News Summary
Tampa Bay Business & Wealth will honor outstanding leaders in education and philanthropy at an awards program celebrating influential women and C-suite leaders. The event will feature the Women Who Win awards and the Apogee Awards, recognizing significant contributions to mentorship and community service. CEO Bridgette Bello will lead this initiative to showcase leaders’ hard work and dedication in shaping a better future for the Tampa Bay area, inspiring others to engage in philanthropic endeavors.
Tampa, Florida – Outstanding leaders in education and philanthropy will soon be recognized at an upcoming awards program hosted by Tampa Bay Business & Wealth (TBBW). The event aims to honor influential women and distinguished C-suite leaders for their significant contributions to the community, mentorship, and various sectors, including education, military, and nonprofits.
The awards program includes categories such as the Women Who Win awards, which celebrates women who excel in mentorship and philanthropy, as well as the Apogee Awards that acknowledges accomplished leaders committed to their industries and communities. Additionally, the Philanthropists of the Year program will honor individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to community leadership.
This initiative highlights the ongoing efforts of local business leaders and organizations to strengthen their communities through giving back and supporting initiatives focused on education and leadership development. The event is set to showcase the hard work and accomplishments of these influential figures who have played vital roles in shaping a better environment in Tampa Bay.
Bridgette Bello, the CEO and Publisher of TBBW, is leading this recognition effort. With over 30 years of media experience, she is the first woman in the newspaper’s 40-year history to hold this position. Bello has played various roles in the media field, from writing to media buying, and has successfully directed both print and broadcast sales teams, contributing to award-winning news initiatives. Under her leadership, TBBW magazine received two Charlie Awards in its first year from the Florida Magazine Association and is a finalist for the Small Business of the Year in the startup category.
In addition to her media achievements, Bello has been actively involved in the local community. She has served as the Governor Appointed Vice Chair for the St. Petersburg College board of trustees and currently chairs the audit selection committee for St. Petersburg Collegiate High School. Furthermore, she holds board positions with the Jameis Winston Foundation and The Spring of Tampa Bay, and has conducted numerous philanthropic efforts, including chairing fundraising events for the American Diabetes Association and the Alzheimer’s Association.
Joining Bello is Jason Baker, the Vice President and Associate Publisher of TBBW. With 25 years of experience across media channels such as radio, TV, and print, as well as ownership of a successful advertising agency, Baker has brought valuable insights into the organization. Since 2015, he has worked alongside Bello to successfully launch TBBW and has earned 22 national and regional awards for creative campaign executions. Baker’s commitment to philanthropy is evident through his involvement with the Navy League, where he raised over $500,000 for Navy families.
Other notable contributors at TBBW include Jo-Lynn Brown, the managing editor, who brings expertise from her previous role at the Tampa Bay Business Journal, and Wes Clay, the Multimedia Market Manager, who has extensive experience in both traditional and digital sales. Fresh to the team is Megan, possessing a bachelor’s degree in business administration, who has previously engaged in event coordination and customer service.
The upcoming awards presentation is a reflection of the unwavering commitment of Tampa Bay leaders to foster robust connections within the community while encouraging the next generation of leaders. By celebrating their achievements and contributions, the event not only acknowledges the hard work put forth by these individuals but also inspires others in the Tampa Bay area to engage in similar philanthropic endeavors.
As Tampa Bay Business & Wealth sets the stage for this recognition, it reinforces the importance of leadership, community involvement, and the impact that dedicated individuals can have on shaping a brighter future for all.
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Additional Resources
- Women Who Win Awards
- Wikipedia: Philanthropy
- Apogee Awards 2023
- Google Search: Community Leadership
- Philanthropists of the Year 2024
- Google Scholar: Leadership in Business
- Andrew Ford Joins Shumaker Partner
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business Ethics
- Women’s Wellness Invitational 2023
- Google News: Leadership Development
