Tampa Bay Business Women Awards 2023: Avril Walker Stinson

Avril Walker Stinson is senior director of the Minority Business Accelerator and economic inclusion at the Tampa Bay Chamber. 

She is currently a member of Leadership Tampa, class of 2023, and serves, and has served on, numerous local boards and community organizations’ task forces and special committees including The Florida Business Development Corporation, The Junior League of Tampa, The Tampa Museum of Art, Hillsborough Community College’s Art Gallery and Synapse Summit’s Impact Board. She is a founding member of the Synapse Inclusion Lives Here Committee.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL MOMENT?

In my current role, with the Tampa Bay Chamber, I am extremely proud of the direct impact my work and leadership is having on our Economic Inclusion initiatives. I have been overwhelmed with the level of support from our Chamber members who volunteer their time, talents and treasure to make sure this program is as scalable, and sustainable, as we are trying to help the companies achieve.

The Minority Business Accelerator is a program of the Tampa Bay Chamber Foundation, designed to aid Black and Hispanic businesses prepare for growth. The MBA helps these businesses identify and overcome barriers, which often include limited access to capital, key decision makers and information. By providing practical tools for change, program participants are positioned to increase capacity, create jobs and build wealth.

During conversations with participants, survey feedback and tracking quarterly metrics, for 2 years, I get to support these groups of entrepreneurs, as well as the volunteers who help guide them and hold them accountable. We are changing lives for the better, the participants, their employees, families and our own.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHAT HAVE THEY TAUGHT YOU?

My greatest mentor is a compilation of all the incredible people I have met through the years. I love meeting new people and learning about them and from them. I have incredible mentors I meet with regularly that push me, yet remind me, to rest and practice self-care.

I also have incredible sponsors. Which is different than my mentors. My sponsors make the effort and take the time to make sure I have a seat at the table, which enables me to put into practice what I learn. Innovating my life, in turn helping me innovate the lives of others.

 

 

You May Also Like
CEO Connect Recap: How John Mejia builds up his team and the community inTampa Bay

John Mejia is the chief executive officer of his family-owned business, Mega Service Solutions, in Tampa, which was founded by his father, Eddie Mejia. Since taking the helm, he has

Read More
Scenes from CEO Connect with Oscar Horton (PHOTOS & VIDEO)

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth held its December CEO Connect with Oscar Horton, CEO of Sun State International Trucks and Horton Holdings. The event was sponsored by The Bank of

Read More
CEO Connect recap with Kelly Boyd-Rivera

Cadmus Dental Lab is a creator of dental prosthetics and plans to increase its space with a new lease, expand its staff over the next three years and move into

Read More
On the Scene: LLS Light the Night Walk (PHOTOS)

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Tampa held its 2024 Light The Night VIP Reception at Raymond James Stadium, in Tampa.  

Read More
Other Posts
Scenes from CEO Connect with John Mejia (PHOTOS & VIDEO)

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth held its November CEO Connect with John Mejia, CEO of Mega Service Solutions, in Tampa. The event was held at the Spiral Staircase, in Tampa.

Read More
TBBW announces winners of the 2024 Philanthropists of the Year Awards (PHOTOS)

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth held its 4th annual Philanthropists of the Year Awards at the Armature Works, in Tampa. Winners and photos below. Nearly 300 people gathered to honor

Read More
On the Scene: Leadership Tampa Bay 2025 Kick-off Reception (PHOTOS)

Leadership Tampa Bay celebrated its incoming class of 2025 with its annual Kick-Off Reception at the Westshore Grand, in Tampa. 

Read More
Leadership-tampa-bay-class
Scenes from CEO Connect with Kelly Boyd-Rivera (PHOTOS & VIDEO)

Tampa Bay Business and Wealth held its October CEO Connect with Kelly Boyd-Rivera, founder and CEO of Cadmus Dental Labs, in Tampa. The event was held at the University Club,

Read More