Each year, International Women’s Day celebrates the accomplishments of women in the social, economic, cultural and political arenas. IWD also advocates for more progress toward the ultimate goal of gender equality.
Women account for half of the college-educated workforce yet hold just 25% of senior management or leadership roles, and only about 10% of CEO titles.
Anti-discrimination laws make it illegal to disqualify job candidates on the basis of gender, but long-standing attitudes don’t always respond to legislation. And there are attitudes still extant that women don’t make good leaders.
To which we at Straz would respond, “You’re kidding, right?”
Judy Lisi retired as Straz’s CEO and president in 2022 after 30 years. The performing arts center she took over in 1992 was drawing more debt than ticket buyers. Lisi, though, saw its potential.
“You could see that it was meant to be there,” Lisi said of what was first known as the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. “You could see how it could spawn or influence the growth of an arts district.”
Lisi saw the potential in what was then a very moribund downtown Tampa. More than just setting Straz’s ship to right, Lisi was vital to the revitalization of downtown Tampa.
While Lisi has retired, women in leadership positions remains the norm at Straz.
Summer Bohnenkamp is Straz’s chief commerce and marketing officer/executive producer. She’s been at the forefront of Straz’s efforts to nurture new productions readying for Broadway, such as The Boy Who Loved Batman. Summer also frequently acts in or directs productions of Jobsite Theater.
Mary Beth Rossi is our chief administrative and finance officer. Julie Britton is our chief development officer.
Caitlin Potter is director of social and digital marketing, without whom you wouldn’t be seeing this blog. Ditto Kim MacCormack, senior publications manager.
Ellen Rusconi is vice president of programming. Stephanie Pemberton is our marketing director for internal clients.
Nicole Stickeler is director of special events. Alessandra Cacciatore manages marketing for Opera Tampa. Michelle Petrucci chairs the theater department at Patel Conservatory, and Maggie DiPietra is our grants manager.
In our Education Administration Department, Alice Santana is vice president of education and community engagement. Kendra Green is the controller in our Finance Department.
Did we leave anyone out? You bet! We have women in leadership positions throughout Straz, and women who will take over those positions one day.
Straz is a success due in great part to the work and input or women who work here from the C-suite to customer service to facilities.
Women make great leaders. Isn’t it sad that in 2025 this still needs to be pointed out?