Connecting today’s executives with tomorrow’s leaders
On November 5, 2021, more than 150 Tampa Bay area CEOs volunteered an entire day at Hillsborough County public elementary schools. I was one of them. I was able to see, hear and do the things that our public school educators and students experience every day, and gain a new perspective on the role of schools in preparing students for success in the future workforce.
A Hillsborough Education Foundation and Vistra Communications initiative, in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools, CEOs in Schools serves to connect business leaders with the workforce of the future. As an initiative under Vistra’s One Day of Change program, CEOs in Schools is a catalyst for big advances that are possible from just one day of change.
Students benefit from meeting positive role models and seeing professionals show an interest in them. CEOs learn about the challenges and opportunities in public schools that are preparing the future workforce. These new relationships between CEOs and principals can result in solutions that make our entire community better. The results are limitless.
It was such an honor to me assigned to the Seminole Heights Elementary School and to meet Principal Francine Lazarus, ED.D. The day was filled with an incredible amount of energy and activity. Beginning with helping to oversee the student car drop off in the morning to classroom visits, teacher discussions, lunch with the “Gems”, and the strict regulations and budgets (or the lack of) these schools work with. The day was incredible and I gained an incredible amount of respect for our school leaders and administrators.
The image below was taken during a special luncheon with a group of select young ladies called Gems. I spoke to them about building confidence and inner strength. We lightened the mood by including a little something I suggested they do to whenever they feel a little down, afraid or lost. We called it the “Super Hero Stance”. In my opinion, Principal Lazarus, her teachers and every student a Seminole Heights Elementary is a super hero in my book!
