2025 Impact Report
Collegiate Leadership prepares a diverse group of student leaders to have a positive impact on their future communities while they learn extensively about what makes Tampa Bay a favored place to live and work. Through experiential learning, students explore careers in the nonprofit, private, public, and philanthropic sectors. The program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to develop their professional lives and build a future as engaged Tampa Bay citizens through interactive and collaborative activities.
The 2025 class was made up of 29 students representing Saint Leo University, The University of South Florida, and The University of Tampa who have demonstrated leadership within their campus community, as well as academic success.
100%
Collegiate Leadership enhanced my ability to understand my personal strengths and leadership styles.
96%
Collegiate Leadership enhanced my ability to build bridges by linking people and information across groups and networks.
100%
Collegiate Leadership enhanced my ability to understand issues and assets within Tampa Bay.
100%
Collegiate Leadership enhanced my ability to explore various career pathways in the private, nonprofit, and public sectors.
79%
Are planning on staying in Tampa Bay after graduation.
83%
Said CLTB influenced their decision to stay in Tampa after graduation.
Student Feedback
Collegiate Leadership Tampa Bay has truly deepened my sense of civic responsibility and helped me forge lasting connections that continue to influence my personal and professional growth.
– Ryann Dunn, Saint Leo University
I have seen a lot of growth in my own professionalism as a result of this program. Whether it is the way that I present myself or the way that I connect with others, I have learned a lot about how to be comfortable in a professional setting.
– Lukasz Korbich, The University of Tampa
I have gained a lot more confidence in my ability to lead and in my networking skills. This experience has taught me what being a true leader is about; it is not about a title or how high you are on the call sheet; it is about what you can do for others.
– Karen Medina, University of South Florida
The 2025 Class
Saint Leo University
- Taliyah Cooper – Biomedical Health Sciences
- Caroline Dillon – Biomedical Sciences
- Tyler Drone - Marketing
- Ryann Dunn – International Studies
- Hadassa Ferreira – International Studies
- Abby Fortuna – Sports Business
- James-Evan Gagliano - Cybersecurity
- Jaeden Johnson - Accounting
- Tamar Olguin – Clinical Psychology
- Walter Sawyer – Computer Science
- Dejuan Wilson – Biomedical Health Sciences
The University of Tampa
- Anthony Dellomo - Accounting
- Emma Johnston – International Business
- Lukasz Korbich – Sports Management
- Kassandra Mueller – Management Information Systems
- Gabriella Scott – Communications
- Anthony Torrelli – Nursing
- Ryleigh Wenker – Allied Health Medical Science
University of South Florida
- Anam Ahmed – Cybersecurity
- Diego Andriani – Mechanical Engineering
- Lara Cavallieri – Integrated Public Relations
- Jenna Epright – Political Science
- Ahmad Everett – Business Analytics and Information Systems
- Angelina Leto - Marketing
- Karen Medina – Political Science
- Isaiah Parris – Industrial Engineering
- Isabela Piana – Business Analytics and Information Systems
- Leno Planincheck – Electrical Engineering
- Giovanna Siega – Integrated Public Relations
Program Days
Opening Session
To lay the groundwork for Collegiate Leadership Tampa Bay participants while building relationships and setting the purpose for our journey.
Government | Legal | Real Estate
Speakers
- Amanda Uliano, Law Office of Amanda M. Uliano, P.A.
- Emma Tomlin, Tomlin St. Cyr Real Estate Services
- Nzinga Barnette, Tampa Bay Chamber
- Craig Latimer, Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections
- Judge Monique Scott, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit
- Elba Martin, Second District Court of Appeal
- Tyler Hudson, Gardener Brewer Hudson
- Valeria Obi, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida
- Ashley James, Cushman & Wakefield
- Mitch Allen, Tampa Bay EDC
- John Pugh, Pugh Investments
- Darren Wilson, Tampa Property Group
- Stacy Miller, BayView Financial Planning
Locations
- Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections
- Hillsborough County Courthouse
- Cushman & Wakefield
Entrepreneurship | Tech | Insurance | Banking
Speakers
- Keith O’Malley, USAA
- Patrick Arends, First Citizens Bank
- Demmeri Gallon, Bank of America
- Gretchen Whalen, CLA
- Alex Airgood, Bank of America
- Derek Holstein, Merril
- Marlon Skyers, Powernet Co.
- Tanja Omeragic, ConnectWise
- Liz Ho-Sing-Loy, Embarc Collective
- Gina DiLello, A Plus Staffing Solutions
- Christine Sesser, USAA
- Kristin Herelle, USAA
Locations
- Bank of America
- Embarc Collective
- USAA
Transportation | Infrastructure | Sustainability
Speakers
- Alexis Black, City of Tampa
- Ally Puckett, The Beck Group
- Rodney Kite-Powell, Tampa Bay History Center
- Ryan Toth, The Beck Group
- Chris Claytor, The Beck Group
- Trevor Lamphier, The Beck Group
- Karl Strauch, Tampa Port Authority
- Sierra LePore, Hillsborough County Aviation Authority
- Keisha Pickett-Boyd, Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority
- Kirk Neal, Carnival Cruise Line
- Tristin Ware, Florida Aquarium
- Shelby Lewis, City of Tampa
- Edgar Castro Tello, City of Tampa
Locations
- Tampa History Center
- Port Tampa Bay
- Florida Aquarium
Healthcare | Mental Health
Speakers
- Jasmine Nicholas, St. Anthony’s Hospital
- Tina James, Florida Blue
- Randi Perez, Florida Blue
- Phillip Lee, Florida Blue
- Lidia Rodriguez, Florida Blue
- Randall Wood, Florida Blue
- Andre Curry, Florida Blue
- Brandon Hudspeth, Florida Blue
- Ken Gibson, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
- Amanda Carson, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
- Issam El Naqa, Moffitt
- Joshua Dyachim, BayCare
- Kevin Sneed, USF Taneja College of Pharmacy
- Nicole Gitney, BayCare
- Jennifer Gavin-Lefort, Baycare
- Scott Minniear, NeuX Technologies
- Nikki Diaz-White, St. Joseph’s Hospital
- Ryan Becker-Sikes
Locations
- USF College of Pharmacy
- Joseph’s Hospital
Military | First Responders
Speakers
- CMSgt Heather Bragdon, MacDill AFB
- Chief Ruth Cate, Tampa Police Department
- Major Eric DeFelice, Tampa Police Department
- Corporal Jared Douds, Tampa Police Department
- Colonel Matthews, Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron
- SMSgt Shannon Crosby, MacDill AFB
- Major Jeff Grove, MacDill AFB
- MSgt Terra Stinnett, MacDill AFB
- SMSgt Susan Libertz
Locations
- MacDill Air Force Base
- Tampa Fire & Police Training Center
Arts | Entertainment | Sports
Speakers
- JL Bielon, ZooTampa
- Baillee Schott, Yacht StarShip & Craft
- Summer Bohenkamp, Straz Center
- Karla Harley, Stageworks
- Kevin Preast, Vinik Sports Group
- Jil Witecki, Tampa Theater
- Ernest Hooper, United Way Suncoast
- Desiree Phelps, Tampa Bay Sun FC
- Jason Aughey, Tampa Bay Sports Commission
- Lakisha Sharpe, Vinik Sports Group
- Rodney Kite-Powell, Tampa Bay History Center
- Savannah Burkholder, ZooTampa
- Molly Lippincott, ZooTampa
- Kelli Meyers, ZooTampa
- Kerrie Blankenship, ZooTampa
Locations
- Stageworks Theatre
- Amalie Arena
- Tampa Bay History Center
- Zoo Tampa
Closing Session/Graduation Ceremony
Objective
To provide class members with an understanding of future involvement in Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay and other Chamber opportunities as well as determine the next steps in their leadership journeys. Each student receives a complimentary Emerging Leaders membership after they graduate.