Current Class
Meet the Class of 2026-2027
Angela Torres - City of Temple Terrace - Chief Innovation Officer
Angela Torres - City of Temple Terrace - Chief Innovation Officer
Angela Torres is a municipal operations and innovation professional whose career blends local government, utility billing, customer service leadership, and systems modernization. She currently serves as Chief Innovation Officer for the City of Temple Terrace, where she supports citywide ERP implementation, technology integration, policy and workflow review, and organizational change initiatives. Before this role, Angela led utility billing operations for Temple Terrace and the Town of Plainfield, Indiana, overseeing staff, budgets, software systems, policies, and service delivery improvements. Her earlier experience includes multi-site operations management, where she handled staffing, training, account management, and performance oversight. Angela is known for her practical, systems-focused approach and her talent for turning complex operational challenges into clearer, more effective ways of working.
Eiman Eltinay - Safia Nutrition, LLC - Founder & CEO
Eiman Eltinay - Safia Nutrition, LLC - Founder & CEO
Eiman Eltinay, MPH, MS, is a public health and nutrition professional, researcher, and founder of Safia Nutrition, LLC, where she advances evidence-based nutrition, healthy aging, and chronic disease prevention through strategic consulting and population health initiatives. She holds graduate degrees in Public Health and Nutrition and Dietetics and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) with a focus on preventive care and healthy aging. Drawing on experience across federal, state, academic, and international health systems, Eiman specializes in healthcare quality improvement, infection prevention, workforce development, and evidence-informed decision-making. In addition to leading Safia Nutrition, she serves as an Infection Preventionist, Adjunct Professor, and federal grant reviewer, helping organizations strengthen health outcomes through collaborative leadership, systems thinking, and practical, prevention-focused strategies. Outside of her professional work, Eiman enjoys traveling, hiking, practicing Pilates, and exploring diverse cultures, experiences that continue to inform her commitment to advancing equitable and sustainable public health solutions.
Eric Oliver - Huntington National Bank - Vice President & Branch Manager
Eric Oliver - Huntington National Bank - Vice President & Branch Manager
Eric Oliver is a banking executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning consumer, retail, and business banking. He currently serves as Vice President and Branch Manager with Huntington National Bank, where he leads a team focused on business development, client relationships, deposit growth, and expanding the bank's presence throughout the North Tampa market. Throughout his career, Eric has built a reputation for developing high-performing teams, leading organizational change, and creating strong partnerships that drive business growth and exceptional client service. A certified Small Business Banker through the American Bankers Association, he attended Morehouse College and the University of North Florida. Deeply committed to community leadership, Eric has served in numerous nonprofit and civic roles, including Chairman of the Board for West Florida Foster Care Services, and has supported organizations focused on economic development, education, and community engagement. Outside of work, Eric enjoys golfing, cooking, competitive events, and riding his Harley-Davidson. He is passionate about mentoring others, building meaningful relationships, and creating lasting, positive impacts in the communities he serves.
Jennifer “Jen” Bliefernich- Sunshine Memorials - Founder
Jennifer “Jen” Bliefernich- Sunshine Memorials - Founder
Jennifer “Jen” Bliefernich is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, entrepreneur, and founder of Sunshine Memorials. Her work centers on service, community, and the meaningful ways people preserve memory and honor a life well lived. With backgrounds in Medical Assisting, Mortuary Science, and Funeral Service Management, Jen brings together technical expertise and deep respect for the people, traditions, and stories entrusted to her care. She is committed to building thoughtful services, strong community relationships, and practical solutions that help families feel supported during difficult times. A writer, artist, and lifelong student of language, people, and culture, Jen believes meaningful work begins with paying attention. Guided by curiosity and integrity, she approaches both service and leadership with the understanding that trust is earned through competence, consistency, and care.
Kimberly Pfeifer Smith - Tampa Electric Company - Key Account Manager
Kimberly Pfeifer Smith - Tampa Electric Company - Key Account Manager
Kimberly Pfeifer Smith is a seasoned utility professional with more than 35 years of service at Tampa Electric Company, where she currently serves as a Key Account Manager supporting clients in municipalities, banking, insurance, telecommunications, entertainment, and manufacturing. A graduate of Pensacola Christian College with a BS in Business Administration and a minor in English, Kim began her career as a Commercial Loan Analyst with Sun Bank of Tampa Bay before joining Tampa Electric in 1986. Over the years, she has held roles across Customer Service, Engineering, Billing, and Regulatory, and now works within the Center of Excellence. She has served as a subject matter expert on multiple rate cases and played a key leadership role in Tampa Electric’s transition to a new billing system. Beyond her career, Kim is a devoted community volunteer — actively involved with Meals on Wheels for over a decade, youth ministry, and outreach through First Baptist Church of Plant City. She and her husband Marty live in Dover, Florida with their son Nicholas. Kim’s passion for people and relationship-building defines her work — she views her role as a trusted liaison who advocates for her customers with care.
Logan Foster - AdventHealth Foundation West Florida - Foundation Coordinator
Logan Foster - AdventHealth Foundation West Florida - Foundation Coordinator
Logan Foster is a nonprofit development professional who serves as Foundation Coordinator for AdventHealth Foundation West Florida, supporting fundraising initiatives that advance critical healthcare programs across AdventHealth Tampa, AdventHealth Carrollwood, and AdventHealth Connerton. A Tampa Bay native, Logan earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Florida before returning home to build his career in community engagement and philanthropy. His work focuses on connecting donors, corporate partners, and community members with meaningful opportunities to support patients, families, and the future of healthcare throughout the region. Known for his collaborative approach and passion for relationship-building, Logan believes philanthropy is rooted in gratitude and creating lasting connections that make a meaningful difference. Outside of work, he enjoys cheering on the Florida Gators and staying actively involved in the Tampa Bay community.
Maxon Victor - The Skills Center - Strategic Partners and Special Initiatives Lead
Maxon Victor - The Skills Center - Strategic Partners and Special Initiatives Lead
Maxon Victor earned his bachelor’s in communication from USF, where he made history in 2005 as the first Haitian-American Student Body President and Trustee and founded Stampede of Service, now USF’s largest ongoing service project. He later earned his MBA from the University of Phoenix. Since 2007, Maxon has worked as a Program Manager and Mentor for opportunity youth through the Prodigy Cultural Arts Program, Centre for Girls, Youth Advocate Program, Boys & Girls Club, and National Youth Advocate Program. His mentorship has reached underserved communities including the University Area, East Tampa, Lacoochee, and West Tampa, providing guidance and resources to uplift young lives. Currently, Maxon serves as the Strategic Partners and Special Initiatives Lead for The Skills Center, where he continues fostering meaningful partnerships between the organization and the greater community. Above all, Maxon takes his greatest pride in being a father to his two daughters, ages 7 and 4, ensuring that his legacy of leadership, service, and cultural pride carries into the next generation.
MD Sabbir Hossain - Children's Board Family Resource Center - Center Manager
MD Sabbir Hossain - Children's Board Family Resource Center - Center Manager
MD Sabbir Hossain is a Bangladeshi community development and humanitarian professional with more than 12 years of experience leading nonprofit initiatives, project management, and emergency response efforts. Originally from Noakhali, Bangladesh, he holds a bachelor's degree in Finance and Banking and a master's degree in Peace, Conflict, and Human Rights, and is currently pursuing a second master's degree in Public Administration. Sabbir has extensive experience supporting humanitarian operations, including more than five years with the Association for Aid and Relief, Japan, where he served as Acting Office Representative in the world's largest refugee settlement. His career also includes experience in the private sector as a Customer Manager, providing him with a well-rounded perspective on leadership, operations, and stakeholder engagement. Passionate about humanitarian service, Sabbir is committed to building partnerships and advancing sustainable solutions that strengthen vulnerable communities and create lasting, positive impact.
Nadine Livingston - Hillsborough County Public Schools - District Resource Teacher
Nadine Livingston - Hillsborough County Public Schools - District Resource Teacher
Nadine Livingston is a dedicated educator with 25 years of service at Hillsborough County Public Schools. Her career includes 10 years as a classroom teacher, 5 years as a Peer Evaluator, and 5 years mentoring new teachers during their first three years of service. For the past 5 years, she has served as a District Resource Teacher with the Office of Community Schools, supporting initiatives that strengthen partnerships between schools and the neighborhoods they serve. Nadine holds an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Leadership from Walden University. She is committed to leveraging her experience and education to develop innovative resources that support community members and to expand her leadership impact across the Tampa Bay area.
Noelle Rodriguez - Suncoast Credit Union - Supervisor of Business Development
Noelle Rodriguez - Suncoast Credit Union - Supervisor of Business Development
Noelle Rodriguez is the Supervisor of Business Development at Suncoast Credit Union, where she is passionate about building meaningful partnerships that strengthen communities and improve the financial well-being of individuals and organizations across Florida. In her role, she leads initiatives focused on business development, workplace banking, financial education, and community engagement. Before joining Suncoast, Noelle spent nearly a decade as a special education teacher — an experience that shaped her servant leadership style and deep commitment to helping others succeed. Her background in education continues to influence her approach to coaching, relationship-building, and empowering people through financial literacy. Noelle believes strong communities are built through collaboration, education, and service. Whether partnering with local businesses, schools, nonprofits, or community organizations, she is dedicated to creating lasting relationships that make a positive impact, and she is proud to represent Suncoast Credit Union’s mission of improving the lives of its members and the communities it serves.
Ronald "Ron" Bradford - Prodigy Cultural Arts at the University Area CDC - Director of Education
Ronald "Ron" Bradford - Prodigy Cultural Arts at the University Area CDC - Director of Education
Ronald "Ron" Bradford serves as the Deputy Director of Education for Prodigy Cultural Arts at the University Area CDC — a youth prevention program that provides life-skills-infused visual and performing arts education to help young people succeed. With more than 24 years of experience across nonprofits, community development, and government, Ron has served with respected organizations including the CDC of Tampa, Inc., the YMCA, and the Atlanta Regional Commission. He is also deeply rooted in faith, serving as a deacon at Mission Hill Church since 2016 and as deacon chairman from 2020 to 2026, while also teaching and serving on the Prayer Team. Ron earned his Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Education from Florida A&M University and completed graduate coursework toward a Master of Public Administration at Clark Atlanta University. As an active member of the FAMU Alumni Association’s Tampa Chapter, he supports fundraising efforts for student scholarships. Ron has been married for 28 years and has two sons. He enjoys reading, meeting new people, and leadership development.
Sam Dumeus - Suncoast Credit Union - Senior Service Center Manager
Sam Dumeus - Suncoast Credit Union - Senior Service Center Manager
Samantha Dumeus is a Senior Service Center Manager with over 13 years of experience at Suncoast Credit Union. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about developing people, building strong teams, and creating meaningful impact in the communities she serves. She currently leads a team of professionals while supporting regional initiatives focused on operational excellence, audit readiness, and member experience. Outside of her professional role, Samantha is a wife, mother of six, faith-driven leader, and active volunteer in her church and community. She is passionate about leadership development, innovation, financial empowerment, and creating opportunities for others to succeed. As a participant in the Leadership & Innovation Program, she looks forward to expanding her perspective, strengthening community connections, and growing as a leader who inspires positive change throughout the Tampa Bay region.
Savanna Thompson - ECHO - Director of Advancement
Savanna Thompson - ECHO - Director of Advancement
Savanna Thompson’s path into advocacy began at age 15, when she watched her mother return in tears from applying for SNAP assistance, saying, “They treated me like I was a failure. I just need some help right now.” That moment sparked Savanna’s lifelong commitment to dignity-centered service and to building systems that empower rather than shame. Savanna earned her B.A. in Communication (PR concentration, Sociology minor) from Geneva College in 2018, where she worked in Athletic Communications, volunteered at a soup kitchen, and mentored local students. She joined ECHO in 2019, serving Eastern Hillsborough County residents in crisis through emergency food, clothing, and stabilization programs. Over seven years, she has held roles including Development Manager, Brandon and Riverview Center Director, Emergency Services Director, and Advocacy Director — strengthening processes and community partnerships along the way. Now Director of Advancement, Savanna leads strategic growth initiatives and is spearheading the launch of ECHO’s third resource center in Thonotosassa.
Tatanisha Dixon - Kuma Plumbing & Drain - Director of Business Development
Tatanisha Dixon - Kuma Plumbing & Drain - Director of Business Development
Tatanisha Dixon is a holistic registered nurse and licensed massage therapist with over 20 years of healthcare experience. Throughout her career, she has served in clinical, administrative, and supervisory roles, providing compassionate, patient-centered care while leading teams and supporting quality healthcare delivery. In addition to her healthcare career, Tatanisha serves as the Director of Business Development for Kuma Plumbing & Drain, where she focuses on strategic growth, cultivating community partnerships, and building lasting professional relationships. She enjoys connecting with others, developing creative solutions, and helping individuals and organizations achieve their goals through collaboration, education, and service. Tatanisha is committed to making a positive impact in her community and believes that strong relationships are the foundation of lasting success.
Ursula Yates - U.S. Army Retired / Tupperware - Business Owner
Ursula Yates - U.S. Army Retired / Tupperware - Business Owner
Ursula Yates is a native of Detroit, Michigan, and the youngest of two children. After graduating high school in 1981, her desire to travel, see the world, and earn an education led her to join the US Army. Over a 22-year military career, she served in Germany, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Belize, along with posts across the United States. Following her Army service, she spent 24 years with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office before retiring. Ursula holds master’s degrees in business and human resources and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, all from Florida Metropolitan University in Tampa. In retirement, she remains active in the community, volunteering with Toys for Tots alongside the US Marine Corps, Habitat for Humanity, and homeless meal programs. She is a member of the Uptown Chamber of Commerce of Temple Terrace, Toastmasters International District 48, and Black Women’s Business Owners Executives and Entrepreneurs, and she is active in the Masonic order as an Eastern Star and a Daughter of the Shriners. Ursula and her husband Dolan have been married for 22 years and share three children, ten grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Veronica Maxwell - USF Osher Lifelong Learning Institute - Director
Veronica Maxwell - USF Osher Lifelong Learning Institute - Director
Veronica Maxwell serves as the new director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at USF. She comes to USF from Hillsborough County Aging Services, where she spent seven years as senior program coordinator for nutrition and wellness, supporting the county’s senior centers. “I am excited to be working with the committed OLLI-USF members, volunteers and staff to help guide the organization’s programs and expansion,” Maxwell shared. She previously served as a teacher in Hillsborough County Public Schools and has been an active volunteer with community organizations serving older adults. In addition to her bachelor’s degree, Veronica holds a master’s in science education with a focus on instructional leadership. She is currently a doctoral student in curriculum and instruction at the USF College of Education and recently received the Dr. Kathryn Hyer Supervisor Award from the School of Aging Studies. Veronica married her high school sweetheart, and together they are raising three sons. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the movies, shopping, and playing games.
Yasmine Gardiner - ClearSet.AI - Founder
Yasmine Gardiner - ClearSet.AI - Founder
Yasmine Gardiner founded ClearSet.AI with a vision to become the first woman-owned software engineering venture studio and AI consulting firm. With several years of experience in data science and artificial intelligence, she has made an impact across large corporations, startups, and federal agencies — working as a machine learning engineer operations expert, senior data scientist, lead data engineer, and business intelligence and data analyst. She currently serves as the Director of Data Science on the board at Electus Global Education. Yasmine is also actively involved in her community, serving on the boards of two nonprofits: Oasis Opportunities and Inside Reach Ministries. Her work has earned wide recognition, including a 2025 Caribbean Excellence Award nomination, 2023 and 2024 40 Under 40 honors from the Tampa Club, and a 2024 Startup of the Year in AI and Automation nomination by HackerNoon. She has been featured in Tampa Bay Inno, 10 Tampa Bay, Voyage Tampa, Tampa Bay Times, ABC Action News, and Tampa Bay Connects magazine as the “Rising Star in Tech.” Most recently, she was honored with the 2026 Influential Women badge by the Influential Women’s Association.
“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
Thank you to our Founders & Sponsors!
