Name: Dr. Sarah Combs
LT Class Year: 2012
Company Name: University Area Community Development Corporation (CDC)
Interviewed by: Laura Frost and Staci Miller
Laura and Stacy met Sarah at her favorite meeting spot, Pho Quyen on Fowler, for a quick visit over delicious vegetable pho! We needed Judge Tom to take our selfie! When asked what she’s most excited about (besides her upcoming Alaskan cruise with family), Sarah beamed with pride about the University Area CDC’s creation of Harvest Hope Park for Uptown residents, and the success of a land bank program to safely transform brownfields into community assets. She’s currently an advisory board member of the USF Nault Center of Entrepreneurship, an active USF Muma College of Business, DBA Class of ‘22 Alumna, and on the Board of Directors and Policy Committee for the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. The common thread running through all of Sarah’s community/leadership involvement is LTA.
- Tell us, why LTA?
I joined the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce Leadership Tampa Alumni for several compelling reasons:
- Networking and Collaboration: By joining the Leadership Tampa Alumni, I sought to connect with other influential leaders in the Tampa Bay area. This network provides opportunities for collaboration, sharing best practices, and building partnerships that can benefit the UACDC and the community we serve.
- Community Engagement: Being part of this prestigious group allows me to stay engaged with key community issues and initiatives. The Leadership Tampa Alumni offers a platform to participate in discussions and activities that shape the future of the Tampa Bay region, aligning with my commitment to community development.
- Professional Development: The Leadership Tampa program and its alumni network offer continuous learning opportunities. I value professional growth and the chance to gain new insights and skills from fellow alumni who come from diverse industries and backgrounds.
- Advocacy and Influence: Joining the Leadership Tampa Alumni enables me to advocate for the needs and interests of the University Area community more effectively. Through this influential group, I can contribute to policy discussions and decision-making processes that impact the broader Tampa Bay area.
- Visibility and Support for UACDC: Membership in the Leadership Tampa Alumni helps increase the visibility of UACDC's work and mission. It provides a platform to showcase the organization's successes, attract support, and garner resources necessary for our initiatives.
- Leadership and Mentorship: As an experienced leader, I see the value in both learning from others and mentoring emerging leaders. The Leadership Tampa Alumni network offers a space for exchanging knowledge, mentoring, and fostering leadership development across the community.
By joining the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce Leadership Tampa Alumni, I am able to align my professional endeavors with my passion for community enhancement, leveraging this network to further our mission of driving positive change in the University Area and beyond.
- For you, what separates LTA from other business leadership programs?
What separates LTA from other business leadership programs is its comprehensive network, strong community focus, continuous engagement, emphasis on leadership development, influence and advocacy opportunities, reputation and prestige, supportive environment, and tailored programming. These elements combine to create a dynamic and impactful experience that empowers members to lead effectively and make meaningful contributions to their community.
- Describe a time when the LTA experience impacted your life or career?
A significant time when the Leadership Tampa Alumni (LTA) experience impacted my life and career was during a community initiative we spearheaded to address affordable housing challenges in the Tampa Bay area. As a member of LTA, I was part of a task force focused on identifying and implementing solutions to critical community issues. During one of our brainstorming sessions, we recognized the urgent need for affordable housing and decided to collaborate on a project that would bring tangible benefits to low-income families.
Our team comprised diverse professionals from various sectors, including real estate, finance, social services, and local government. This diversity brought a wealth of perspectives and expertise to the table. We began by conducting extensive research, gathering data on housing needs, and identifying potential partners and resources.
The success of this project boosted my credibility and visibility as a leader in community development. It opened doors to new opportunities, including invitations to speak at conferences, join advisory boards, and lead additional community initiatives.
In summary, the LTA experience during this affordable housing project profoundly impacted my life and career. It provided a platform for meaningful action, facilitated personal and professional growth, and reinforced the power of collaborative, community-focused leadership.
- What is a LTA benefit you wish everyone knew about?
One benefit of the Leadership Tampa Alumni (LTA) network that I wish everyone knew about is the unparalleled access to a diverse and influential network of leaders. This benefit goes beyond simple networking; it creates a robust ecosystem of support, collaboration, and opportunity that can significantly enhance both personal and professional growth.
- Describe how the leadership journey will continue to shape you?
Leadership is an ever-evolving field, and I am committed to lifelong learning. Engaging in leadership programs, attending seminars, and staying updated with the latest research will help me grow intellectually and adapt to new challenges. My leadership journey is deeply tied to community empowerment. By continuing to engage with and listen to the needs of the communities I serve, I can develop initiatives that genuinely uplift and transform lives.
Fun Facts About You/Local Knowledge:
- Latest movie, book, streaming series or a combination? We’re All in the Together by Mike Robbins – my staff and I are reading this together at University Area CDC.
- Favorite spot to meet friends/colleagues for coffee, lunch or happy hour----- The University Area Community has some of the BEST restaurants in Tampa Bay. My favorite lunch spot for Vegetable Pho is Pho Quyen located on Fowler Avenue. I pick this up for lunch once a week and it is delish!
- For staycation in Tampa Bay, you like to…… go to Longboat Key every year with my family.
- When out-of-town guests are visiting, you plan…. A trip to the beach, lunch or dinner at the Columbia and a visit to Waterstreet/Channelside so they can see all the new developments happening in Tampa.
- Any hidden treasures/recent discoveries you’d like to share?! All of the great new murals and creative placemaking projects happening in the University Area Community. Our Uptown Artists Collective has a number of new projects coming soon - be on the lookout!
- Any upcoming initiatives/passion projects we need to know about? I would love to share with all LTA members more about our Cultural Campus development, it is an amazing multi-use development happening across the street from our Harvest Hope Park. Contact me to learn more!