JWB Director of Strategic Communications Honored by the Florida Commission on the Status of Women

On June 28th, JWB Director of Strategic Communications April Putzulu was presented the Florida Commission on the Status of Women “Spirit of Community” Award.

She was one of 11 women from across the state celebrated by the Commission and their colleagues, peers, family, and friends during a luncheon in Orlando. April is the sole winner in the Tampa Bay region. JWB CEO Beth Houghton and several of April’s colleagues were thrilled to accompany her to Orlando and celebrate this professional accolade.

April was recognized for nearly four decades of service to Florida’s children and families and her passion for developing creative prevention programs and campaigns—many of which remain in existence today.

Today, at JWB, April continues to change the lives of children and families in Pinellas County, creating and leading innovative and high-impact public education and awareness campaigns.

She created the Sleep Baby Safely campaign, which has reduced the number of infant deaths in Pinellas County by half, was recently recognized as a best practice, and, as of 2023, is being replicated statewide.

April is currently leading a new birth-to-three campaign, Turbo Babies, to support parents and caregivers as their child’s first and best teachers by sharing Turbo Tips and everyday activities that encourage early connections and nurture a baby’s drive to learn.

During her remarks at the event, April praised the other outstanding winners in the room and remembered her mentor and friend, Sallie Parks. The awards ceremony and April’s acceptance are available to watch here: https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/6-28-23-commission-on-the-status-of-womens-spirit-of-community-awards-ceremony/