Uploaded May 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Today, Dr. Tonjua Williams, President of St. Petersburg College, sits down with Dr. Cynthia Johnson, Director of Pinellas County Economic Development as they uncover the rich tapestry of Pinellas communities and explore the profound impact of the collaboration on workforce development, economic growth, and community prosperity.
As she shares her journey starting in St. Petersburg and the pivotal role of education in shaping the economy, Dr. Cynthia Johnson delves into the challenges and triumphs of Pinellas County Economic Development. With anecdotes of her tribe who stood steadfastly by her side and her passion for standing in the gap, Dr. Cynthia Johnson imparts valuable advice to the younger generation on the impact of economic development and the vital role of education in bridging the gap between the workforce and training institutions.
Through Dr. Cynthia Johnson's unwavering commitment to authenticity in leadership, you will learn about the crucial partnerships between SPC and other training institutions, and grasp the significance of Pinellas County in fostering collaborative endeavors between education and the economy. As Dr. Cynthia Johnson reflects on her journey, she leaves us with inspiring words on the essence of being a torchbearer and lighting the way for others to stand in the gap.
Tune in and learn how strategic partnerships between educational institutions and economic development agencies catalyze innovation, foster talent development, and pave the way for a brighter future.
KEY POINTS
[00:03] - A glimpse of the uniqueness of communities of Pinellas
[01:15] - Dr. Cynthia on starting a journey with St. Petersburg
[05:09] - The pivotal role of education in the economy
[09:09] - Dr. Cynthia’s tribe who stood in the gap
[11:51] - On Dr. Cynthia’s inkling of leading an important role
[12:58] - On dealing with the challenges of Pinellas County Economic Development
[18:18] - The prime example of standing in the gap
[20:15] - Advice to the young: economic development and its impact
[21:30] - How everyone contributes to the economic community
[22:56] - Pinellas County as a living paradise
[24:38] - Dr. Cynthia's passion for standing in the gap
[27:42] - The necessity of being your authentic self
[29:33] - The relationship of SPC and other training institutions
[32:08] - On Dr. Cynthia’s stand on the gap between education and the workforce
[33:19] - The importance of Pinellas County in partnerships
QUOTABLES
“I always believe that at the core of the economy is education. Being a school administrator with Pinellas County Schools, I had a desire to make sure that the business community and the workforce were talking to each other. And as a trainer, I wanted to make sure that we were preparing our students for future jobs.” – Dr. Cynthia Johnson
“I never thought that I would have the awesome responsibility and the privilege to be the economic driver for this community.” – Dr. Cynthia Johnson
“In order to be a torch bearer, you have to be willing to light others’ torches. And so, along the way, many have lit my torch to ensure that I have the resources to have the confidence and the tenacity to stand in the gap. – Dr. Cynthia Johnson
RESOURCES:
Dr. Cynthia Johnson
LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/dr-cynthia-johnson
Pinellas Country Economic Development
Website | pced.org
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 epyc.co
—————
St. Petersburg College was founded in 1927 as St. Petersburg Junior College, Florida's 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.
Today, Dr. Tonjua Williams, President of St. Petersburg College, sits down with Dr. Cynthia Johnson, Director of Pinellas County Economic Development as they uncover the rich tapestry of Pinellas communities and explore the profound impact of the collaboration on workforce development, economic growth, and community prosperity.
As she shares her journey starting in St. Petersburg and the pivotal role of education in shaping the economy, Dr. Cynthia Johnson delves into the challenges and triumphs of Pinellas County Economic Development. With anecdotes of her tribe who stood steadfastly by her side and her passion for standing in the gap, Dr. Cynthia Johnson imparts valuable advice to the younger generation on the impact of economic development and the vital role of education in bridging the gap between the workforce and training institutions.
Through Dr. Cynthia Johnson's unwavering commitment to authenticity in leadership, you will learn about the crucial partnerships between SPC and other training institutions, and grasp the significance of Pinellas County in fostering collaborative endeavors between education and the economy. As Dr. Cynthia Johnson reflects on her journey, she leaves us with inspiring words on the essence of being a torchbearer and lighting the way for others to stand in the gap.
Tune in and learn how strategic partnerships between educational institutions and economic development agencies catalyze innovation, foster talent development, and pave the way for a brighter future.
KEY POINTS
[00:03] - A glimpse of the uniqueness of communities of Pinellas
[01:15] - Dr. Cynthia on starting a journey with St. Petersburg
[05:09] - The pivotal role of education in the economy
[09:09] - Dr. Cynthia’s tribe who stood in the gap
[11:51] - On Dr. Cynthia’s inkling of leading an important role
[12:58] - On dealing with the challenges of Pinellas County Economic Development
[18:18] - The prime example of standing in the gap
[20:15] - Advice to the young: economic development and its impact
[21:30] - How everyone contributes to the economic community
[22:56] - Pinellas County as a living paradise
[24:38] - Dr. Cynthia's passion for standing in the gap
[27:42] - The necessity of being your authentic self
[29:33] - The relationship of SPC and other training institutions
[32:08] - On Dr. Cynthia’s stand on the gap between education and the workforce
[33:19] - The importance of Pinellas County in partnerships
QUOTABLES
“I always believe that at the core of the economy is education. Being a school administrator with Pinellas County Schools, I had a desire to make sure that the business community and the workforce were talking to each other. And as a trainer, I wanted to make sure that we were preparing our students for future jobs.” – Dr. Cynthia Johnson
“I never thought that I would have the awesome responsibility and the privilege to be the economic driver for this community.” – Dr. Cynthia Johnson
“In order to be a torch bearer, you have to be willing to light others’ torches. And so, along the way, many have lit my torch to ensure that I have the resources to have the confidence and the tenacity to stand in the gap. – Dr. Cynthia Johnson
RESOURCES:
Dr. Cynthia Johnson
LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/dr-cynthia-johnson
Pinellas Country Economic Development
Website | pced.org
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 epyc.co
—————
St. Petersburg College was founded in 1927 as St. Petersburg Junior College, Florida's 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.
