Leadership St. Pete Celebrates the Graduation of the Class of 2025
Leadership St. Pete (LSP) proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025, marking the culmination of an incredible six-month journey of leadership development, civic engagement, and community impact.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Birchwood Canopy in downtown St. Pete, brought together class members, alumni, sponsors, community leaders, and supporters for an inspiring evening filled with reflection, recognition, and celebration. Photos from the event captured the energy, pride, and camaraderie that defined this year’s class—an unforgettable milestone as LSP also celebrates 55 years of shaping leaders in the St. Petersburg community.
A Milestone Year for LSP
This year’s class had the unique honor of graduating during LSP’s 55th anniversary—a milestone that celebrates more than five decades of cultivating changemakers, fostering collaboration, and driving progress in St. Petersburg. Since its founding in 1970, LSP has empowered more than 1,600 graduates to step into leadership roles that strengthen our city across sectors.
The Class of 2025 was announced at the Vinoy St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club in December 2024 and kicked off their leadership journey with an Opening Retreat at Saddlebrook Golf Resort. From there, they embarked on a series of nine immersive seminars, two retreats, and countless hands-on experiences designed to deepen their understanding of the city's social, economic, and political landscape.
Community in Action: The “Play It Forward” Project
One of the signature elements of the LSP experience is the annual Community Project—and this year’s class made a powerful impact. Through their project, Play It Forward, the Class of 2025 raised over $50,000 to transform the outdoor space at Infinite Potential Learning Academy (IPLA). Learn more about the 2025 Community Project here.
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
To the graduates of the Leadership St. Pete Class of 2025—congratulations on your extraordinary journey:
- Alex Schapira, Hines
- Brian Plexico, Tampa Bay Rays
- Callie McCarthy, Inspired Acres
- Carlos Rodriguez, The Beck Group
- Claire Gallo, Hancock Whitney
- Dallas Keeney, Raymond James
- Daniel Wood, University of South Florida
- David L. Reider, Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC
- David S. Delrahim, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick
- Demetras G. Miller, FIS
- Dr. Chris Slininger, Cerebral Chiropractic Center
- Edwin Gonzalez, Suncoast Credit Union
- Gage B. Smith, Smith Fence Company
- Jamie McClendon, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
- Jared Schneider, Kimley-Horn
- Jason Levey, St. Petersburg Police Department
- Joy Brownworth, Studio+
- Kate Diggs, Zelis
- Kelly Abanda, Better Brain Project
- Kenya Woodard, Pinellas County Schools
- Kevin Ronald Elliott, Parc Center for Disabilities
- Kimani A. Flemming, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
- Kirby Kelleher, Ellie Mental Health
- Krystal Flakes-Martin, City of St. Pete
- Latorra M. Bowles, The Deuces Live, Inc
- Lauren Bell, St. Pete Innovation District
- Lauren Ellis Moon, Raymond James
- Mai Dieu Jenney, University of South Florida St. Petersburg
- Mia Conza, St. Petersburg College
- Mike Shields, St. Anthony’s Hospital - Baycare
- Peveeta Samuel, Duke Energy
- Rachel Snyder, The Dali Museum
- Randi Riley, Hancock Whitney
- Regina Thomas, Power Design
- Sherrish C. Gaines, City of St. Petersburg - Marketing & Communication
- Tanja Gromadzki-Hobby, TD SYNNEX
- Trina O’Connell, Northwestern Mutual
- Walker A. Willis, Working Ox Capital, LLC
