Name: Denise Young
LT Class Year: 2003
Company Name: Young BD Group, LLC
Interviewed by: Laura Frost
-
Tell us, why LTA?
LTA is as relevant today as it was in 2003. Our relationship capital is one of the most important assets gained from the program.
-
For you, what separates LTA from other business leadership programs?
The consistency of improvement. The leadership within the program is always evolving with current issues and growth in our communities. Always re-energizing each class. Not easy to do.
-
Describe a time when the LTA experience impacted your life or career?
Who was in our class is not to be overlooked. Serious community leaders who are still engaged is an impact that continues in both my life and career. Ron Christaldi, Irene Guy, Ernest Hooper, Rob Stern, Troy Manthey, Holly Garcia to name a few.
Our class project renovating Giddens Park in Tampa was a collective effort of which we were all very proud as we played a vital role in the initial planning and upgrades for Giddens Park. Giddens Park, located in Southeast Seminole Heights, was one of the first parks designated for improvement as part of the Mayor's Beautification Program and its Greenprinting Initiative in 2003. The renovations were a collaborative effort involving Leadership Tampa, the City of Tampa, the F.E. Lykes Foundation, and the Southeast Seminole Heights Civic Association.
-
What is a LTA benefit you wish everyone knew about?
I want everyone to know the benefit of getting to know your classmates for a time that lasts longer than the time in the program.
-
Describe how the leadership journey will continue to shape you?
The leadership journey has morphed into a mentorship process with other classes or Chamber members considering the program. It will continue to shape me with advocating for getting and staying involved.
Fun Facts About You/Local Knowledge:
-
What did you do on summer vacation? I went to Paris with my sister!
-
Latest movie, book, streaming series or a combination? I just watched Running Point on Netflix and am reading Walking With Sam by Andrew McCarthy.
-
Favorite spot to meet friends/colleagues for coffee, lunch or happy hour. In Tampa: Mise en Place for drinks/dinner-moving soon to Ybor!; Boulon for lunch, Oxford Exchange for breakfast. I just had dinner at Rocca and it was outstanding. When meeting across the bay…Lottie, the French patisserie in the lobby of the Vinoy for coffee and Bonu’ Taverna Italiana for lunch/happy hour!
-
For staycation in Tampa Bay, you like to……spend as much time as possible with my 2 1/2 year old grandson. Catch a show at The Straz.
-
When out-of-town guests are visiting, you plan….visits to The Tampa Museum of Art, a couple of galleries and dinner at Ulele. Entertaining at home.
-
Any hidden treasures/recent discoveries you’d like to share?! After my trip to Paris- I have to say, we have made huge strides with art and culture over the last 20 years and I look forward to more of it. The food scene has changed dramatically too.
-
Any upcoming initiatives/passion projects you want us to know about? I am on the board of the St.Petersburg Downtown Partnership and we have a few working groups just forming for Urban Development and a Clean and Safe Program. I also am the board chair for Pace Center for Girls and we are hosting a golf tournament in November!