Darla Otey-Murphy
“We are preparing girls to lead in classrooms, boardrooms and communities while also expanding the infrastructure and programs that make this transformation possible,” explains Darla Otey-Murphy, chief executive officer of Girls Inc. of Tampa Bay. “We’re not just running programs but truly creating life-changing experiences that help each girl see her worth, use her voice and build a future she can be proud of.”
Girls Inc. offers educational, leadership and wellness programs. Heading up the organization since 2019, Otey-Murphy has garnered widespread recognition for its growth and impactful work with young girls. She is now focused on the organization’s next phase.
“Our vision includes a $10 million campaign to build new facilities, strengthen wellness services and ensure that every girl has the confidence, skills and opportunities to thrive,” she offers.
In 2025, the organization received a $1 million donation from the Schoen Family to support the newly created endowment fund, helping ensure long-term stability and program expansion.
To learn more, visit girlsinc-pinellas.org
Brittany Snow
Actress Brittany Snow, who might be best known for her early work in such comedic blockbusters as Pitch Perfect and Hairspray, grew up in Tampa Bay. Last year turned out to be a very busy and successful one for her as she starred in several high-profile television projects that debuted in rapid succession. These projects marked a significant shift in her career, towards more mature, dramatic roles from the Hulu true-crime docudrama Murdaugh: A Death in the Family to several Netflix thrillers, including The Night Agent, The Beast in Me and The Hunting Wives, which will return for a second season later this year.
“Things are going great,” she cheekily posted on her Instagram recently, along with a goofy group of recent photos. “Thanks for asking.”
Snow cherishes her Tampa Bay roots, often mentioning fond memories of normal teenage activities and spending time with family and friends at local restaurants while growing up in the area. She loves to visit home and does so at least three to four times a year.
Due to the breakout success of The Hunting Wives, which drew 5.2 million views in its first week alone, Snow is having a moment.
“I always knew I was supposed to be doing this and that I could get here,” offers the woman who grew up at the beach and spent her evenings dreaming of stardom at her local Chili’s. “I just didn’t know when.”
Seems like the time is now and we’re excited to see what comes next.
To learn more, follow her social media accounts or visit imdb.com
Camille Klump
Children’s author Camille Klump is passionate about nature and an advocate for conservation. Among her most popular books are those that encourage children to understand the positive effects of going green, the importance of protecting our natural resources and how our changing climate is affecting the environment.
In addition to winning several national publishing awards, two in 2025 alone, she has received accolades for illuminating the value, beauty and fragility of Florida’s diverse ecosystems through her engaging storytelling—helping young readers learn about their personal impact on the world and encouraging them to go out into the world like junior scientists, where they can engage in fun and practical projects. For instance, her book The Oyster Garden, for which she received an award of recognition from the City of Oldsmar, is an illustrated step-by-step guide on how to build your own vertical oyster garden. A Simple Seagrass, which is on display and sold at Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center in St. Pete, offers a similar way to participate.
“Even though pollution and human activity are destroying seagrass meadows, restoration projects are providing solutions,” she explains. “A Simple Seagrass invites children to grow and replant seagrasses within their own communities. Teaching kids how to care for the planet has never been easier.”
To learn more, visit camilleklump.com
Tiffany Chenneville
University of South Florida St. Petersburg Psychology Professor Tiffany Chenneville was awarded the 2025 Lifetime Award for Accomplishments in Ethics Education from The American Psychological Association (APA) Ethics Committee in December. The annual award is given to a psychologist with outstanding, lifelong contributions to ethics education within the field of psychology.
“It is a huge honor,” explains Chenneville, who is also the Marie E. and E. Leslie Cole Endowed Chair in Ethics at USF St. Petersburg. “I am both thrilled and surprised at this recognition.”
Her research focuses on pediatric and adolescent HIV. She has published extensively on ethical issues related to HIV, including the capacity of children and adolescents to participate in medical treatment and research, confidentiality versus the duty to protect dilemma facing mental health professionals treating clients with HIV and HIV criminalization, as well as topics related to professional and research ethics outside of HIV. Chenneville also contributes to ethics programs and research locally and internationally.
To learn more, visit stpetersburg.usf.edu
Dr. Lindsay Judah
In 2024, Dr. Lindsay Judah became the first female Rescue Chief at St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, overseeing all EMS operations.
“It is really a dream come true. The opportunity to be viewed as a trailblazer is very profound,” she shares. “My definition of a trailblazer would be someone who works very diligently—trying to challenge the status quo.”
Inspired by her mother, who had an accomplished career in the military, Judah recalls believing her mom “hung the moon.”
“The person I admire most would be my mother. She led her life as a trailblazer. I’m very proud of that. She actually introduced me to the fire service here at St. Petersburg Fire Rescue when I was a teenager.”
Encouraged by her mother, Judah began as a youth fire explorer and later returned to the department in a senior leadership role.
To learn more, visit fire.stpete.org or linktr.ee/chiefjudah
Lisset Hanewicz
Former state and federal prosecutor and past president of the Crescent Lake Neighborhood Association, Lisset Hanewicz made history in 2021 as the first Hispanic elected to the St. Petersburg City Council.
“I truly did not know that there had never been a Hispanic male or female city council member,” she said after her win. “It’s overwhelming to think that you actually are the first elected official in our city that represents the Hispanic community. It’s an honor.”
As the 2026 chair of the council, she represents District 4 and serves on various committees involving infrastructure, finance, regional water supply and the arts.
Hanewicz’s family fled Cuba in the 1960s during the Freedom Flights.
“You want to show, no matter where you’re from, that any child can be a city council member, the next governor or the next president of the United States,” she offers. “Even if you are a child of immigrants.”
To learn more, visit visit stpete.org/citycouncil
Michelene Everett
Michelene Everett is president-elect of the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida (GSWCF), serving a term from 2025 through 2027. She previously chaired the Finance and Fund Development Committees, playing a key role in the organization’s successful 2023 Women of Distinction event.
A St. Pete resident, Everett is deeply engaged in civic and cultural leadership. She is a past president of the Historic Kenwood Neighborhood Association and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the St. Pete Arts Alliance and supported the 2025 SHINE Mural Festival. She is also a "proud Pinellas County election worker, committed to protecting and defending your right to vote” and a member of the Leadership St. Pete Class of 2026.
Everett is an events director with American Express Global Business Travel.
“Through my work and volunteer leadership, I collaborate with area businesses and local leaders to advance women’s leadership, the arts and civic engagement,” she explains. “These efforts contribute to the cultural, economic and social vitality of the community.”
To learn more, visit gswcf.org
Simi Damani
Shorecrest Prep Upper School student and track and field athlete Simi Damani is promoting teen philanthropy as president and cofounder of Teens Who Care St. Petersburg, a newly formed group inspired by local giving circles. Using a simple model of collaborative giving to support local charities, the organization brings philanthropy directly to high school students across the area.
“It’s exciting to see students from different schools coming together for a common purpose,” Damani explains. “It’s a really good and easy way to give back to your community and learn more about the place that you live in while having fun and meeting new people.”
At semiannual meetings, members contribute $25, pooling funds to award a grant to one of three nonprofits invited to pitch their mission and propose a hands-on service project. After presentations and deliberation, the board votes to select the organization they feel is most deserving of support.
To learn more email twcstpete@gmail.com
Chelsea Gallo
Late last year, The Florida Orchestra (TFO) announced a two-year extension for Resident Conductor Chelsea Gallo. She trained with some of the world’s most renowned conductors, in places including Vienna and Prague, and has conducted all over the world. She has captivated audiences with her charismatic stage presence and musical interpretations during her time with TFO. She first joined as an assistant conductor in 2022 and was quickly promoted, taking on a more expansive role. She will lead the U.S. premiere of Tribones, a triple trombone concerto by Thierry Caens, in April 2026, with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 on the same program.
"It has been an absolute privilege to serve the audiences, musicians and staff of The Florida Orchestra over the past three years. It’s a gift to be in the Mahaffey,” Gallo offers. “I’m excited to continue this meaningful work. With the outstanding artistic leadership at The Florida Orchestra, we’re poised to soar to new heights. I’m honored to be part of the adventure."
To learn more, visit floridaorchestra.org/chelsea-gallo
Alison Barlow
“Next year is our 10th anniversary, but a lot of people don’t know we exist,” explains Alison Barlow, the CEO of the St. Petersburg Innovation District. “We refer to it as a public-private partnership—a nonprofit that brings together academia, private industry and government in a particular geographical area south of downtown St. Pete. It includes the University of South Florida, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital and a pretty extensive marine science community, as well as The Dalí Museum and the airport.”
Barlow’s role is to bring them all together to stimulate new business development and job growth.”
“What we are doing now is being very intentional and thoughtful about what we refer to as ‘learning and inspiration.’ That is supporting the pursuit of research and grant dollars, about the physical spaces in the district and how to knit together these big institutions with the smaller businesses, so that they can all grow together.
“There is work happening now to grow our science and tech community to create opportunities for our young people in the future,” she explains.
To learn more, visit stpeteinnovationdistrict.com
Dr. Renée Baker
Award-winning entrepreneur, economic empowerment, advocate and speaker Dr. Renée Baker recently released Abundance Unleashed, a guide for high achievers who appear successful but feel driven to achieve more.
“While it certainly addresses money, the book goes beyond finances to redefine wealth, purpose and the freedom to live fully and unapologetically,” Baker asserts. “Abundance Unleashed blends reflection with actionable strategies to live a life of alignment, freedom and fulfillment without sacrificing success or playing small.”
Inspired by her own journey and her unique blend of financial acumen, leadership, wisdom and relatable insight, Baker offers valuable expertise drawn from nearly three decades of experience on Wall Street.
“I focus on empowering individuals to embrace their purpose, achieve financial independence and build meaningful legacies,” she shares. “Success isn’t just about reaching milestones—it’s about making bold choices and aligning your goals with your potential.”
As CEO of RBI Group and host of The Unleashed Life podcast, Baker supports underserved communities where she promotes financial literacy.
To learn more, visit reneebaker.com
If there’s a particular woman you think our readers need to know about, drop a line to editor@stpetelifemag.com with your suggestion.
