Leaders and Employees Help Build Homes and Hope in the Community

At St. Petersburg College, leadership is not only defined by what happens in classrooms, offices or boardrooms. It is also reflected in how the College shows up for the community.

That commitment was recently on display as SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams and College employees partnered with Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside to support affordable housing efforts for local families, demonstrating the College’s belief that community leadership means acting where it matters most.

Leadership That Shows Up

Dr. Williams joined more than 75 local executives in Largo for Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside’s 5th Annual CEO Build, a hands-on volunteer effort that brought business and community leaders together to help build a home for the Wesley family.

Tyshawnna and Andre Wesley, along with their four sons, Chayse, 11; Avion, 8; Ashton, 8; and Adrian, 7, worked alongside volunteers as their future home began to take shape.

“At SPC, we believe that a commitment to affordable housing for individuals and families strengthens the fabric of our community,” said Dr. Williams.

Her participation reflects a broader vision of leadership at SPC; one rooted not only in education and workforce development, but also in strengthening the quality of life for the communities the College serves.

As housing affordability continues to challenge families across Florida, initiatives like the CEO Build offer a powerful reminder that community progress depends on partnership, service and shared responsibility.

A College Culture of Community Care

That same spirit of service extends throughout the College.

Members of SPC’s Association of Florida Colleges (AFC) chapter recently volunteered with Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside, one of the nation’s top Habitat affiliates. During their build day, the SPC team helped complete exterior finishing work, laying sod, landscaping and planting flowers and trees to prepare a home for its future owners.

While the work was practical and hands-on, its impact was deeply personal, helping create a safe, welcoming space for a family working toward long-term stability.

Habitat Tampa Bay Gulfside serves hardworking families who may not qualify for traditional homeownership but are striving to build a better future. That mission closely aligns with SPC’s own commitment to meeting people where they are and helping them move forward.

Building More Than Homes

For SPC Career and Academic Advisor Fred Tucker, who organizes the volunteer effort annually, the connection to Habitat’s mission runs deep.

“I first got involved with Habitat for Humanity when I was active duty in the U.S. Navy,” said Tucker. “I saw how it made a difference in people’s lives and wanted to contribute. Then in 2019, I started to recruit SPC students, staff and alumni to participate during several build days over the years. The work that is done through Habitat for Humanity embodies the College’s Community of Care focus.”

Aaron Corizzi, AFC chapter president and VDI systems coordinator in SPC’s Information Systems department, said the experience also reflected the collaborative spirit that defines the College community.

“What a great experience for our AFC chapter to help the community and learn so much about the organization and its mission,” said Corizzi. “This is a great example of the teamwork our chapter continues to put in to get to where we are today.”

A Lasting Community Impact

For SPC, service is not separate from its mission: it is an extension of it.

The College is known for preparing students for careers, leadership and lifelong success. Through efforts like these, SPC also demonstrates what it means to be a true community partner: investing not only in education and workforce opportunity, but also in the health, stability and future of local families.

Whether through executive leadership, employee volunteerism or community partnerships, SPC continues to lead by example, helping build stronger neighborhoods, stronger families and a stronger Tampa Bay.

And in doing so, the College is building more than homes. It helps build hope.