Standing In The Gap

In this segment, Dr. Tonjua Williams and Melissa Seixas discuss their experiences and strategies for navigating through crises. Dr. Williams shares her challenges and leadership lessons learned during hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasizes the importance of team collaboration, adaptability, and the support of her board, faculty, and staff in overcoming these crises. Melissa Seixas, w...

In this episode, award-winning serial entrepreneur, leader, author, and philanthropist Gary Hartfield joins Dr. Tonjua Williams as they delve into his commitment to standing in the gap for the elderly, individuals with intellectual disabilities, and his employees. As the president and CEO of six residential group homes across Florida and the founder of Serenity Village Insurance & Consulting, Gary...

In this segment, Dr. Tonjua Williams and Dr. Cynthia Johnson discuss the vital relationship between St. Petersburg College (SPC) and the economic development of Pinellas County. Dr. Johnson, the Director of Economic Development at Pinellas County, highlights how SPC and other educational institutions are integral to creating a skilled workforce. This partnership ensures that the training provided...

In this episode, Dr. Tonjua Williams sits down with Stan Liberatore, CEO of No Limit Technology and founder of the Save The Kids Foundation, as he brings us along his unique journey of standing in the gap for businesses in need of tech talent and cybersecurity expertise, discussing the motivations that led him to this critical work. The episode also highlights the mission of the Save The Kids Foun...

In this compelling segment, guest Chris Sprowls discusses his passion for literacy and the New Worlds Reading Initiative. As former speaker and policy maker in Florida, Chris shares the alarming statistics that drove him to action, aiming to eradicate illiteracy among children through targeted initiatives and community involvement. Highlighting the importance of reading and its lifelong impact, he...

In this episode, we are joined by distinguished licensed mental health counselor, certified life coach, author, and public speaker, Zaneta Ellison. As the founder and CEO of New Vision Behavioral Health Incorporated (NVBH), Zaneta has built a reputable group practice with locations in Tampa Bay, FL, and Houston, TX, known for delivering exceptional mental health and addiction counseling services,...

In this segment, Jessica Muroff shares her insights on navigating leadership through the complexities of ambiguity and change. Jessica discusses the importance of being comfortable with discomfort and the necessity of having transparent, difficult conversations to drive innovation and deliver high-impact results. Emphasizing emotional intelligence and empathy, she explores how leaders can model an...

In this episode, reporter at the St. Petersburg Times Stephanie Hayes, becomes our host as she sits down with two remarkable leaders: SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams and Melissa Seixas, the President of Duke Energy Florida.  They delve into the intricacies of their career paths, shedding light on the unique challenges and triumphs they have encountered as women in predominantly male-dominated fi...

Join us for an insightful discussion on leadership and support in education. Kevin K. Hendrick, Superintendent of Pinellas County Schools, shares his perspective on helping employees excel and progress in their careers. Reflecting on his own journey, Kevin K. Hendrick emphasizes the importance of doing excellent work in each role and letting opportunities naturally unfold. He discusses strategies...

Today, your host Dr. Tonjua Williams, President of St. Petersburg College, sits down with Dr. Cynthia Johnson, Director of Pinellas County Economic Development as they uncover the rich tapestry of Pinellas communities and explore the profound impact of the collaboration on workforce development, economic growth, and community prosperity.  As she shares her journey starting in St. Petersburg and th...

Join us for an inspiring conversation on women's leadership and empowerment as Dr. Kanika Tomalin shares a poignant story about her daughter's college application essay, illustrating the importance of recognizing the lineage of leadership. Dr. Tomalin discusses the need for role models who embody authenticity and empower others, and emphasizes the significance of creating pathways for young women...

Welcome to a special compilation episode of Standing In The Gap with Dr. Tonjua Williams, President of Saint Petersburg College. In this episode, we bring you insights and wisdom from the faculty and staff of SPC, focusing on workforce development, legislation, and bridging the gaps in our community. Through interviews with policymakers, educators, and community leaders, we delve into the strategi...

Welcome back to Standing In The Gap. In this episode, Dr. Tonjua Williams engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Chris Sprowls, former speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. This special interview was held in the Chris Sprowls Workforce Innovation Hub at the Tarpon Springs Campus, a 10,000 square foot state-of-the-art space honors the vision of Chris Sprowls to cultivate a skil...

In this episode, Dr. Tonjua Williams welcomes Jessica Muroff, CEO of United Way Suncoast.  Jessica shares the deeply personal reasons that drive her work, balancing a demanding career with family life, and the journey that led her to helm United Way Suncoast, transitioning from the for-profit sector to a role where community impact is the bottom line. She then illuminates the concept of "Freedom t...

In this episode, Dr. Tonjua Williams sits down with Superintendent Kevin Hendrick, the visionary leader behind Pinellas County Schools.  Superintendent Hendrick is a true product of the Pinellas County education system. Having moved here in third grade and never left, his journey from student to superintendent is a testament to his dedication to education and the community. Under his leadership, P...

In this premiere episode of Standing In The Gap, your host Dr. Tonjua Williams, president of St. Petersburg College, sits down with Dr. Kanika Tomalin, President and CEO of the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg.  Together, they talk about what it takes to be a fearless leader, nurturing our next generation of leaders, addressing health disparities in underserved areas, and the many trials, t...

Welcome to Standing In The Gap, a presidential podcast hosted by Dr. Tonjua Williams, President of St. Petersburg College.  Through candid conversations and personal stories from our highly esteemed guests and St. Petersburg College administrators and students, each voice embodies the ethos of Standing In The Gap—offering second chances, speaking up for those without a voice, and fostering opportu...