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Current Class

Meet the Class of 2025-2026

Alex Angellakis - AdventHealth - Director of Mission and Ministry

Alex Angellakis - AdventHealth - Director of Mission and Ministry

Alexander Angellakis, M.Div., MBA., is a compassionate spiritual leader and strategic administrator with a dual background in theology and business. As Director of Mission and Ministry at AdventHealth Tampa, he oversees mission integration, spiritual care, and community engagement. An ordained minister and seasoned chaplain, Alexander brings a unique blend of empathy and executive insight to his work, fostering inclusive, wholeness-driven environments that support both patients and staff. He is deeply committed to building bridges between healthcare and faith communities.

Tonya Brinkley-Wright - HCPS - Behavior and Community Resource Teacher

Tonya Brinkley-Wright - HCPS - Behavior and Community Resource Teacher

Tonya Brinkley-Wright is an accomplished educator, certified financial instructor, and behavior specialist with over 23 years of experience in K-12 education and adult learning. With a strong foundation in trauma-informed practices and student behavior support, her focus is creating safe, structured, and emotionally supportive learning environments. She is also a trusted community liaison and program leader, passionate about empowering families, improving student outcomes, and promoting educational equity.

Kaylee Eckelman - Ventel - Chief Financial Officer

Kaylee Eckelman - Ventel - Chief Financial Officer

Kaylee Eckelman is an accomplished finance and cybersecurity executive, currently serving as Partner and CFO at Ventel (formerly CyberRx). With a sharp blend of financial expertise, AI modeling, and cybersecurity strategy, she has led high-impact projects for government agencies and global financial institutions. A recognized speaker at international cybersecurity conferences and PMP-certified leader, Kaylee is also pursuing her M.S. in Artificial Intelligence & Business Analytics at the University of South Florida. Her work bridges cutting-edge research, strategic innovation, and real-world solutions in cybersecurity and financial intelligence.

Idania Ettienne - Pass It Foward - Founder

Idania Ettienne - Pass It Foward - Founder

Idania Ettienne is a dedicated and highly experienced Nurse Practitioner with over two decades of clinical expertise across acute care, family practice, and long-term care. With a Master’s in Nursing and board certification in Family Practice, she combines strong leadership with compassionate, patient-centered care. Idania excels in managing chronic diseases, performing advanced procedures, and navigating high-pressure environments with professionalism and composure. Fluent in English and Spanish, she is committed to healthcare excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous advancement in medical practice.

Carmen Fisher - Chick-fil-A Temple Terrace, Uptown - Executive Director of Brand Experience

Carmen Fisher - Chick-fil-A Temple Terrace, Uptown - Executive Director of Brand Experience

Carmen Fisher is an accomplished Marketing Director with over 16 years of experience directing brand strategy and customer engagement, including an extensive tenure as Executive Director of Brand Experience at Chick-fil-A. She brings a unique blend of corporate excellence and nonprofit passion, having successfully transitioned into mission-driven marketing leadership. Carmen specializes in storytelling, community engagement, and values-based branding, consistently delivering campaigns that inspire loyalty and drive meaningful impact. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to purpose, people, and powerful brand presence.

Nalini Gajadharsingh - MIDFLORIDA Credit Union - AVP, Branch Manager

Nalini Gajadharsingh - MIDFLORIDA Credit Union - AVP, Branch Manager

Nalini Gajadharsingh is a seasoned banking executive with over 22 years of experience in financial services, specializing in branch operations, team leadership, and client relationship development. As an Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, she has consistently driven loan production, enhanced customer satisfaction, and mentored emerging leaders. Known for aligning branch performance with organizational goals, Nalini blends operational excellence with a people-first leadership style, making her a trusted figure in the Tampa financial community.

Cherie Harrington - Sure-Ease Health & Well-Being - Founder, Coach, Workshop Leader

Cherie Harrington - Sure-Ease Health & Well-Being - Founder, Coach, Workshop Leader

Cherie Harrington is a dynamic leader and well-being advocate with a versatile background spanning operations, customer success, training, and health coaching. With over 20 years of experience in client engagement, event coordination, and sales she currently serves as COO of the Temple Terrace Uptown Chamber of Commerce and leads her own well-being practice, Sure-Ease Health & Well-Being. Cherie is known for her ability to streamline systems, inspire teams, and create high-impact workshops that bridge business strategy and personal growth.

Kimberly Hilsabeck - Amadillo Travel Adventures - Owner

Kimberly Hilsabeck - Amadillo Travel Adventures - Owner

Kim Hilsabeck is a seasoned travel advisor and business owner with a rich background in customer service, insurance, and training. As the founder of Armadillo Travel Adventures, she blends her expertise in hospitality and risk management to curate adventurous, personalized travel experiences. With over two decades at USAA in roles ranging from insurance professional to CEO Advocacy Advisor, Kim brings a deep understanding of client relations, compliance, and operational excellence. Her career reflects a commitment to service, strategic leadership, and building lasting client trust across industries.

Phillip Jeter - City of Temple Terrace - Recreation Supervisor

Phillip Jeter - City of Temple Terrace - Recreation Supervisor

Phillip Jeter is a dedicated Recreation and Education professional with a strong background in community engagement, youth development, and program management. As Recreation Supervisor for the City of Temple Terrace since 2016, he oversees recreational programming, facility upgrades, and capital improvement projects while fostering partnerships with local organizations. With prior experience as a Dean of Students and physical education teacher, Phillip brings a well-rounded approach to leadership, mentorship, and team development. He holds a B.S. in Physical Education from the University of South Florida and is committed to building vibrant, inclusive community spaces.

Lady Alisha Martin - Suncoast Credit Union - Vice President of Business & Economic Development

Lady Alisha Martin - Suncoast Credit Union - Vice President of Business & Economic Development

Lady Alisha Martin is a resilient and visionary financial leader known for her dynamic presence and commitment to economic empowerment. With over 20 years in the financial sector, she currently serves as Vice President of Business & Economic Development at Suncoast Credit Union, where she drives strategic growth, member engagement, and innovative financial solutions. An advocate for financial literacy and economic inclusion, Alisha serves on several community boards and supports causes such as the Angel Foundation and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She holds an MBA earned summa cum laude and has completed advanced studies at institutions including Wharton, Stanford, and Yale.

Mae Mckinney - Tampa Early College Academy - Founder/Administrator

Mae Mckinney - Tampa Early College Academy - Founder/Administrator

Dr. Mae McKinney is a seasoned educator and dynamic school leader with over 20 years of experience spanning teaching, counseling, and administration. As the founder and administrator of Tampa Early College Academy, set to launch in Fall 2026, Dr. McKinney is dedicated to expanding access to rigorous, college-preparatory education for underserved communities. She previously served as Principal and Assistant Principal at Valdosta Early College Academy, where she led data-driven strategies to improve student achievement and fostered a strong partnership with Valdosta State University. A National Board Certified School Counselor and recipient of multiple leadership awards, Dr. McKinney holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and is recognized for her passion for building relationships, inspiring growth, and championing equity in education.

Ada Morales - University Area CDC - Director of Prodigy

Ada Morales - University Area CDC - Director of Prodigy

Ada Morales is a seasoned program director with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit administration, specializing in contract execution, data management, and cultural arts programming for at-risk youth. Currently leading a $2M+ initiative across seven Florida counties, she excels in compliance, budgeting, and team leadership. Known for her strategic oversight of data systems and program reporting, Ada has a strong track record of managing complex partnerships and federal audits. Bilingual in Spanish and equipped with advanced technical and legal skills, she brings a results-driven approach to community-focused program delivery.

Candy Persechino - Eye Candy Prints - Owner

Candy Persechino - Eye Candy Prints - Owner

Candy Persechino is a creative entrepreneur and customer-focused branding expert with a passion for helping others shine. As the owner of Eye Candy Prints, she leads a community-focused business specializing in promotional products, custom apparel, and signage tailored to every budget. Known for her exceptional service and fast, reliable turnaround, Candy brings energy and dedication to supporting businesses, schools, and events with standout visual solutions. Her work reflects a deep commitment to making every brand look its best.

Dwayne Peterson - Career Services Director

Dwayne Peterson - Career Services Director

Dwayne Peterson is a nationally recognized educator, he brings extensive experience across key areas of student services including career education, academic advising, housing and residence life, and diversity and multicultural affairs. As a seasoned career development strategist and coach, Dwayne is passionate about empowering individuals to navigate their career journeys and supporting employers in building meaningful campus recruitment strategies.

Marisa Robinson - City of Temple Terrace - Deputy Director for Community Development

Marisa Robinson - City of Temple Terrace - Deputy Director for Community Development

Marisa Robinson is an experienced public sector professional with a strong background in community development, urban planning, and administrative operations. Currently serving as Deputy Director for Community Development with the City of Temple Terrace, she plays a key role in policy implementation, departmental oversight, and public engagement. With prior roles spanning planning coordination and administrative leadership, Marisa brings exceptional organizational skills and a deep understanding of local government processes. A licensed real estate agent with a B.A. in Historic Preservation and Community Planning, she is also an active civic leader, contributing to several local advisory boards and historical initiatives.

Effie Santos - Madi's Movement - Founder & President

Effie Santos - Madi's Movement - Founder & President

Effie Santos brings over 25 years of experience spanning banking, entrepreneurship, and mission-driven leadership. As Founder and President of Madi’s Movement, she champions innovative, community-based solutions for young adults aging out of foster care, building impactful programs in education, employment, and independent living. With a proven track record in strategic fundraising, partnership cultivation, and organizational development, honed through her consultancy, she excels at helping mission-focused organizations grow sustainably. A published author and TEDx speaker, she is a sought-after voice on leadership, resilience, and social impact.

Jennifer Taylor - Tampa Electric - Sr. Key Account Manager

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Jennifer Taylor is a seasoned customer service and project management professional with over two decades of experience across the energy sector, specializing in client relations, strategic planning, and operational leadership. As a Key Account Manager at Tampa Electric Company, she serves as a trusted liaison for commercial and industrial clients, ensuring high-level service delivery, outage coordination, and customer satisfaction. Her career spans engineering, marketing, and business development roles at leading utilities, including Mississippi Power and Alabama Power. Known for her strong relationship-building skills, safety leadership, and mentoring capabilities, Jennifer combines technical expertise with a passion for community engagement, demonstrated by her active participation on numerous boards and industry committees. She holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA, both earned with honors.

Pamela Wendland - USF Credit Union - AVP of Lending

Pamela Wendland - USF Credit Union - AVP of Lending

Pamela Wendland is a strategic and results-driven financial services executive with over 25 years of experience leading high-performance lending and business development teams across commercial, consumer, and mortgage sectors. Currently serving as Assistant Vice President of Lending at USF Credit Union, she brings a strong track record of driving sustainable portfolio growth, optimizing lending operations, and mentoring teams to excellence. Her background spans senior leadership roles, where she led cross-functional innovation in credit risk management, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships. Pamela is recognized for her expertise in underwriting, regulatory compliance, and relationship management, paired with a deep commitment to community engagement through decades of nonprofit board service. Her dynamic leadership style, analytical rigor, and commitment to integrity make her a trusted voice in both the financial and civic sectors.

“The Leadership & Innovation program empowers participants by activating innovative thinking, fostering sustainable practices while imparting comprehensive knowledge of cyber-security threats can undermine our households, businesses and community. From August 2025 into April 2026 the inaugural class will spend fourteen days together. This time has been planned over 8 months, immersed in all of the community industries and experiences while learning from top professionals and leaders in their chosen fields.” – Quote from Deb Prescott