Tampa Bay Business & Wealth has announced the finalists for its 2026 Women Who Win Awards, drawing from nearly 200 nominations across industries that are shaping Tampa Bay’s economy and civic life.
The finalists reflect the breadth of leadership driving the region forward, spanning finance, health care, real estate, technology, nonprofits and entrepreneurship.
Together, they represent companies and institutions navigating growth, scale and community impact in a rapidly evolving market.
Each finalist completed a required nomination packet, which was reviewed during a judging session led by an independent panel.
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The judging panel brought perspectives from health care, economic development and business operations.
Judges included Joanne Sullivan, assistant vice president of community engagement at USF Health, Brooke Mirenda, president and CEO of the Sunshine State Economic Development Corporation and John Mejia, CEO of Mega Service Solutions.
“As a judge, I was impressed by the depth and accomplishment of the finalists presented to us,” Sullivan said. “Selecting finalists from so many strong applications was challenging. We ultimately identified an outstanding group of honorees. The process was energizing and reinforced the strength of professional women across the Tampa Bay area.”
The 2026 Women Who Win Awards Gala will be held April 17 at The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club. The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by a seated dinner at 7:00 p.m. The event is black tie.
Finalists for the 2026 Women Who Win Awards are listed below by category.
Business Services
- Katie Mahoney, Director of Marketing, Port Tampa Bay
- Kelly Flannery, CEO and President, South Tampa Chamber
- Misty Carson, Business Development Executive, OneDigital
- Valerie St. Martin, Director of Architecture, TomCo Solutions Inc
Entrepreneurs
- Kelly Boyd-Rivera, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Cadmus Dental Lab
- Melissa Glossup, President and CEO, PDI Connection
- Tamara Galla, CEO, Safety Biometrics
Financial Services
- Gwynn Davey, President, Tampa Bay Region, ServisFirst Bank
- Paula Woodring, CEO and Founder, Reltco
- Tarneisha Peters, Regional Director, West Florida, BBIF Capital Inc
Health and Wellness
- Ano Kashumba, Executive Director, Pioneer Medical Fondation
- Kayth Sanchez, Senior Readiness and Personnel Operations and Holistic Coach, Insideout Wellness
- Lorraine Parker, Chief Nursing Officer, Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital
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- Alicia Schulhof, President, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital
Judge’s Choice
- Cindy Hesterman, CEO, Vistage Florida
Legal
- Barbara Brown, Partner and Managing Attorney, Brown & Kimpton Law
- Heather Sanderson, Chief Executive Officer, Sanderson Firm
- Rebecca Siviglia, Assistant General Counsel, Moffitt Cancer Center
Nonprofit Large
- Janet Stringfellow, President and CEO, Volunteers of America of Florida
- Lindsey Langley-Liboreiro, Senior Executive Director, Southwest Florida, American Cancer Society Inc
- Maribeth Phillips, President and CEO, Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee
- Morgan Mandelker, Chief External Relations Officer, Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside
Nonprofit Small
- Ashley Lowery, President and CEO, Homeless Empowerment Program
- Angeline Howell, Chief Executive Officer, Great Explorations Children’s Museum
- Elizabeth Reedy, CEO, Frameworks of Tampa Bay
- Nermine Rubin, Founder and CEO, Water 4 Mercy
Real Estate
- Chelsea Drinkard, Broker Associate, Office Space Brokers
- Heidi Venturino, Founder and CEO, Liquidation Dealer LLC
- Lauren Coup, Senior Vice President and Tampa Market Leader, Highwoods Properties
Retail and Hospitality
- Brooke Palmer Kuhl, President, r.s.b.p. Events+PR
- Gretchen Bauer, Designer and Founder, BSwanky
- Mollie Suarez, Founder and Owner, Westshore Diamond Co
- Wendy Camacho, Chief Operating Officer, Keel Farms Group
Rising Star
- Emily Burgoyne, Director of Sales, Forte Opening Solutions
- Monica Quimby, Founder and Owner, Wheel Together Retreats
- Victoria Simmons, Chief Executive Officer, Sock Fancy
The presenting sponsor for the 2026 Women Who Win Awards is The William Stanley Group.
The nonprofit partner is Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough. International Diamond Center and Bake More Pies also sponsor the event.
This year’s finalists offer a snapshot of where leadership is emerging across Tampa Bay and how influence is being exercised across business, service and community.
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