It is with reflection and perspective that I write this newsletter as I travel home to Tampa after having an early Thanksgiving celebration with family in Tennessee. We each have so many commitments that often times we move from one to the next without realizing the impact that we have the potential of making or the lives that can be touched. This resonates even more so when we think of the incredible impact that Dr. Sylvia Richardson had on so many. Her legacy will live on for generations to come and we have the opportunity to be a part of it through the Young Women of Promise Awards named in her honor. We also touch the lives of women in need through the Phyllis G. Marshall Career Assistance Grants.

At our November Membership meeting we heard about making a difference through philanthropy. Athena is doing this and can continue to do so through the generosity of our members and as 2014 comes to a close, I hope you will consider a donation to either the YWOP or Career Assistance Grants. Our collective donations have and will continue to make a difference in changing the lives of other women.

This month’s new member spotlight is on Kim Jowell. Kim is the CEO of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. She is known as a visionary and effectual leader who provides strategic oversight of a $7 million budget, for policies and practices of 60+ staff and 2,000 direct service volunteers who work collaboratively to enhance the participation and experience of 20,000 girl and 9000 adult members in an eight county footprint. Kim has been identified and chosen by the Girl Scouts National Council to present and help formulate their strategic plan nationally for the next 5 years. Prior to her position as CEO with Girl Scouts, Kim served as Executive Director for Suncoast Safety Council and for Pinellas Villages Family Services division through which she lobbied statewide for funding to go to “at risk” girls. Kim holds a B.A. in Criminology from St. Leo University and is an alumni of Leadership St. Pete. Welcome Kim!