West Central Region - Learn and Lead Luncheon

Join us for a FREE Learn and Lead Panel in the West Central Region on May 14!

Kim Jowell, Pinellas Education Foundation, and Dr. Jakub Prokob, Pinellas Technical College, will be opening up the conversation with a glimpse into the Pinellas Technical Collage's workforce programs followed by a discussion over lunch on Workforce Development in Florida. 

Moderator:

• Bemetra Simmons, CEO, Tampa Bay Partnership

Panelists:

• Laura Meehan, PhD, Director of Education Development & Strategy, Workforce Development Partners
• Rebecca Edmond, Senior Director of Education & Workforce Development, AMIKids
• Braulio Colón, Executive Director, Florida College Access Network

Parking is available onsite. Once parked, please follow the signs to the cafeteria. 

This event is available to West Central Region Members. You must be a current Leadership Florida dues paying member and logged in to register. 

Dr. Jakub Prokop, Director at Pinellas Technical College, Clearwater Campus

Dr. Jake Prokop is a 23 year veteran of Career and Technical Education. Prior to entering the education arena, he worked in the automotive industry. Dr. Prokop started in education as a high school automotive service technology instructor and then worked as a Career and Technical Education district level employee. He was promoted to assistant director for Pinellas Technical College – St. Petersburg and worked in that capacity until being promoted to the director of the Clearwater campus, where he has served for over 8 years. Dr. Prokop has a Bachelor degree in Automotive Service Technology from Southern Illinois University, a Master of Education and Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Florida.

Bemetra Simmons, CEO, Tampa Bay Partnership
Leadership Florida, Cornerstone Class 38

Bemetra Simmons is the president and chief executive officer of the Tampa Bay Partnership, a coalition of regional business leaders working together to improve the personal and economic well-being of Tampa Bay residents.

Bemetra previously served as the chief strategy and operations officer for United Way Suncoast, and she has held leadership and executive leadership roles at Mutual of Omaha Bank, Wells Fargo, and BB&T. 

She is active in our community, and currently serves several boards, including the board of trustees for St. Leo University, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, and the St. Pete Free Clinic. Bemetra is a Leadership Tampa graduate and a member of Leadership Florida Cornerstone Class XXXVIII. She was named a finalist for the Business Woman of the Year by Tampa Bay Business
and Wealth Magazine in 2023. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Simmons is the daughter of an Air Force Chaplain and has lived in ten states and two countries. She attended Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN, on a basketball scholarship and received a B.S. in business administration, and her MBA from Wake Forest University. Along with her twin sister, Demetra, Simmons co-founded Corporate Homie, a career, lifestyle, and advice company and podcast dedicated to assisting professionals in navigating the waters of corporate America.

Laura Meehan, PhD, Director of Education Development & Strategy, Workforce Development Partners
Leadership Florida, Education Class 8

Dr. Laura Meehan is a proud educator serving over 10 years in charter and public schools settings in roles both as a classroom teacher and administrator. In addition to being selected as the 2022 Hillsborough County Public Schools district Teacher of the Year, Laura has served in a number of leadership roles at the school, district, and community levels.

Currently, Dr. Meehan serves as the Director of Educational Development and Strategy for Workforce Development Partners, a Florida based nonprofit focused on workforce innovation via collaborative models. Her role helps to oversee curriculum development, policy alignment, and data measurement to ensure maximum impact.

Laura completed her undergraduate degree at Texas Tech University and her master’s at Florida State University. Most recently, in December of 2024, Laura earned her Ph.D. at the University of South Florida in Educational Leadership and Policy where her research focused on the intersection of school leadership and special education.

Rebecca Edmond, Senior Director of Education & Workforce Development, AMIKids
Leadership Florida, Education Class 6

Results-driven leader with 20 years' experience in the nonprofit and public sector working with youth, and adults impacted by justice system in the areas of Education & Workforce Development. Skilled in grant writing, startups, technical assistance, training, and curriculum development. Experienced working with Florida and South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice, Florida Department of Education, Department of Labor Education Training & Administration, Board Members, School Districts, and Employer Partners.

Braulio Colón, Executive Director, Florida College Access Network. Leadership Florida,
Cornerstone Class 39

Braulio Colón is Executive Director of Florida College Access Network (FCAN). Braulio leads the collaborative movement in Florida to increase the percentage of residents who hold a college degree or high-quality credential. Prior to joining FCAN, Braulio was Vice President for Student Success Initiatives at Helios Education Foundation. At Helios, Braulio led in the implementation of the foundation's community investment strategy designed to increase college access and success for low-income and underrepresented students. Braulio serves on the governing boards for Florida Policy Institute, USF Alumni Association, USF Foundation, and Florida PTA. He serves in an advisory board capacity with UCF's Center for Community Schools, LEAP Tampa Bay, and Knack Technologies, Inc.