Join us for a monthly luncheon meeting of the general membership. Usually held on the first Thursday of the month at Parkshore Grill, we have a fast paced hour that includes a speaker on a topic relevant to working women and a little business while we enjoy a delicious lunch. Guests are welcome but advance reservations are recommended.
Vital to our mission for women’s workplace equity through advocacy, education and information are events enjoyed by the larger Tampa Bay Area community like our Unhappy Hour observance of Equal Pay Day in March, our Working Women’s Forum during National Business Women’s Week in October and our annual celebration of Women’s Equality Day in August.
Do you support equity for all working women? Join BPW and help us fulfill our mission of equity for all working women through advocacy, education and connections. With an annual membership cost of $120* you can participate in leadership programs, engage with our public policy platform, and enjoy local and statewide networking. *student and retiree memberships are available.
Michelle has been a life-long resident of the Suncoast growing up in St. Petersburg and living and working in Manatee and Pinellas counties. Michelle graduated from Jacksonville University with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications with an emphasis on fundraising and public relations. She later earned her master’s degree in business from Tampa College.
Her career has spanned over 35 years with local and international companies and non-profit organizations. Michelle began her career at Parc Center for Disabilities in a fundraising and public relations role after graduating college. Michelle later worked with the local American Red Cross of Manatee County, served as a business owner of Detweiler’s Propane Gas Service, lead global marketing efforts for an international business, IRISS, Inc., and she served on the Board of Directors at Parc Center for Disabilities. After 23 years, her career came back full circle when she became the Chief Operating Officer at Parc. In September 2021, Michelle was selected as the President & CEO of Parc, following in her late father Bert Muller’s footsteps.
In addition to her successful career, Michelle has been very engaged with colleagues in the business and non-profit arenas serving her community. Through various Chambers, Michelle participated in Leadership Chamber classes in Manatee and Pinellas counties including Leadership Manatee, Leadership Pinellas, and Leadership St. Pete. Michelle has given her time, talent, and resources to the success of several local non-profits including Take Stock in Children, Meals on Wheels Plus, United Way of Manatee County, and the Boys & Girls Clubs. She currently serves on the following boards: CEO Council of Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors, Tampa Bay Watch Leadership Council.
Parc Center for Disabilities is well-known in Pinellas County for serving children and adults with intellectual disabilities since 1953. Parc holds a special place in Michelle’s heart because of her family’s involvement since the 1960’s. Michelle’s extensive background in business, operations, fundraising, and marketing helps her lead Parc Center for Disabilities in a unique way, but it is her heart that guides her each day. Michelle shares, “I am deeply passionate about and committed to Parc Center for Disabilities and its mission to fight for and honor each individual we serve to live a productive and valued life. I strongly believe that together, we can create a community where all individuals live with dignity and are treated with respect.”
On August 1 Erica Sutherlin joined us as our presenter. Erica has visited us before as a meeting guest, but her self-introductions compelled us to want to know more about this renaissance woman and he...
Our July meeting welcomed Dr. Sandra Braham, the President & CEO of Gulf Coast JFCS and author of “An Angel for Detroit,” who shared her professional and personal journeys and how they interse...
On Thursday, June 13 as we welcomed Martha Lenderman to BPW/St. Petersburg-Pinellas. Martha to talk about a project to raise funds to use in enhancing treatment plans for court participants in the Pin...
On Thursday, April 4, 2024 we welcomed Nikki Gaskin-Capehart to BPW/St. Petersburg-Pinellas (BPW/SPP). We welcomed Nikki, not only as a friend of BPW/SPP, but as the first female President/CEO of th...
Our March speaker was Delquanda Turner Smith, respected speaker and expert from Inclusivity LLC, as she guides us through a transformative exploration of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging....
January 4th we were joined by Kourey Hendryx-Bell, J.D, Manager of the City of St. Petersburg’s Office of Supplier Diversity. She leads a dynamic team focused on championing change in procur...
Our December 7, meeting welcomed back to BPW our friend and CEO of CASA, Lariana Forsythe. Lariana Forsythe joined CASA as its CEO in June of 2017, relocating to the Pinellas County area. She has more...
On November 2, Florida Legislator Lindsay Cross will visit BPW to share her insights on our state goverment, current legislation and issues facing all Floridians as well as those specific to us here i...
On October 5th the amazing Carla Bristol returnsed to BPW to share the great work being done at the St. Pete Youth Farm and other related activites here in our community. Carla Bristol was born...
On September 7th we hosted the distinguished St. Petersburg Chief of Police, Anthony Holloway, at BPW/St. Petersburg-Pinellas. Appointed as Chief of Police for the St. Petersburg Police Department in ...
On August 3rd we welcomed Mary Pat King, the esteemed CEO of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, as our guest speaker. Mary Pat who took us on an inspiring journey through the diverse programs offere...
July 6th was an informative luncheon as we welcome back County Commissioner Charlie Justice to share his valuable insights on the state of Pinellas County. A longtime friend of BPW, Commissioner Justi...
Join us for an extraordinary event at the BPW/St. Petersburg-Pinellas June Membership luncheon, featuring the dynamic Nicole Berman as our esteemed guest speaker. As the Executive Director of St. Pete...
Our May meeting featured the installation of the 2023-2024 Executive Committe by Past State President and BPW/FL Parliamentarian Mary Giddens, joining us from LaBelle, FL. New President Tami Simms wil...
Please join us on Thursday, April 6, 2023 as we welcome Denise Kelly, a Certified Economic Developer / Urban Strategist to BPW/St. Petersburg-Pinellas. Kelly is with Stoneweg US, a real estate investm...
Please join us on Thursday, March 2, 2023 as we welcome Robin O’Dell, photographic curator and visual arts writer. Robin is the current Visual Arts Editor and writer for The Artisan Magaz...
In celebration of Black History Month, we are pleased to welcome Kenneth T. Welch, St. Petersburg’s first African American mayor, for a State of the City. Mayor Welch’s appearance at BPW will be o...
“The times have found us.” — Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, January 1776 Join us on January 5, 2023, as we welcome St Petersburg College Professor Tara Newsom, who will address how Thomas Paine...
We look forward to welcoming Katie McGill, Executive Director for Dress for Success, on Thursday, December 1, 2022. If you don’t know Dress for Success you will want to come to our program and whe...
Pinellas County Adminstrator, Barry Burton visits BPW to give an update on various Pinellas County Programs that impact many of us who live here. County Administrator Barry A. Burton serves as the chi...
Join us on Thursday, October 6 in advance of our Working Women’s Forum on October 19, when we welcome Christie Bruner, new Vice President of Advocacy for the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce....
We hope you will join us on Thursday, September 1 as we welcome longtime friend of BPW/St. Petersburg-Pinellas Dr. Kanika Tomalin. We often talk in BPW about women in transition. Kanika is the embodim...
Did you know that there was a Wellness Center being planned in Pinellas County, to assist with all aspects of mental health? Have you heard of the You Good campaign or Largo Strong? If not, you will w...
Thursday, July 7, 2022 as we welcomed Michael Lundy, President and CEO of the City of St. Petersburg Housing Authority. Mr. Lundy is relatively new to the area having joined the St. Petersburg H...
June is PRIDE month in St. Petersburg and to kick it off, BPW welcomed Jim Nixon on Thursday, June 2nd. Jim is the Director of the Mayor’s Action Center and LGBTQ Liaison for the City of St. Pet...
Our May meeting is a very special meeting. We installed our new officers, thank our outgoing officers and committee chairs for all their hard work, recognize individual members for their contributio...
Our speaker of April 7 was Tiffany Faykus of Selah Freedom, a nonprofit that works with local sex trafficking survivors to help them start new lives through Prevention, Outreach, Awareness and a natio...
Owens formerly served as the principal of Dolphin Strategies LLC, in St. Petersburg, FL. The firm creates public education and participation strategies that deliver impactful citizen engagement and fo...
We’re delighted to welcome John Collins for our membership luncheon on February 3, 2022 to discuss the transformation of our community into a premier art and artist destination known for its wor...
Please join us on Thursday, January 6, 2022 as we welcome Kelly Hayes, Florida Politics, as our guest speaker. Kelly studied journalism and political science at the University of Florida and was...
Join us on Thursday, December 2 as we welcome Dr. Linda Lucas to lead a discussion on a variety of topics affecting working women in our shifting economy. Women’s participation in the workforce ...
On November 4, BPW Welcomes Megan McGee to discuss the CALL Program, a new approach to some 911 calls with a focus on community mental health services. Megan McGee is the St. Petersburg Police De...
Join us in October when we welcome Taylor Withers, the Senior Director of Advancement at CASA, Pinellas County’s certified Domestic Violence Agency. She’ll update us on new techniques and tool...
Our September 2nd meeting will feature a discussion led by Dr. LaDonna Butler of The Well for Life to help our members and guests to achieve more successful outcomes through policy and practice. ...
On August 5, BPW was delighted to welcome back Julie Marcus to our luncheon meeting to discuss recent changes made by the Florida Legislature that may impact our upcoming local elections this fall. We...
Join us on July 15 when BPW welcomes Kerry Flaherty Walia, a Florida native and a marine fisheries research scientist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Kerry has over 17...
For our June meeting, BPW welcomes Susana Weymouth, the Chief Development Officer for The Florida Orchestra to speak about how the state’s largest performing arts organization was able to contin...
Join us Thursday, March 4 when we welcome Mary K. Meyer McAleese, Ph.D., Professor of Political Science at Eckerd College to kick off Women’s History Month. Already in 2021 we’ve seen Kama...
Please join us on Thursday, February 4 when Mercy Ameyaw, CAMS, Director, Internal Audit, Raymond James Financial Inc., will speak about successfully navigating transitions, of which she has had many....
Just in time for the Holidays, best selling author Jen Smith, comes to our luncheon meeting on Thursday, December 3rd to help us during a season known for overspending and get a head start on good hab...
Please join us on Thursday, November 5th as we welcome Janelle Irwin Taylor to join us for a Post-Election Recap. Janelle Irwin Taylor has been a professional journalist covering local...
Congressman Charlie Crist contacted us in honor of National Business Women’s Week and offered to join us on our zoom call this coming Thursday at 5pm before our fundraiser. He wants to hear wh...
Join us when we welcome Beth Menchen of the Suncoast Center, Inc. to speak about mental illness issues in our community and the impact from COVID-19. She will focus on the impact with working women, w...
Join us virtually when we welcome Robin Davidov from the League of Women Voters to our Zoom meeting on Thursday, September 24th at 6PM for an hour jam packed with information to help you be an informe...
Join us September 3rd at 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House when BPW welcomes (back) Wendy Wesley to our BPW Meeting. Wendy is a food policy activist and a licensed and registered dietitian/nutritionist ...
At our August 6th meeting, Sheena Qualles-DeFreece will be speaking about the St. Pete Timebank where she currently serves on the Board of Directors. The St. Pete Timebank was started by BJ Andr...
Join us March 5 when we welcome St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman as he presents “The State of The City,” an update on the activities, events and latest happenings that affect not only th...
Please join us on February 6 as we welcome D YaeL Kelley who was recently named the MUSE Visual Arts Award winner for 2020 by the St. Petersburg Arts Alliance. The MUSE arts awards shine a spotlight...
Please join us on January 16th as we welcome Tom Magoulis, the Executive Director of the new Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement. This new gem is planned to open in early 2020 and will ...
Kelly Sciba will be visiting our local BPW luncheon meeting on Thursday, December 5 as we participate in the series of public forums that are being conducted around the state n Florida’s diverse reg...
Lorrie Lykins, Vice President of Research at the Seattle-based Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp) and Editor of The SheSuite™, an ongoing series of in-depth interviews with women executives...
On Thursday October 3 BPW welcomes Lakshmi Shenoy, CEO of the Embarc Collective, the innovation hub in downtown Tampa backed by business mogul Jeff Vinik and whose mission is to foster startup talent ...
We’re delighted to welcome renowned author, Fawn Germer, to our September Luncheon meeting where she will discuss the principles of her latest book, Work-Life Reset. If Fawn Germer didn’t live...
Talking about sensitive social issues, such as unintended pregnancy, can be tough. Knowing the facts can help in conversations with those unsettled by topics like teen sexuality or abortion. Amy&...
Join us on Thursday, July 18 when BPW welcomes Cathie Perkins to our luncheon meeting to discuss how to prepare our businesses and our homes in the event of an emergency. Responsible for emergency pre...
BPW is delighted to welcome back renowned journalist Margie Manning on June 6 to speak about the media’s portrayal of women. The visibility of women in leadership roles has long been toute...
BPW welcomes Renee Dabbs for our May luncheon meeting. She is the principal and founder of Renee Dabbs, LLC, a management consulting firm that focuses on helping organizations become metrics foc...
Make your reservation now as BPW welcomes back Pinellas County Commissioner Charlie Justice for what has become an annual update to the members and guests of BPW. He’ll share the commission̵...
What can we learn from history about today’s issues? Terri Lipsey Scott, Executive Director of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American History Museum, will address that very question when speakin...
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The following members made this site possible through their financial support. You can visit their websites by clicking on their logo below.
Executive Director at The Foundation for Indigent Guardianship
VP, Economic Inclusion & Business Growth Greenhouse Co-Managerat the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce
Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Behavioral Health Care Manager at Sunshine Health
Security Technical Specialist Manager at Microsoft
Relationship Manager at Goldstar Mortgage Financial Group
Understanding the nuances that differentiate Employment Equity (EE) and Affirmative Action (AA) is essential in creating a diverse, inclusive, and fair workplace. Although interconnected, these concepts have unique applications and implications.
Employment Equity provides equal opportunities, allowing everyone to thrive regardless of background or personal characteristics. This principle ensures everyone has the same access to career progression and personal development, eliminating discriminatory practices that might hamper their growth.
Conversely, Affirmative Action is a proactive policy to increase workplace and educational opportunities for demographic groups historically underrepresented in leadership and professional roles. AA is a countermeasure to systemic biases and prejudices, supporting those consistently deprived of fair and equal treatment.
It’s crucial to comprehend the seven pillars of diversity that underpin these principles and ensure their successful implementation:
As we strive to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, we must address three significant barriers:
Lastly, it’s essential to note the connection between Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and Affirmative Action. While DEI is a broad framework that aims to create an environment where everyone feels valued, Affirmative Action is a set of actions implemented to address historical and ongoing discrimination. DEI often encompasses Affirmative Action strategies as part of its toolkit, aiming to create a society where opportunities are genuinely equal. Together, DEI and Affirmative Action form the front line in the battle against structural barriers and the drive toward a more inclusive society.
President Biden and Vice President Harris have long championed equal pay as a cornerstone of their commitment to ensuring opportunity and fairness for all workers. Closing gender and racial wage gaps is essential to ensuring that women and people of color can fully participate in the labor force....
Yesterday, the National Partnership for Women & Families released a new fact sheet on the how the House GOP spending bills are an attack on women, particularly women of color, and their families. These bills include a nearly all-of-government attack on women’s economic security, reproductive care access,...
For those of you that attended our last luncheon meeting this will be a bit familiar and as promised here is more information for you to review and act upon or pass along if you choose. Floridians Protecting Freedom, a young activist group, is spearheading...
As we enter the 2023 legislative season I wanted to take this opportunity to remind new and seasoned members of the BPW/FL Public Policy Platform. The Public Policy Platform is six tiers: 1) Equality for All; 2) Economic Equity, Opportunity, and Self-Sufficiency; 3) Safe Workplace;...
If successful, the bill would force states to recognize same-sex marriages that take place in any other state and repeal the Defense Against Marriage Act.
BPW/SPP Members: We are again at the time of an election and by the time you are reading this the election for the Mayor of St. Petersburg has begun, or possibly ended. I hope that all of you who live in St. Petersburg voted early...
Pursuant to my July article I am going to continue to highlight the BPW Public Policy Platform. This month I am highlighting Platform items 2 and 3. Item 2: Economic Equity, Opportunity and Self-SufficiencyBPW/FL supports legislation which assists women in obtaining pay equity and equal...
Recently our TBT has had articles by State Public Policy Chair, Kristin Smith, and from our Local Organization (LO) President, Michele Cavallo, related to our Public Policy Platform. BPW/FL leadership also learned during the Strategic Planning process that many BPW members did not know, before...
