Uploaded September 2022 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
ISPS: The State of Aging in Florida: Health Expo & Forum
Visit https://spcollege.edu to learn more about St. Petersburg College.
St. Petersburg College (SPC) alumni rank first in Florida for earning the highest entry wages among state community college graduates. SPC was founded in 1927 as St. Petersburg Junior College, Florida's first two-year college. Access, excellence, and student support are the hallmarks of St. Petersburg College. Regionally accredited and nationally recognized, SPC was the first state college in Florida to offer bachelor’s degrees. SPC offers more than 180 degree and certificate programs of study, and many high-demand, high-skill industry-recognized workforce certifications. We offer a career-focused curriculum created in conjunction with industry experts to ensure our students are able to meet the needs of today’s employers.
ISPS: The State of Aging in Florida: Health Expo & Forum
Visit https://spcollege.edu to learn more about St. Petersburg College.
St. Petersburg College (SPC) alumni rank first in Florida for earning the highest entry wages among state community college graduates. SPC was founded in 1927 as St. Petersburg Junior College, Florida's first two-year college. Access, excellence, and student support are the hallmarks of St. Petersburg College. Regionally accredited and nationally recognized, SPC was the first state college in Florida to offer bachelor’s degrees. SPC offers more than 180 degree and certificate programs of study, and many high-demand, high-skill industry-recognized workforce certifications. We offer a career-focused curriculum created in conjunction with industry experts to ensure our students are able to meet the needs of today’s employers.

![Standing In The Gap, EP17: Patrice Moore
In this powerful episode, Dr. Tonjua Williams sits down with The Honorable Patrice Moore, the first African American woman judge in Floridas Sixth Circuit. Judge Moore opens up about her inspiring journey from aspiring electrical engineer to becoming a respected judge. She shares the challenges of law school, the moments that shaped her career, and the unwavering faith that carried her through it all.
With heart and candor, Judge Moore discusses the weight of making life-changing decisions in the courtroom, her commitment to fairness, and the importance of prayer. She also reflects on the importance of giving back to the community, particularly through youth engagement, and how higher education institutions can better support their local communities.
This episode offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a trailblazing judge who balances justice with compassion. Don’t miss Judge Moore’s reflections on her path, her faith, and her legacy.
KEY POINTS:
[01:40] - Hon. Moore’s journey to becoming a Judge
[03:38] - How Mr. Bob Dillinger inspired Hon. Moore to be a Judge
[05:10] - On balancing Judicial responsibilities and personal life
[06:42] - The importance of fairness, integrity, and respect in Judicial decisions
[10:47] - Hon. Moore’s passion to help the community
[12:16] - Judge’s POV: The pivotal role of support in education
[14:43] - Giving back to others with faith and gratitude
[16:14] - Ways to Stand In The Gap – generational understanding
[22:23] - On addressing challenges in childcare
QUOTABLES:
“Dare to dream. Theres nothing special about me. It was the favor and grace of God. I would tell you to please, pursue your dreams —because being the first should not mean that I am the last.” – Hon. Patrice Moore
“You have to give back to the community that was so good to you in order for you to be true to the community. And so, it is a must.” – Hon. Patrice Moore
RESOURCES:
Judge Patrice Moore | https://www.jwbpinellas.org/board_members/the-honorable-patrice-moore/
St. Petersburg College
Website | www.spcollege.edu
Facebook | facebook.com/stpetecollege
IG | instagram.com/stpetersburgcollege
YouTube | youtube.com/@SPC
LinkedIn | linkedin.com/company/st petersburg-college
X | x.com/spcnews
Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/
—————
St. Petersburg College was founded in 1927 as St. Petersburg Junior College, Floridas first two-year college. Our alumni rank first in the state for earning the highest entry wages among state community college graduates. Access, excellence, and student support are the hallmarks of SPC. Regionally accredited and nationally recognized, SPC was the first state college in Florida to offer bachelor’s degrees. We offer 200+ degree, certificate and transfer programs, as well as many high-demand, high-skill, industry-recognized workforce certifications. Our career-focused curriculum is created in conjunction with industry experts to ensure that SPC students are able to meet the needs of today’s employers.
To learn more about SPC, visit https://spcollege.edu. Standing In The Gap, EP17: Patrice Moore](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0sqHj7x_1B4/mqdefault.jpg)







![Standing In The Gap, EP19: Beth Houghton
In this episode, Dr. Tonjua Williams sits down with Beth Houghton, CEO of the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County (JWB), for an eye-opening discussion about supporting children and families. Beth shares JWB’s mission to create brighter futures by focusing on critical areas like early childhood development, mental health, and family well-being.
From the astonishing fact that 80% of brain development occurs by age three to JWB’s innovative programs that bridge gaps in childcare, education, and wellness, this episode dives deep into what it takes to nurture a thriving community.
Beth also offers actionable advice for pursuing a purpose-driven career and highlights the importance of understanding the unique needs of those you serve. Whether you’re passionate about child welfare, community leadership, or personal growth, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
Tune in to explore how bold leadership and strategic initiatives are transforming lives one child at a time.
KEY POINTS:
[1:25] Beths career background and transition to the Juvenile Welfare Board
[2:43] JWB’s three main ways of engaging with the community
[4:00] On learning JWBs five strategic pillars
[5:05] The importance of early childhood brain development
[09:10] Key efforts to provide resources and support for parents
[13:07] JWBs focus on early mental health interventions
[17:07] Heart in service: Beth on being a CPA to CEO
[21:32] Challenges and responsibilities faced as a CEO
[24:26] Beths legacy to stand in the gap – JWB in caring for children & families
[26:15] The need for better pay and support for early childhood educators
QUOTABLES:
Stay focused on where you want to go in the long run, and some of the chapters wont be as good — but if youre focused out there on the right things, youll see opportunities as you go. – Beth Houghton
We engage in the community. We fund programs that exist in the community [or] programs that are developed for kids and families. We want to see this in Pinellas County. We also borrow or create campaigns within the community where educating all parents or all folks who take care of kids is our goal. – Beth Houghton
RESOURCES:
Beth Houghton
Website | https://www.jwbpinellas.org/team_members/beth-a-houghton/
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-houghton-676590a/
St. Petersburg College
Website | www.spcollege.edu
Facebook | facebook.com/stpetecollege
IG | instagram.com/stpetersburgcollege
YouTube | youtube.com/@SPC
LinkedIn | linkedin.com/company/st petersburg-college
X | x.com/spcnews
Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/
—————
St. Petersburg College was founded in 1927 as St. Petersburg Junior College, Floridas first two-year college. Our alumni rank first in the state for earning the highest entry wages among state community college graduates. Access, excellence, and student support are the hallmarks of SPC. Regionally accredited and nationally recognized, SPC was the first state college in Florida to offer bachelor’s degrees. We offer 200+ degree, certificate and transfer programs, as well as many high-demand, high-skill, industry-recognized workforce certifications. Our career-focused curriculum is created in conjunction with industry experts to ensure that SPC students are able to meet the needs of today’s employers.
To learn more about SPC, visit https://spcollege.edu. Standing In The Gap, EP19: Beth Houghton](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3_P3ydUPLpI/mqdefault.jpg)
![Standing In The Gap, EP10: Gary Hartfield
In this episode of Standing In The Gap, award-winning serial entrepreneur, leader, author, and philanthropist Gary Hartfield joins Dr. Tonjua Williams as they delve into his commitment to standing in the gap for the elderly, individuals with intellectual disabilities, and his employees.
As the president and CEO of six residential group homes across Florida and the founder of Serenity Village Insurance & Consulting, Gary has made significant strides in multiple industries, including healthcare, real estate, and insurance. He also shares his passion for community involvement, emphasizing the balance between business and social impact.
Gary delves into his journey of self-discovery, highlighting his dedication to standing in the gap for the elderly and individuals with intellectual disabilities. He discusses his leadership initiatives, such as the TOBA Leadership Institute and the All Hart Foundation, emphasizing the importance of serving others, understanding policies impacts, and addressing community needs.
Tune in to hear how Garys commitment to integrity and empowerment has shaped his impactful career with a purpose today.
KEY POINTS:
[01:48] - Finding balance in community involvement and entrepreneurship
[09:05] - The importance of standing in the gap for employees and clients
[12:02] - Leading by example and serving others
[16:39] - The vital role of business plan and dedication for aspiring entrepreneurs
[22:28] - Overcoming adversity and leading with integrity
[26:15] - Gary’s journey of self-discovery and desire to serve the community
[28:16] - The vital role of understanding policies impact on family
[29:49] - The importance of addressing the needs of families and educators
QUOTABLES:
“It has to be something thats called: beyond just that moment. It has to be something that resonates with your heart. One of the things that resonates with our heart is social justice.” – Gary Hartfield
“Its important for me to be able to understand the implications of policies from our different county and state agencies, but also our local agencies that directly impact my family, my staff, as well as my fellow community members.” – Gary Hartfield
Gary Hartfield
Website | https://garyhartfield.com/
St. Petersburg College
Website | www.spcollege.edu
Facebook | facebook.com/stpetecollege
IG | instagram.com/stpetersburgcollege
YouTube | youtube.com/@SPC
LinkedIn | linkedin.com/company/st petersburg-college
X | x.com/spcnews
Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/ Standing In The Gap, EP10: Gary Hartfield](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3sVfyMVmUMQ/mqdefault.jpg)