Lynn Harrell-Johnson
I’m a proud member of NCNW/SPMS; A great organization that recognizes the need for community involvement and willingness to serve our neighbors because everyone matters.
Gwen Anderson
Holding firm to the mantra “Enter to learn, depart to Serve”, being a member of NCNW/SPMS is another opportunity and privilege to be of service to our people and community.
Irene Pridgeon
The great leadership of President Thelma Bruce and second, because I believe in NCNW mission and want to be an advocate for the NCNW/SPMS to empower African American women, families and our community.
Dewana Mccarty
I joined NCNW/SPMS because of the excellence demonstrated by leadership and the consistent dedication and sincere presence NCNW has in the community.
Cynthia Jenkins
I believe in the NCNW Mission, which is indicative of the love and passion that we share with our members and community. My goal and attributions is to inspire, enhance and build a bond of unity.
Ester EugeneTo “Pay It Forward” when the opportunity presented itself. That Opportunity Is NOW with this NCNW Sisterhood of Women who breathe Life into this Community!
Wanda Wilson
I’m a strong African American Woman; Like our founder of NCNW Mary McLeod Bethune. A woman of integrity, courage and leadership to empower others. I’m also an enthusiast who enjoy the awesome “Sister to Sister Unity” we share.
Diedre Downing-Jackson
This organization operates in excellence under the great and humble leadership of President Thelma Bruce, who is an inspiration demonstrating and reminding us that “We can do all things through JESUS CHRIST who strengthens us.” Philippians 4:13
Georgia ThomasRetired educator who hails from Louisiana and is a Proud NCNW/SPMS member who believes in service to others and ultimately only what you do for Christ will last.
Renee Waymon
My commitment to NCNW is well stated by the founder herself, “The True Worth of a Race must be measured by the Character of its Womanhood.” I am delighted to serve in an organization that is committed to Women issues.
