All photos courtesy of The Woodson African American Museum of Florida.
ST. PETERSBURG – In honor of Women’s History Month, The Woodson African American Museum of Florida hosted its 12th annual First Ladies in African American History and Winnie Foster Lifetime Achievement Awards Luncheon. The 2026 event, which sold out, has become a premier gathering recognizing African American women and an ally, whose leadership, vision, and dedication have shaped the St. Petersburg community.
The luncheon was masterfully emceed by 2016 First Lady in African American History honoree, Erika Dunlap, an award-winning entrepreneur, public speaker, and 2003 Miss America. Known for her advocacy on diversity, inclusion, and education, Erika brought energy, elegance, and inspiration to the program, setting the perfect tone for honoring The Woodson’s 2026 celebrated trailblazers.
This year’s honorees represented a remarkable range of achievements across education, healthcare, business, technology, law, and advocacy. Their stories not only celebrate individual success, but also highlight the impact of breaking barriers and creating opportunities for future generations.
Dr. Mary Conage
A native of St. Petersburg, Dr. Mary Conage was raised in a home rich with music, books, and faith, instilling a lifelong commitment to service and education. Her early involvement in church ministry, including roles as Sunday School teacher and choir director, shaped her calling as an educator.
Dr. Conage served 33 years with the Pinellas County School District, holding positions from classroom teacher to Title I Director. In 2015, she became the first African American woman to serve as Director of Special Projects (Federal Programs) for the district. She earned her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Florida, specializing in culturally responsive pedagogy, and has presented at national education conferences nationwide. Her career has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Arthur Shapiro Leadership of Excellence Award and District Administrator of the Year. Today, she continues to consult and support professional development while cherishing time with her family, including her four grandchildren.
Lynn Harrell-Johnson
A trailblazer in technology, Lynn Harrell-Johnson has spent over 35 years advancing innovation and community impact. She became the first African American woman to hold development and programming roles at Valpak, contributing to web development, GIS programming, reporting automation, and digital strategy.
Holding an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, Lynn also serves as President of Technicalynn LLC and founded Community Tech House Inc., a nonprofit bridging the digital divide. She is actively involved with the National Council of Negro Women, currently serving as the 14th Elected Section President for St. Petersburg, and continues to use technology as a tool for empowerment, equity, and community service.
Gwendolyn Wade
Gwendolyn “Gwen” Wade is a pioneering pharmacist whose career spanned more than five decades. A St. Petersburg native and Xavier University of Louisiana graduate, she began her professional journey at Mercy Hospital before becoming the first African American female Director of Pharmacy at St. Petersburg General Hospital, a position she held for over 20 years.
Afterward, she continued serving the community through roles at Walgreens and PharMerica. Mrs. Wade’s trailblazing achievements reshaped opportunities in healthcare leadership and continue to inspire pharmacists and healthcare professionals throughout the region.
Gwendolyn Washington
Born in Lake City, Florida, Gwendolyn Washington became a pioneering pharmacist and business leader. A graduate of Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy, she overcame racial barriers early in her career and made history as the first African American female Director of Pharmacy at Palms of Pasadena Hospital. She later led Reliant Pharmacy, a mail-order respiratory pharmacy, until her retirement in 2014.
Beyond healthcare, Ms. Washington has been a dedicated entrepreneur and community advocate. She co-owned local businesses with her husband and founded Gwen’s Elite Travel, Inc., the first Black-owned travel agency in the area, creating inclusive travel opportunities worldwide. Her legacy continues through her family and the countless lives she has influenced.
Atty. Jeannine Williams
Jeannine Williams serves as Chief Assistant City Attorney for the City of St. Petersburg and is Board Certified in City, County, and Local Government Law. She made history as the first African American president of the St. Petersburg Bar Association and has also served as president of the Fred G. Minnis, Sr. Bar Association.
A committed mentor and volunteer, Atty. Williams has supported students through Take Stock in Children and other initiatives while promoting civic engagement through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. Her dedication has earned multiple honors, including the Chief Justice’s Commendation for Leadership, the Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award, and the St. Petersburg City Council’s Sunshine Ambassador Award.
Gina Tanase Burkett
Honored with the prestigious Winnie Foster Lifetime Achievement Award, Gina Tanase Burkett has spent the past 12 years as Head of School at Academy Prep, ensuring students and families in South St. Petersburg have access to opportunity, advocacy, and meaningful support. A native of Mound Park, she earned degrees in Marketing and Technology and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Gina’s vision extends beyond academics; she strives to make Academy Prep a unifying force, strengthening equity, fostering understanding, and uplifting the broader community. Her leadership reflects decades of dedication to education, mentorship, and community empowerment.
Terri Lipsey Scott with Jeff Baker
Community Partnership and Support
The success of this year’s luncheon was also made possible through the generous support of community partners committed to uplifting and celebrating local leaders. Among them, Duke Energy continues to play a vital role in advancing initiatives that honor diversity, education, and community empowerment throughout the region.
In recognition of this commitment, Jeff Baker, Vice President of Government and Community Relations for Duke Energy Florida, was presented with a special honor for his leadership and continued support of The Woodson African American Museum of Florida. A strong advocate for community engagement and corporate responsibility, Baker has helped champion partnerships that elevate programs celebrating African American history and achievement in St. Petersburg.
Through support from leaders like Mr. Baker, Duke Energy continues to help ensure that stories of resilience, excellence, and service are recognized and preserved, further strengthening the connection between community, culture, and opportunity.
Mayor Welch with young scholars
Rising Voices of the Next Generation
Adding a meaningful intergenerational element to the program, a group of outstanding young ladies from the community had the honor of introducing this year’s award recipients. Each presenter delivered thoughtful and engaging remarks while reflecting the promise and leadership of the next generation.
Cherysh Williams introduced Gina Tanase Burkett; La’Naiya Lindsey presented Dr. Mary Conage; Demilee Wilson introduced Lynn Harrell-Johnson; Nazirah Muhammad introduced Gwendolyn Wade; Gabrielle Ardoin presented Gwendolyn Washington; and Braelyn Brunson introduced Atty. Jeannine Williams.
Each of these young ladies is actively engaged in academics, leadership, and community service initiatives throughout St. Petersburg. Their presence on stage not only highlighted their poise and preparation but also reinforced the importance of mentorship, representation, and legacy. As they honored our trailblazers, they also stood as powerful reminders of the bright future ahead.
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership
Together, previously honored First Ladies in African American History and Winnie Foster Lifetime Achievement honorees, represent the extraordinary breadth of excellence and achievements – from education and healthcare to law, business, environmental engineering, technology, and community service. The 2026 First Ladies in African American History and Winnie Foster Lifetime Achievement Awards Luncheon celebrated a bridge between generations, inspiring the next wave of leaders to continue shaping the city’s future.
