JWB Interim CEO Michael G. Mikurak recently announced the promotion of Rebecca Gross Tieder from Director of Public Policy to the new role of Chief Public Awareness Officer (CPAO), effective Oct. 1, 2025.
In her new role, she will advocate for children and families through education, legislative action, and authentic relationship-building.
View the article as originally published at https://www.tampabay.com/sponsored/movers-shakers/2025/10/02/jwb-promotes-tieder-to-cpao/
More than $100 million is being invested in programs and initiatives to improve children’s futures, including significant investments to boost early learning and support Pinellas County families with young children in the formative years, birth to three.
Why it’s important: Babies’ brains are like supercomputers, absorbing and analyzing information from birth — and 80% of brain growth happens in the first 1,000 days of life.
The strategy: Juvenile Welfare Board (JWB) interim CEO Michael Mikurak will steer $113 million into programs that include infant and maternal health, early childhood development, quality early learning, mental wellness, infant safe sleep, parent education and more.
The deets: Campaigns like Turbo Babies, which promotes early connections and healthy brain development through everyday activities and four easy tips, and Sleep Baby Safely, which reduced infant sleep-related suffocation deaths by 50% and expanded statewide, are proof that early investment pays off.
Programs making a difference include:
Key numbers: Last year alone, JWB invested in 98 programs across Pinellas County — reaching more than 80,000 children and families.
The impact: These investments mean fewer preventable deaths, more babies on track developmentally, more kids ready for school and stronger families who can weather life’s challenges.
Worth a mention: JWB is a special taxing district, meaning a portion of Pinellas property taxes is set aside and reinvested directly into programs that support local children and families.
The takeaway: JWB is rethinking how Pinellas supports its youngest residents by building a foundation for healthier communities and a stronger future.
Next steps: On Wednesday, Oct. 1, dozens of Tampa Bay’s top CEOs, elected officials and community leaders gathered at JWB’s Clearwater campus for the Beaches to the Bay | Bosses for Babies Breakfast.
What’s in store: Leaders unveiled two major announcements during the event:
See the difference early investment makes.
Read the article as originally published at https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/sponsored/early-learning-gets-a-big-lift-in-pinellas-county
JWB’s new Chief Public Awareness Officer, Rebecca Gross Tieder, was featured by the St. Pete Catalyst.
View the article as originally published at https://stpetecatalyst.com/shuffle/rebecca-gross-tieder/
JWB Interim CEO Michael G. Mikurak recently announced the promotion of Rebecca Gross Tieder from Director of Public Policy to the new role of Chief Public Awareness Officer (CPAO), effective 10/1/25, where she will advocate for children and families through education, legislative action, and authentic relationship-building.
Read the original article as posted at https://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/potmsearch/detail/submission/6564432/Rebecca_Gross_Tieder
City commissioners here proclaimed Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month at their Sept. 16 meeting, in recognition of the traditions, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in Largo and across Tampa Bay.
Community Engagement Administrator Julianne Perez highlighted how Largo was celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month—through the Hispanic Outreach Center’s annual gala at the Central Park Performing Arts Center on Sept. 19, social media and e-newsletter stories, and by encouraging the community to explore books and resources by Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx authors at the Largo Public Library.
The Commission also honored Yaridis Garcia, community engagement manager at the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, for her contributions to Largo and elsewhere.
View the article as originally published at https://www.tbnweekly.com/largo_leader/article_fc77a272-3307-4545-98e4-a3693fdd5256.html
JWB Interim CEO Michael Mikurak sat down with the Morning Blend to share his passion, commitment, and what has driven him into service for children. He reminds us how important belonging and connection are in the lives of children, from their earliest days. He calls business and community leaders to join him as a Bosses for Babies champion and to learn more at the Beaches to the Bay Breakfast on October 1st at JWB.
For more information, visit JWBPinellas.org/calendar/bosses-for-babies-breakfast or call 727.453.5600.
View the segment as originally published at https://www.tampabay28.com/morning-blend/jwb-ceo-mike-mikurak-champions-early-learning-to-build-a-stronger-equitable-community
The Woodson African American Museum of Florida, led by Executive Director Terri Lipsey Scott, proudly announces the 2025 recipients of the prestigious Woodson Warrior Scholarship.
This year’s class features 18 exceptional students recognized for excellence in academics, the arts, athletics, leadership, and community service. They will attend top colleges and universities nationwide, pursuing careers in medicine, law, engineering, education, and more.
Founded in 2019 by Jane Bunker and Mason Morfit, the Woodson Warriors Scholarship Fund has grown through the generosity of donors including the Milkey Family Foundation, Tampa Bay Rays, Derrick Brooks Foundation, Valspar/Copperheads Charities, Frances Gatz and Roger Telschow, Tom and Renee Tarbert, Carey Gordy, James Sweeny, Marcelli Family Foundation, Parallel Foundation, Janine Brown, Jon Arterton, James Mack, Carolyn Lane and Walter Lindauer, among many others.
With over $1.3 million awarded to date, the fund continues to empower talented students who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
Ahmad Crumity
Ahmad is the son of Brittany Lamar and a proud graduate of Shorecrest Preparatory School, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete and student leader. He set school records in the long and triple jump and won the 2024 State Championship in Triple Jump. He was also part of a state championship football team. Ahmad is a dedicated member of the Pathfinders mentoring group and volunteered with the Special Olympics. He will attend Florida State University to study Computer Science and plans to become a computer engineer focused on designing tomorrow’s technology.
Aliya Woodard
Aliya is the daughter of Ms. Rose Cates and a graduate of St. Petersburg Collegiate High School. She was actively involved in Student Government, National Honor Society, Interact Club, and Future Healthcare Professionals, contributing over 240 hours of community service through Bay Pointe Nursing Pavilion, Turkey Trot, and Run for the Beaches. She will attend Florida State University, majoring in Biochemistry, and aspires to become a pediatric surgeon.
Aniya Sconiers
Aniya is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alphonso and Kristy Evans, and a proud graduate of Boca Ciega High School. She held leadership roles including Senior Class President, Vice President of Donations for the National Honor Society, and Vice President of the Asian Association. She completed internships at St. Anthony’s Hospital and Johns Hopkins All Children’s, gaining over 300 hours of experience. Aniya will attend the University of Central Florida to study Nursing and plans to become a registered nurse.
Ava-Marie Rollins
Ava-Marie is the daughter of Meghan Fountain, Darius Fountain, and Bobby Rollins, has been awarded and a graduate of East Lake High School. She was involved in National Honor Society, AVID, Key Club, and French Club, and participated in basketball and flag football. She will attend Clark Atlanta University to major in Biology with the goal of becoming a pharmacist.
Erin Shepherd
Erin is the daughter of Mr. William and Mrs. Erica Shepherd and a graduate of St. Petersburg Collegiate High School. She was actively involved in Interact Club, Future Healthcare Professionals, Black Student Union, and National Honor Society. Erin also served as a youth leader for the Juvenile Welfare Board, worked at the Jim & Heather Gills YMCA, and volunteered for over three years with the All Kidney Patients Support Group. She will attend Xavier University of Louisiana to study Chemistry Pre-Medicine and pursue a career as a doctor.
Graham Kelley
Graham is the son of Ms. Ananda Bergeron and a graduate of Gibbs High School. He was a standout baseball player and talented musician, serving as a middle infielder on the baseball team for three years, volunteering at the St. Pete Youth Farm, and performing jazz at restaurants throughout the city. He will attend the University of South Florida to study Medical Biology with plans to become a radiologist.
Jordan Moore
Jordan is the daughter of Mr. Vincent and Mrs. Patrice Moore and a graduate of St. Petersburg Collegiate High School. She served as Vice President of the Feminist Club and Treasurer of Student Government. Her extensive involvement includes National Honor Society, Model UN, PMAC, AKA Exquisite Gems, the Ryan Nece Student Service Program, and the Juvenile Welfare Board’s Youth Leadership Committee. Jordan was crowned Mrs. Debutante 2025 through the Essence of Ebony Pearls Cotillion. She will attend North Carolina Central University to study Political Science and aspires to become a Foreign Service Officer.
Josiah Brandon Walker
Josiah is the son of Mr. Brandon Walker and a graduate of Boca Ciega High School. He was an active member of Model UN, Varsity Cross Country, and the BCHS Fundamental Leadership Team. He participated in numerous college prep programs, including the Pinellas County Schools College Planning Cohort, FBLA, and the Foundation for Ensuring Access and Equity’s Summer Boot Camp. Josiah will attend Williams College, majoring in Economics and Philosophy.
Khamani Snow
Khamani is the grandson of Ms. Sharon Snow and a proud graduate of Gibbs High School. He served as section leader for the tuba section in the school band and was selected to perform in the Pinellas All-County Music Festival in 2023 and 2025. He was also active in Jack and Jill of America, Kappa League, and Delta Sigma Theta’s Beautillion program. Khamani will attend St. Petersburg College to study Business with dreams of becoming a professional voice actor.
Kinea Moore
Kinea is the daughter of Ms. Miakayla Gilbert and Mr. King Moore III and a graduate of Boca Ciega High School. A standout wrestler who advanced to state tournaments, Kinea also served her community through food pantry work, elder care, and environmental cleanup efforts like Scrub the City. She will attend Oklahoma State University to study Business Marketing with aspirations of becoming a global publicist.
Kortney Snead
Kortney is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lewin and Keisha Snead, and a graduate of St. Petersburg Collegiate High School. She serves as President of the West Coast Conference YPD, leading youth from 64 churches, and is the Co-Founder and Co-President of the Black Student Union. She’s also active in the Feminist Club, Creative Writing Club, and Exquisite Gems, and is a two-time UCA National Champion with Florida Top Dog All Stars. She has dedicated over 100 volunteer hours to mentoring youth through cheerleading. Kortney will attend Spelman College to study Documentary Filmmaking and pursue a career as a film director.
Kylan Marshall
Kylan is the son of Mrs. Krystal Perry and a graduate of St. Petersburg Collegiate High School. A member of the National Honor Society, he regularly volunteered through service projects including beach cleanups and food distribution events. He will attend the University of Central Florida to study Psychology with plans to one day open a therapeutic café.
Marquise Sapp
Marquise is the son of Ms. Monique Cooper and a graduate of Gibbs High School. He was active in Yearbook, the SAVE Club, and Student Government, and participated in soccer and tennis. Marquise will attend St. Petersburg College to study Marketing with the goal of launching his own global marketing firm.
Mikal Morris
Mikal is the son of Dr. Shameka Jones and a graduate of St. Petersburg Collegiate High School. He served as President of the National Achievers Society, Captain of the Lakewood Varsity Baseball Team, and interned with the Tampa-St. Pete Sports Connection. He has contributed over 300 hours of community service through organizations including the YMCA, Juvenile Welfare Board, and Keep Pinellas Beautiful. Mikal will attend Florida A&M University to study Broadcast Journalism and pursue a career as a national sports commentator.
Pharyn McCrae-Bryant
Pharyn is the niece of Ms. Sharon McCollough and a graduate of Gibbs High School. A skilled performer, she studied ballet, jazz, and hip-hop and was active in The Family Blessing, Keep Pinellas Beautiful, AKA AKAdemy, and FYI Dance Company. Pharyn will attend Louisiana State University to study Kinesiology with dreams of dancing professionally on stage or screen.
Sinai Dunbar
Sinai is the daughter of Mrs. Yashica Thomas and a graduate of Shorecrest Preparatory School. She is a two-time Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, Captain of the Varsity Cheerleading Squad, and President of the Black Student Union. She also served as Youth Outreach Liaison at Unity Christian Church and was a Chick-fil-A Team Trainer and Student Council Representative. She participated in the NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference, AKAdemy, and the Debutante Cotillion. Sinai will attend North Carolina Central University to study Business Administration and aspires to lead her own product marketing firm.
Tylea Calhoun
Tylea is the daughter of Mr. Tyler and Mrs. Ashley Wesley-Loyd and a proud graduate of St. Petersburg High School’s International Baccalaureate program. She was a member of Key Club, Environmental Club, Black Student Association, and multiple honor societies, and participated in Med Club community health initiatives. Tylea will attend the University of South Florida to study Nursing before heading to medical school to become a pediatrician.
Xavier Terrell
Xavier is the son of Grady and Debbie Terrell and a graduate of Lakewood High School. He founded and serves as President of the College Prep & Success Club, helping over 30 students with applications, scholarships, and SAT/ACT prep. He’s also been involved in Key Club, FBLA, church media teams, mentoring programs, and the Pathfinders initiative. Xavier will attend Claflin University, play baseball, and study Cybersecurity, with plans to one day own his own firm.
Read the article as originally published with student portraits at https://theweeklychallenger.com/meet-the-2025-woodson-warrior-scholars/
Morning Blend anchor Natalie Taylor sat down with Elicia Hinson, Senior Marketing Associate at the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, to talk about the Turbo Babies early learning campaign.
Watch the segment below as they discuss how and why Turbo Babies, fueled by JWB, aims to foster a love of learning in babies during their first 1,000 days.
To get area infants and toddlers off to their best start in life, Turbo Babies invites parents and caregivers to special Racetrack Read Along events on National Read-A-Book Day (Saturday, September 6).
Turbo Babies Racetrack Read-Along events are free and open to the public from 10:00-11:30 AM at these four Pinellas County Libraries:
For more information and to register for your closest read along, visit TurboBabies.com/Read.
Watch the WFLA Daytime news show segment with Maggie Rodriguez and Elicia Hinson, Senior Marketing Associate at the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, discussing the Turbo Babies early learning campaign and the power of early reading.
She also invited parents and caregivers to special Racetrack Read Along events for infants and toddlers on National Read-A-Book Day (September 6).
Inspire your Turbo Baby’s love of reading at Racetrack Read Along events on Saturday, Sept. 6 from 10:00-11:30 AM at four Pinellas County Libraries:
Parents and caregivers can find more information and register for this FREE event at TurboBabies.com/Read.
JWB Senior Marketing Associate Elicia Hinson was interviewed on WFLA’s Bloom Tampa Bay news show about the Turbo Babies early learning campaign and special Read Along events happening on September 6th, 2025. Watch the interview in its entirety below.
And join us to inspire your Turbo Baby’s love of reading this National Read-A-Book Day!
Racetrack Read-Along events are happening this Saturday, Sept. 6 from 10:00-11:30 AM at four Pinellas County Libraries:
For more information and to register for this FREE event, visit TurboBabies.com/Read.