In a celebration of five of St. Pete’s most influential and incredible women, Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg is hosting its 15th annual Fabulous Females Luncheon this Friday, May 5, at the Tradewinds Island Resort. Proceeds from this event support the Student Scholarship Program at Academy Prep, a privately-funded middle school dedicated to improving the lives of underserved students living in St. Petersburg.

With lunch and the full program beginning at 12 pm, Fabulous Females gathers prominent St. Petersburg corporations and residents to celebrate the contributions of five remarkable leaders from the Tampa Bay business and philanthropic communities. Each honoree is introduced by a current Academy Prep scholar who has drawn inspiration from their accomplishments. You can still register here.

This year’s honorees include business leaders, educators and community stalwarts in St. Pete:

• Dr. LaDonna Butler – Founder & Executive Director of The Well, a Healing Space
• Ya La’ford – Internationally Acclaimed Artist
• Anysia McDowall – Connector for Good, Sustainable Fashion Entrepreneur, Owner at Verdant
• Liz Sembler – Community Advocate & Educator
• Helen Pruitt Wallace – St. Petersburg Poet Laureate

“These incredible women are being recognized for their significant contributions to the Tampa Bay community,” said Gina Tanase Burkett, Head of School at Academy Prep of St. Petersburg. “Our honorees set the example with their leadership, character, and accomplishment. They are inspirational role models for the students of Academy Prep, and for all of us.”

Academy Prep Center provides pathway to success for St. Pete students

For 25 years, Academy Prep has been transforming the community one child at a time. Academy Prep is a college preparatory middle school located in south St. Petersburg. The mission of the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is to inspire and empower students qualifying for need-based scholarships to be future community leaders through a rigorous middle school program coupled with ongoing graduate support. Students attend Academy Prep up to 11 hours a day, six days a week, 11 months per year on full scholarships provided by the local community.

Upon graduation, students are provided graduate support services throughout high school and college. Learn more about Academy Prep of St. Petersburg on their website.

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