It's a tradition dating back more than a decade, the Deanne Dewey Roberts Emerging Leader Award has recognized young professionals whose leadership has made a positive impact on Hillsborough County. The honor is awarded by the Tampa Bay Chamber's Emerging Leaders program for young professionals 21 - 35 years old, a special honor established in memory of Deanne Dewey Roberts, the extraordinary business leader, graduate of Leadership Tampa, and Chamber member who helped create Emerge in 2004.
August 15 is the deadline to submit nominations! Click to access Online Application.
In 2023, Antoine B. Richards was the winner of the 12th winner in the award’s history. Richards, Chief of Staff of the Institute for Diversity & Inclusion in Emergency Management was overseas when he received the news he had won! Attending a work conference in the United Arab Emirates, Richards was notified via long, very long, distance! Read his story!
Award Criteria
Recognition criteria that should be considered:
- Character (Reflects moral and ethical integrity)
- Community Involvement (Involved in community service, whether civic, cultural, economic, charitable, recreational or educational)
- Initiative/Tenacity (Shows persistence, determination, perseverance, action and implementation)
- Leadership (Demonstrates the ability to lead in his/her business & community)
- Professional Accomplishments (Shows achievement through measurable results; demonstrates career achievement)
- Selflessness (Offers personal sacrifice, generosity, philanthropy and social conscience)
- Vision (Foresight, direction, creativity and resourcefulness while actively fostering a diverse and inclusive business community)
- Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay involvement (Please explain candidate’s involvement in Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay and what role this program has played in his/her life)
Conditions
- The nominee must be a current Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay Member.
- Nominees may not nominate themselves.
- The current Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay Program Chair and Vice Chair are ineligible for this award.
- Current elected officials or declared candidates running for public office are not eligible.
- This award will not be given posthumously.