Serving Job Seekers and Businesses in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties | | CareerSource Tampa Bay Newsletter | September 2025 | | Welcome to the latest edition of the CareerSource Tampa Bay newsletter! We're thrilled to share highlights from our recent events, celebrate remarkable achievements, and provide updates on how we're empowering our community. | | |
Celebrating National Workforce Development Month
September is Workforce Development Month, and CareerSource Tampa Bay (CSTB) is celebrating by highlighting how we connect job seekers and businesses in the Tampa Bay area. We've got a full calendar of events designed to help you find new skills, land a meaningful career, and build stronger connections with employers. Join us for job fairs, industry events, and more. To learn all about our Workforce Development Month events, visit CareerSourceTB.com.
| | |
2025 Board Retreat
The CareerSource Tampa Bay Board held its annual retreat on Monday, August 4, 2025, at the Marriott Tampa Westshore. The event was facilitated by Walter Simmons, President & CEO of the Center for Workforce Excellence International, and Amanda Wagner, Principal Consultant, who set the stage with engaging discussions on workforce systems, board responsibilities, and community impact.
CEO Keidrian Kunkel and Board Chair Barclay Harless welcomed members, while Adrienne Johnston, President & CEO of CareerSource Florida, joined virtually to share state workforce goals and strategies. Sessions covered advocacy, governance, compliance, and strategic planning, with insights from Stephanie Marchman, Legal Counsel with Gray Robinson, and Chad Kunerth, VP of MIS and Data Services.
The retreat provided valuable direction, alignment with state priorities, and renewed energy for the Board’s mission to connect businesses and job seekers across Tampa Bay.
| | |
Veterans Networking Group: Mission Accomplished!
Our Veterans' Networking Group (VNG) remains a resounding success! Our last meeting on Wednesday was buzzing with 32 attendees, proving once again the power of connection and shared experiences for our Veteran community.
If you're a veteran looking to connect, share experiences, and explore new possibilities, we invite you to join our growing VNG. We meet every 2nd Wednesday of the month from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 9215 N. Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33612. We'd love to welcome you!
| | |
Board Approves
CareerSource Tampa Bay Name
We are excited to announce that the Board of Directors for unanimously voted on May 29, 2025, to officially adopt CareerSource Tampa Bay as the permanent name for the workforce development organization serving Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
| | |
Tominique James Shares Hope Florida Success
We are incredibly proud to highlight CareerSource Tampa Bay Career Coach and Hope Florida Program Participant, Tominique James. She recently had the honor of speaking at a press conference hosted by Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis.
Tominique shared her powerful story of transformation, detailing how the Hope Florida initiative changed her life.
Hope Florida, led by First Lady Casey DeSantis, is a groundbreaking program that guides individuals on a personalized path to prosperity through community collaboration and one-on-one support from dedicated Hope Navigators. With the support of her Hope Florida Navigator, who partners with CareerSource Tampa Bay, Tominique is now thriving in a full-time job and building a brighter future. We are so inspired by her resilience!
| | | |
Sheila Doyle Named CFO of the Year
Sheila Doyle, Chief Financial Officer at CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas, was honored as a 2025 CFO of the Year by the Tampa Bay Business Journal!
Sheila was recognized for her exceptional leadership, strategic financial management, and her critical role in advancing our mission. Her contributions continue to strengthen our organization and create a meaningful impact across the Tampa Bay community. This recognition is truly well-deserved!
| | |
CEO Keidrian Kunkel on Great Day Live!
Our CEO, Keidrian Kunkel, was recently featured on WTSP-TV's Great Day Live, where she highlighted CareerSource Tampa Bay's commitment to empowering both job seekers and local businesses.
A focal point of the discussion was our Summer PAYS program, which offers paid summer employment opportunities to young adults in Pinellas County, providing valuable work experience and essential skills. Keidrian also shed light on our comprehensive services, including no-cost recruiting for employers, training grants, and career development resources for job seekers.
| | |
Summer Youth Program Highlights: Building Tomorrow's Workforce
Our youth programs are making a big impact, empowering the next generation! The 2025 Tampa Bay Summer Hires Program successfully connected 383 young participants with job and career training opportunities in Hillsborough, focusing on workplace readiness and inspiring them with insights from leaders like CEO Keidrian Kunkel and Board Member Mercedes Young.
The 2025 Summer PAYS Youth Employment Program in Pinellas also saw great success, with over 300 young adults getting their first job matches and gaining valuable career experience.
Finally, the 2025 Leadership Track Pitch Contest showcased incredible innovation and business ideas from our young participants, with huge thanks to the CDC of Tampa for their support. Their futures are incredibly bright!
| | |
Champions on the Pickleball Court!
What a day for the CareerSource Tampa Bay team! Our very own Andres and Jesse represented us at the pickleball tournament during the grand opening of the new NXTPoint Logistics & Suddath Tampa warehouse. After five hard-fought games, they emerged as champions among 16 competing teams! As part of our win, a $1,000 donation was made in our name to Feeding Tampa Bay, supporting their vital work in our community. Congratulations, Jesse and Andres!
| | | |
Coffee & Careers: A Brewing Success!
Our latest Coffee & Careers session was an absolute success with over 65 participants joining us for great conversations, career insights, and fresh brews! We love seeing our community take steps toward meaningful career paths. Stay tuned for our next event – your future is brewing!
| | | |
WTP Day with Wawa, Inc.
We were thrilled to host Wawa, Inc. recruiters at our recent WTP Day, where they connected directly with our WTP program participants about exciting career opportunities.
This new initiative empowers WTP and SNAP participants by providing Occupational Skills Training, hands-on Resume Workshops, opportunities for immediate interviews, and insightful Career Seminars.
A huge congratulations to the WTP program and staff for launching such a successful and impactful initiative!
| | Need assistance with your job search? Come to one of our centers or visit our website! | | Follow Us on Social Media! | | | | |
