SWOA HOLDS ANNIVERSARY LUNCHEON
Suncoast Women of Action celebrated their 5th anniversary on September 21st with a luncheon at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex. Suncoast Women of Action – or SWOA as they are known – was founded by Helen James who saw a need to become involved in the voting process in the community. Community residents Barbara Langston, and Dr. Rachel Shelley and Eileen West were recognized at the luncheon.
Langston, a community activist, began her community work as a member of the Amaryllis Park Neighborhood Association. She worked with this organization to bring changes and improvement throughout the entire Newtown community. As its liaison, she attended many meetings, workshops and out of state conferences. She worked on the ‘Front Porch’ initiative, which led to the Front Porch Council. This partnership with Front Porch and the Newtown Redevelopment Office was the foundation for beginning the development of Fredd Atkins Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Robert L. Taylor Community Complex, Booker High School, the redevelopment of Dr. Martin Luther King Corridor, construction of Janie’s Gardens and the Newtown Medical Clinic.
With more than 29 years of experience in education, Dr. Shelley has dedicated her life to helping each student succeed to his or her fullest potential. She and her staff work tirelessly to help every student realize they are capable of more than a high school diploma. She is raising the bar to make sure every student graduate from college, career ready and leaves Booker High School with a post- secondary plan. She was most recently named the Florida Art Education Association’s 2019 Principal of the Year for her support of the arts in education.
Eileen West is a children’s advocate and has served as youth director at Bethlehem Bible Church for over 15 years. Under her leadership, the youth ministry has grown to approximately 80 children. She is also active in the East Bradenton Women’s Club where she has been instrumental in providing assistance to students whose reading scores are low. She also assists in the organization’s school book sales and during the Christmas season when they donate blankets to the homeless.
The keynote speaker was Nancy Boxill-Thompson, former elected member of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners who served for 24 years.
The mission of SWOA is to encourage increased education and participation in the political process. They are committed to ensuring the electoral process equally represents the rights and privileges of all citizens in Sarasota and Manatee communities.
