Page 4 - Florida Sentinel 2-24-17

Features
Helen Gordon Davis Centre For Women’s Luncheon To Honor Dr. Sheila Johnson And Former Mayor Sandy Freedman
BY KENYA WOODARD Sentinel Feature Writer
One of Tampa’s most popular events next month will honor one of the most intriguing businesswomen in the country.
Dr. Sheila Johnson, co-founder of Black Enter- tainment Television (BET) and chief executive officer of Salamander Hotels and Re- sorts – which includes In- nisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Palm Harbor – will receive the Helen Gordon Davis Women’s Leadership Award at the Waves of Change Luncheon.
Alma Thomas, a mem- ber of the luncheon commit- tee, said being part of the event planning was special for her because she counts Dr. Johnson as one of her heroes.
“Dr. Johnson is a role model for all women,” she said. “For me, this was a per- sonal honor.”
The luncheon – part of a year-long observance of the Centre’s 40th year – cele- brates the life and visionary leadership of the Centre’s founder, Helen Gordon Davis, who was a renowned advocate for women and mi- norities.
Former Tampa Mayor, Sandra Freedman also will be honored with the
DR. SHEILA JOHNSON
Centre’s first-ever Waves Award, which is awarded to a Tampa Bay woman who has demonstrated extraordi- nary leadership.
The addition of the award to the luncheon al-
FORMER MAYOR SANDY FREEDMAN
lows the Centre to honor more women “who deserve to be recognized,” said exec- utive director Ann Mad- sen.
Freedman particularly is “an unsung hero,” she
said.
Madsen said getting
Dr. Johnson at the lunch- eon has been a goal since the two met some years ago.
Dr. Johnson’s back- ground in media and current ventures in hospitality and sports management as vice president and managing partner of the Washington Mystics made her an ideal honoree and guest speaker at this year’s luncheon as the Centre observes its 40th year, Madsen said.
“We thought she was the perfect person,” she said.
Founded in 1977, the Centre for Women provides more than 3,000 women an- nually with services for workforce development, en- trepreneurial and employ-
ment strategies, individual and family counseling, serv- ices for girls and senior citi- zens.
In the last year, the Cen- tre assisted in the startup of more than 30 women busi- nesses, said Kathleen Pavlik, director of advance- ment.
If You Go
The Waves of Change Luncheon will take place from11:30a.m.to1p.m.on Friday, March 10, at the Hilton Tampa Downtown, 211 N. Tampa St. Tickets are $75 for Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women members and $100 for non-members. Purchase tickets and get more information at www.thecentre.org.
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