Board Development Committee

LaKendria Robinson is a visionary leader at the helm of The Orenda Collective, a dynamic social impact strategy firm that partners with businesses and non-profit organizations to design, implement, and measure socially responsible initiatives that drive meaningful change. With over a decade of experience, she has emerged as a leading expert in social impact programming, equity-driven initiatives, and pioneering change.

The Orenda Collective: As the Founder and CEO of The Orenda Collective, LaKendria's expertise has forged a path for this innovative agency to become a powerhouse for social change. Since its inception in 2021, The Orenda Collective has consistently delivered groundbreaking social impact initiatives, collaborating with prominent organizations including the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, Visit Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Partnership, United Way Suncoast, Fifth Third Bank, and the Beck Group, among others.

Diverse Business Empowerment: In 2022, LaKendria founded The Orenda Foundation, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit organization devoted to removing obstacles faced by diverse business owners during their journey to start and grow their businesses. A beacon of innovation, the foundation's signature event, The OC Emporium, has quickly become a community favorite and cherished resource. It provides a platform where executives can directly connect and engage with highly skilled minority, women, veteran, and LGBT-owned businesses in Tampa Bay.

A Legacy of Impact: LaKendria's trailblazing career includes her pivotal role as the Business Connect & Community Outreach Director for Tampa Bay Super Bowl 55. During this time, she identified and facilitated connections between diverse businesses and contract opportunities linked to the "Big Game." LaKendria also co-led the Host Committee's Forever 55 social impact programs, navigating the challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic with resilience and determination. Despite the odds, she provided vital resources to sustain businesses through the pandemic, launched the inaugural "Road to Gameday" Restaurant Week that drove business to local minority-owned restaurants across Tampa Bay and spearheaded a microgrant initiative that supported 25 Tampa Bay nonprofits in sustaining and expanding their vital work.

LaKendria is also the creator of the Tampa Bay Chamber’s internationally recognized Minority Business Accelerator program and served as its inaugural Director. Under her leadership, LaKendria created an impactful program that has since empowered more than a dozen Black and Hispanic business owners to realize their dreams of sustainable business growth. Many of these entrepreneurs have given back to the Tampa Bay community, enriching the region through their success and economic growth. 

Inspirational Speaker: In March 2023, LaKendria Robinson graced the TEDx stage to deliver a captivating talk on the experiences of being “The First” in her family to chart a different path, the unique challenges that come with it, and the transformative journey of embracing one's role as a blueprint for others. Her inspirational insights continue to resonate, inspiring individuals and organizations alike to break new ground and drive positive change.

Awards and Recognition: LaKendria's extraordinary contributions to social impact programming has earned her a series of esteemed honors. In 2020, she was celebrated as a standout talent in the Tampa Bay community, earning the prestigious Forty Under Forty accolade from the Business Observer. Her influential role in community development was further emphasized by her inclusion in the 2019 Forty Under 40 list by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

In 2022, LaKendria's commitment to creating positive change garnered the well-deserved Rising Star Community Service Award from the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College – Tampa Bay Chapter. This award recognized her substantial contributions through her time, talents, and actions, solidifying her status as a driving force for progress in Tampa Bay

Educational Background: LaKendria earned her bachelor's degree in Political Science and Communications from Florida State University, and her quest for knowledge led her to obtain a master's degree in Organizational Management and Leadership from Ashford University.

Community Engagement: Beyond her professional commitments, LaKendria is deeply involved in her community. She serves as Vice Chair of the board for Community Tampa Bay, Co-Chair of the Social Impact Committee of Women in Sports and Events Tampa Bay, and contributes her expertise to the Board Development Committee for Girls Scouts of West Central Florida.

Family-Centric: In the midst of her dynamic career, LaKendria cherishes life in Hillsborough County with her husband, William, and their two children, Skylar and Eli. They provide a strong foundation and a constant source of inspiration for her tireless efforts in the pursuit of social impact and positive change.

LaKendria Robinson's enduring legacy as a pioneering change maker, inspirational speaker, and catalyst for social impact reflects her unwavering commitment to creating a better Tampa Bay for all. Her visionary leadership continues to inspire and drive meaningful change in the community, and her insights as a TEDx speaker have left an indelible mark on those seeking to blaze their own trails of innovation and transformation.

Courtney Bilyeu was raised in a Navy family and graduated high school from Copenhagen International School. She received a bachelor’s in mass communications from James Madison University and is an alumna of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority. She and her husband Allan, a retired Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel, have called Tampa home since 2012.

Courtney has decades of diverse work and volunteer experience. Her positive can-do attitude is contagious and motivates people when tasks can be overwhelming. She has worked as a Defense Contractor since graduating from college in 1999.

Courtney joined The Junior League of Tampa in 2013 and has held a variety of roles on the Leadership
Council, Management Council and the Executive Board. Previously Courtney led Holiday Gift Market which is the League’s largest fundraiser. Courtney is currently serving as the Tampa Co-Chair of the Green Beret Foundation and has served on the MacDill Spouses’ Club Board for several years in addition to her leadership roles with The Junior League of Tampa.

Courtney is currently the SOF Week Events Manager for the Global SOF Foundation. 

Courtney and her husband Allan are members of The Sacred Heart congregation and enjoy traveling and volunteering.

Originally from New Jersey, Michelle moved to Florida where she studied Health Sciences and Public Health at the University of South Florida. She continues to serve and lead in the community through service, fundraising, mentoring and coaching,

Whether building community programs or partnerships, Michelle continues to support organizations on local and national initiatives.

After nearly a decade of training leaders across all industries in the implementation of education, physical, nutrition and mental health programs, for youth and adults, Michelle transitioned to the finance industry. Support partners and clients of a bank, credit union, and foundation to improve financial wellness, access funding, and engage those in need, Michelle worked to manage grants programs, coordinating conferences and events, and develop strategic plans for financial well-being.

In the last year, Michelle has served as a leader in her community as Chair of Emerging Leaders of Tampa Bay, a young professional development group with the Tampa Bay Chamber, advisory boards for St. Petersburg College, and Financial Literacy Chair on the board of Project Prosper helping immigrants and refugees navigate the financial system. Returning for her second year on the board of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida, now as Chair of the Board Development Committee, Michelle advocates for fellow leaders to engage with the council initiatives and programs as well as be effective in efforts and opportunities to elevate and all things G.I.R.L.. Her passion for sharing knowledge, talents, and time and empowering and connecting leaders are just a few of the ways she impacts her community.

Recently, Michelle has focused her efforts closer to home as a newlywed and entrepreneur. If she isn’t updating her cookbook, she is offering coaching and consulting services as CEO of All Health and Education, a health and wellness company and CEO of Promoted Professionals, a professional services company, both created to help others achieve their personal and professional goals.

Vanessa Jones  is the Senior Director of Learner Services, Training & Operations at Ultimate Medical Academy. Vanessa holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s in public administration. While she began her career in Social Work, she has been with UMA over 11 years supporting students to navigate their programs on their pathway to their allied healthcare careers. In her free time, she enjoys, travelling, volunteering within the community, and spending time with friends and family.

Abby Mackness is CEO of Mackness and Poore Consulting, LLC, a firm specializing in program management and business and proposal development. Abby moved to Florida from Washington D.C. where she was Senior Director for Federal Programs for MorphoTrust USA, a world leader in biometrics and identity management. She also served as a member of the Board of Directors for Girl Scouts of the Nation’s Capital (GSCNC). Abby currently serves on the Board of Directors for Girl Scouts of West Central Florida (GSWCF) as the 2nd Vice President.

Abby has a rich Girl Scouting background- in addition to serving on the GSWCF Board of Directors in the past, Abby served as the Chair of the Fund Development Committee, has been a member of the Board Development Committee and has actively participated in strategic planning for our Council. She has also been a former troop leader, a member of the Women’s Advisory Board which mentors Girl Scouts going for the Gold, and a cookie mom. Abby has 4 children (3 girls and 1 boy) – all former Scouts- and one adorable Girl Scout Cadette granddaughter- Genevieve!

Grace Maseda-Sainz is Vice President of Communications and External Affairs with Take Stock in Children where she oversees the development and implementation of branding and communication strategies that showcase Take Stock’s impact on student success. Prior to Take Stock in Children, Ms. Maseda-Sainz was employed by Helios Education Foundation, where she led statewide communications initiatives that promote postsecondary degree completion among first-generation, underrepresented students in Florida. Additionally, Ms. Maseda-Sainz enjoyed a 20+ year career at the Tampa Bay Times where she held advertising, marketing, and community relations roles.

Ms. Maseda-Sainz has held numerous leadership positions including chair of the board of trustees for SERVE, Volunteers in Education; chairperson of the City of Tampa Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Council, and chairperson of the board of directors for KidCity. Ms. Maseda-Sainz is currently a member of the board of directors of the University of South Florida Foundation.

Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.) Jean (Maxwell) Kohler graduated from Capital University in 1970 with dual chemistry and math majors. As a senior research project, she developed the first computer programs for use in Capital’s chemistry courses. Following a career in the U.S. Air Force that included serving as Computer Software Director for the U.S. Central Command during its leadership of coalition Persian Gulf War forces and Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the U.S. Air Force Academy, she retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. She continued her professional career as Information Systems Director for a substance abuse prevention agency and for a British Aerospace subsidiary producing aircraft simulators.

Jean is a Lifetime Girl Scouts of the USA member, joining as a Brownie and continuing as an adult volunteer with a variety of positions in seven Girl Scout Councils, including Girl Scouts Overseas Europe. She was a GSUSA Master Trainer and Instructor of Trainers, served on three Girl Scout Councils’ Board of Directors, including six years as Board Chair of the Tampa Bay GS Council, and served 11 years as a GSUSA National Operational Volunteer providing technology and governance consulting services to GS councils nationwide. She continues now as a member of the GS West Central Florida Finance Committee and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Olave Baden-Powell Society.

In addition to her undergraduate education at Capital, Jean has a M.S. in chemistry with a computer science minor and a M.A. in management information systems. She is also a graduate of several military leadership and management programs including the Armed Forces Staff College and the Air War College.

She and her husband, Rudy, both now enhance their retirement years with various philanthropic activities, travel, and golf.

Lisa McGlynn is a Partner in the Tampa office of the employment and labor law firm Fisher and Phillips. She represents a variety of employers, including but not limited to healthcare entities, faith based groups, automobile dealerships, and retail and hospitality establishments, and in all areas of labor and employment law. She defends employers in state and federal court litigation and arbitration on a wide variety of employment-related claims, including claims arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Florida Civil Rights Act, and the Florida Private Whistleblower Act.

She has represented employers of all sizes before state and federal courts, in arbitration proceedings, and before administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHRA), the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH), and various local agencies. 

Lisa also regularly counsels employers and their managers on employee relations including preventing issues before they arise. This includes advice on employee background screening and selection, medical marijuana in the workplace concerns, drug and alcohol testing, wage and hour compliance, harassment investigations, and disciplinary strategies.  Lisa routinely drafts and revises employee handbooks, arbitration agreements, confidentiality agreements, and non-compete, non-solicitation, and severance agreements.  She also frequently conducts informative and entertaining management and employee training for clients to ensure they are both aware of their ever-changing legal requirements, and are as implementing best practices to avoid legal entanglements. Lisa has spoken at conventions and meetings nationwide on employment law issues, and developed a series of webinars on current popular topics. 

Lisa has two children (Jessica and Miles) and enjoys spending time with her family, reading, the Florida Gators, and being active in her community. Lisa is currently the proud troop leader for her daughter’s Brownie troop. She has been a longtime supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and has served in various volunteer leadership rolls. She is also a current member of the Board of Directors for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay whose mission is to ensure that no one faces a crisis alone. 

Jule Doran Salem spent her formative years in Sarasota, FL before moving to Tampa to attend the University of South Florida where she received her Bachelors in Finance followed by a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Tampa. She currently serves as Managing Director of Salem Solutions, a nationally recognized workforce management firm that specializes in call center staffing.

While in Sarasota, she actively participated in Girl Scouts and 4-H. She enjoyed equestrian sports where she won numerous awards in hunt seat equitation and jumping.

After receiving her undergraduate and graduate degrees, Jule’s interest in pursuing a career in business continued to grow while serving as a finance and accounting leader for Coca-Cola, Hovnananian Enterprises, XPO Logistics and Vastec. In 2012, she set out to build Salem Solutions with a focus on her vision of humanizing call center staffing and delivering exceptional solutions to both the clients and candidates they serve.

Concurrent to her role at Salem, Jule serves as CFO for Enable America, a non-profit whose mission is to increase employment for Veterans and individuals with disabilities. She is also a Board Member of the City of Tampa Mayor’s Alliance for Persons with Disabilities, as well as a member of the University of Tampa, Board of Fellows, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, American Staffing Association, HR Tampa, Tampa Bay Chamber and Staffing Industry Analysts.

Jule lives in Tampa with her husband, Richard, and their two dogs, Riley and Lilly.

Dr. Georgina Rivera-Singletary is an Associate Professor with Saint Leo University with a focus on graduate education. She has an extensive background in Florida public school systems as a teacher, school and district-based administrator, and technical assistance consultant for the department of education in Puerto Rico. Combined, these experiences help her to develop and train classroom teachers including those who aspire to be school and district leaders in Florida and across the nation through online learning.

Dr. Rivera-Singletary earned her doctorate from the University of South Florida in 2014 and her study explored collaborative leadership practices for serving migrant students with disabilities. In addition to her Ph.D., Dr. Rivera-Singletary holds an education specialist degree (USF) and two master’s degrees (M.Ed. & MBA; Saint Leo) all with a focus on leadership.

Dr. Rivera-Singletary was a Girl Scout professional for 7 years in the 1990’s providing programs to unserved and underserved girls in rural and underprivileged areas of Pasco County. She then served neighborhoods as a Field Executive supervising, training, and supporting directors overseeing programming in their communities.

Dr. Rivera-Singletary is a native Floridian and has lived in Pasco County her entire life. She is married and has 3 children, 3 grandchildren, and is raising her 7-year-old niece who is a Daisy Girl Scout in Troop 321 in Zephyrhills. 

Georgina is an advocate for social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) especially for people with disabilities and migrant farmworker English learners and their families. She completed two DEI certificates from eCornell University and University of South Florida as a precursor for her work with special populations.

Dr. Rivera-Singletary serves on several boards, school advisory councils, task forces, and holds governance office with the Saint Leo University Senate and has extensive governance experience. Dr. Rivera-Singletary is a member of the Zephyrhills Rotary Club and is a member of The Rotary International Cadre for Basic Education and Literacy in which she evaluates and monitors global grants internationally.

For fun, she loves to travel, teach health and fitness classes, and amusement parks. She has a strong passion for serving the community and believes we all should have a commitment to the success of human capita as without it our world progress fails. 

Laura Sokalski has lived in many parts of Tampa Bay and now resides in Eastern Hillsborough County.  She graduated from The University of Tampa’s John H. Sykes College of Business with a degree in Marketing and a passion for women’s leadership development.  While a student at UT, Laura was a leader in multiple student organizations including Alpha Gamma Delta, serving as President, Vice President Finance, and Vice President Campus Relations, and Scouting’s National Service Fraternity Alpha Phi Omega.

Laura began a management career at GEICO but pivoted when it was clear that she would become a full-time advocate for her special needs daughter.  She pursued many opportunities to provide first- hand examples to decision makers in many arenas, and even co-presented at the Family Café (one of the largest disability advocacy conferences in the country).  Eventually, the Commissioner of Education appointed her to the State Advisory Committee for the Education of Exceptional Students.  As a member of the committee, Laura represented Hillsborough County in protecting the rights of students with IEPs and Accommodations.  Recently, she partnered with local voters and legislators to support and pass a bill to update Florida’s NICA law for birth-related brain injured infants.  She considers this one of her greatest achievements.

Laura presently serves as the International Chair for the Member Retention Committee of Alpha Gamma Delta.  As an alumna member of her women’s fraternity, she continues to promote the vision of “Inspire the Woman, Impact the World”.  She volunteers locally as Vice President of the Tampa Bay Alumnae Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta.  Serving both locally and internationally, is something she is honored to do.  She credits the Girl Scouts with instilling the values of volunteerism from the time she was a Brownie.  She humbly serves as a Troop Leader for her daughter’s Daisy troop.  The loves of her life are her husband Matt, daughters Sabrina and Olivia, and Golden doodle, Coco.

Laura Webb is a native Floridian and grew up as a Girl Scout on the east coast. She now lives in Tampa, where she is the owner and President of Webb Insurance Group with locations in South Tampa and Hudson. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Special Education from Florida State University and worked as a teacher in Pasco County. Laura was previously President and First Vice President of the Board of Directors, chair of the Board Development Committee and Fund Development Committee, and has served on the Dessert First committee.

Laura is a member of the Tampa chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and Leadership Tampa Bay – Class of 2016. Her community involvement also includes the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce and the Tampa Bay Seminole Club. She is proud to have recently obtained her pilot’s license for single engine planes.

LaTonya Williams is a Florida native with over 20 years of experience in broadcast news and production. She is a servant leader who prides herself in leading by example and providing employees with career growth. Currently, LaTonya is the Production Manager for Spectrum Bay News 9.

LaTonya holds a BA in Mass Communications and a MA in Education from the University of South Florida. She is a proud member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society, Women in Cable Telecommunications and Spectrum Women. In her free time, LaTonya enjoys traveling, going to concerts, and spending quality time with family and friends.

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