Suncoast Women of Action Honors Nine Sarasota Leaders at 12th Annual Luncheon

By Ed James III
Community Voices

SARASOTA, Fla. — About 175 guests gathered at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex on Saturday, Sept. 19, for Suncoast Women of Action’s 12th annual luncheon, which celebrated nine local leaders under the theme, “Women Leading with a Purpose.”

Helen James, president of Suncoast Women of Action, opened the program with a call for civic engagement and continued participation in the democratic process.

“We understand that there are forces out there actively seeking to roll back our ability to participate fully in the democratic process through voter purges, gerrymandering, and other forms of trickery and deception,” James said. “But we will not be deterred.”

Sharon Preston-Folta co-hosted the luncheon. SWOA Co-Secretary Fayth Jenkins welcomed guests, and the Rev. Rawley Harris Jr. of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church delivered the invocation.

Vocalist Charlie “CJ” Melton and keyboardist Byron Lavendar opened the musical program. Tampa clarinetist Frankie Brown Jr. later performed Etta James’ “At Last.”

Sarasota Vice Mayor Kathy Kelley Ohlrich presented a proclamation recognizing Sept. 19 as Suncoast Women of Action Day.

Keynote highlights Sarasota family history

Keynote speaker Renée James-Gilmore, host of “Empowering Voices” on WWSB ABC7, reflected on the family’s civic legacy and the life of her great-grandmother, Sarasota pioneer Mary Emma Jones.

Jones was a prominent Newtown community leader who advocated for equitable beach access for Black residents during Sarasota’s era of segregation. She also led the Colored Women’s Civic Club in Newtown, an organization that supported civic engagement and community advancement.

James-Gilmore described Jones’ commitment to service, noting that she and her husband, Jack Jones, operated a barbecue and taxi stand business while maintaining deep ties to the Sarasota community.

Nine women honored

SWOA members recognized nine women for their leadership and service across healthcare, education, faith, journalism and youth advocacy:

• Melanie Thomas, founder of Greatness Beyond Measure Inc.
• Dr. Vida Farhangi, medical director of Sarasota Memorial Internal Medicine – Newtown
• Jacquelyn Paulk, founder of Bee Learning Center
• Tanya Harris, first lady of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church
• Theresa Scott, president of the Lambda Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
• Linda Carson, WWSB ABC7 anchor
• Dr. Sarah Pappas, former president of State College of Florida
• Shavonne Johnson, CEO of Truly Valued Inc.
• The Rev. Anita Williams, pastor of Bethel C.M.E. Church

During the program, Carson reflected on her years at ABC7 and remembered the late Dr. Ed James II, longtime host of “Black Almanac.” She recalled his commitment to covering stories that were often overlooked, particularly those affecting Sarasota’s Black community.

Mary Butler, SWOA’s membership chair, conducted a 50/50 raffle. Helen James and SWOA Vice President Katrina Ward closed the program, and Dr. John Walker Jr., former pastor of Bethel C.M.E. Church, delivered the benediction.

Looking ahead

SWOA thanked its members—Helen James, Katrina Ward, Jessika Ward, Fayth Jenkins, Mary Butler, Sharon Preston-Folta, Marcia Glogowski, Velinda Bowens-Coats, Evelyn White, Jeanine Johnson, Jacqueline Fellhauer, Cynthia Hughes and Treasurer Joseph Mack—as well as more than two dozen event sponsors.

Sponsors included BayFirst National Bank, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Sunset Cadillac of Bradenton, Ringling College of Art and Design, Selby Gardens, the NAACP Sarasota County Branch and New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.

The organization plans continued civic-engagement training, workshops and outreach events as it begins preparing for its 2027 luncheon.

SWOA and the Sarasota Branch NAACP will next host a Ballot Literacy Training at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, in the Fellowship Hall of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 2504 Gillespie Ave., Sarasota.

Disclosure: The author is the son of SWOA President Helen James and the brother of keynote speaker Renée James-Gilmore.