Categories: School News

Tampa Bay School Leaders Recognized for Philanthropy

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.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Community Foundation Tampa Bay Awards Over $2.2 Million to Nonprofits
Florida Polytechnic University Board Welcomes Eliot Peace
Pinellas Celebrations: A Week of Cultural Events
St. Petersburg Secures Grant for Financial Empowerment Programs
St. Petersburg College Drives Economic Growth in Education
Young Speller from St. Petersburg to Compete Nationally
St. Petersburg Proposals for Affordable Housing Development
New Inclusive Mental Health Practice Opens in St. Petersburg
Tampa Bay Honors Women Leaders at 2025 Women Who Win Awards
St. Petersburg Celebrates Spring with Sunshine and Community Events

Additional Resources

HERE St. Petersburg

Share
Published by
HERE St. Petersburg

Recent Posts

Russia Issues Warning on US Role in Iran-Israel Conflict

News Summary Russia has raised alarms regarding potential US military intervention in the escalating tensions…

14 hours ago

Gulfport Celebrates Community Unity with Juneteenth Event

News Summary Gulfport is set to celebrate Juneteenth with a community event hosted by the…

14 hours ago

Tampa Bay Rays Engage in Exclusive Sale Discussions

News Summary The Tampa Bay Rays are in exclusive talks with a Florida investment group…

14 hours ago

Kamala Harris’s Website Error Page Sparks Controversy

News Summary A 404 error page on Kamala Harris's official website has stirred controversy with…

14 hours ago

St. Petersburg Authorities Confirm Missing Woman Found Safe

News Summary Authorities in St. Petersburg have confirmed that Amy Davis, a 58-year-old woman reported…

14 hours ago

Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns Expands St. Petersburg Office

News Summary Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, LLP has announced the expansion of its…

14 hours ago