Exclusive: Girl Scouts to honor six local leaders at 2025 Women of Distinction

The Girl Scouts of West Central Florida has named six women as honorees for its 33rd annual Women of Distinction Luncheon, scheduled for March 12, 2025, at Armature Works, in Tampa.

This year’s Women of Distinction include Dr. Kanika Tomalin, chief executive officer of the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg; The Honorable Kathryn Starkey, chair of the Pasco County Board of Commissioners; Joyce Cotton, director of marketing and community partnerships at WEDU PBS; and Ann Shaler, market executive at Bank of America.

Mattie Velasco, a behavioral health professional specializing in trauma-informed care, was named Woman of Promise, recognizing exceptional women under 40. The organization will also induct Maruchi Azorin, founder and owner of Villa Rosa Distinctive Linens, into its Hall of Fame. Azorin was originally honored in 2010.

“These honorees inspire our Girl Scouts with their achievements and dedication to the community,” said Mary Pat King, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. “Their leadership exemplifies the values we strive to instill in young women.”

The event coincides with Women’s History Month and is the Girl Scouts’ only annual fundraising initiative. Event sponsors include Publix Super Markets Charities, BayCare Health System and Tampa General Hospital.

You May Also Like
The Halo effect: Finding light in the dark

Few people know what it is to overcome adversity better than Ryann Halo, who found success as a salon owner and business mentor, despite a childhood that feels ripped straight

Read More
Yvette Tremonti named system chief financial officer of City of Hope

Yvette Tremonti has been named system chief financial officer of City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States. The national network of

Read More
The founders of BKS Partners are empowering the next generation to take hold

Laura Sherman, Lowry Baldwin and Elizabeth Krystyn never thought they’d end up in the insurance industry, yet their unique paths brought them together to co-found Baldwin, Krystyn, Sherman (BKS) Partners,

Read More
Black English Bookstore: A women-owned Tampa Heights gem

Curated. If there’s one word you had to pick to describe the Black English Bookstore – curated would be it. Nestled in Tampa Heights the beautiful, independent bookstore is owned

Read More
Other Posts
Visit Tampa Bay brings local art to global stage as sponsor of London Art Fair

Tampa Bay’s artistic talent will take center stage at the 2025 London Art Fair, with Visit Tampa Bay serving as the event’s exclusive, Destination Sponsor. Local artist Ya La’ford will

Read More
visit-tampabay-london
Marina Pointe tower reaches sold-out status with $3.1 million penthouse

Marina Pointe, a luxury condominium development in Tampa Bay, has sold out all units in its first residential tower, with the final sale of a 3,300-square-foot penthouse, closing at $3.1

Read More
How Bianca Burrows expanded her art scene in a unique way 

Custom art is one of those luxuries, sometimes small and sometimes large, but always meaningful. BB Art’s custom, handmade bottles are often described as “the gift for the person who has

Read More
bianca-burrows-art
Bake More Pies adds industry veteran as chief marketing officer

Bake More Pies, a Tampa-based digital marketing agency, has appointed David Capece as its chief marketing officer. According to a statement, the move is part of the agency’s effort to

Read More