March 6, 2025
Tallahassee State College (TSC) honored 10 community women at its annual Women’s History Month event on Wednesday, March 5. Each year during Women’s History Month, TSC recognizes and celebrates the contributions of women in the Big Bend community.
This year’s event theme was Moving Forward Together: Women Educating and Inspiring Generations, and the keynote speaker was Dr. Michelle Gayle, Deputy Superintendent for the Leon County School District. TSC’s award-winning Forensics Team performed a reading of Maya Angelou's “Phenomenal Woman.” Ava Daly read her poem “In Another Life” from the upcoming edition of Eyrie, the College’s literary and art magazine.
Community honorees are:
Joyce Baker
Joyce Baker is a certified Fitness Instructor at Premier Health & Fitness with over a decade of experience helping others achieve their wellness goals. Specializing in Pilates, water aerobics, cycling, and stretching, she encourages participants of all levels to improve their well-being. After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 40, Joyce became passionate about inspiring others, especially those with chronic conditions, to live active lives. She also volunteers at the Tallahassee Animal Service Center and has trained her poodle, Banff, as a diabetes alert dog. Outside of fitness, Joyce enjoys hiking, baking, and spending time with her family.
Althemese Barnes
Althemese Barnes is a distinguished leader in historic preservation, education, and African American heritage. A graduate of Florida A&M University, she founded the John Gilmore Riley Center/Museum, Tallahassee's first community-based African American museum, and served as its volunteer Executive Director for 24 years. Barnes also established the Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network, supporting museums focused on African Diaspora history. She has received numerous accolades, including the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award and the National Historic Preservation Medal. Barnes has published 28 books and documentaries, mentored over 70 graduate students, and continues to be a prominent advocate for preserving African American history.
Ann Bidlingmaier
Raised in Fort Lauderdale, Ann Bidlingmaier was drawn to Tallahassee during her pursuit of an English degree, captivated by its topography, trees, and “hometown” feel. After returning to Florida in 1979, she became concerned about the increasing overdevelopment and lack of meaningful tree protection in the area. A pivotal moment occurred when she witnessed a bulldozer clearing trees along John Knox Road, prompting her to rally citizens and eventually push for a tree protection ordinance. Her advocacy led to the formation of a tree and landscape ordinance, for which she became vice-chair of a key committee. Over the years, Bidlingmaier’s efforts earned her numerous accolades, and she continued her commitment to environmental and historic preservation through leadership roles in multiple boards and the Florida Heritage Foundation for Historic Preservation.
Alexis Brown
A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Alexis Brown moved to Tallahassee to pursue a degree in elementary education at Florida A&M University and quickly fell in love with the city. With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, she is the Owner and Director of the School for Young Children, where she fosters strong relationships with children, staff, and parents in a nurturing environment. Brown is passionate about empowering children to become future leaders and advocating for their voices, especially when they cannot speak for themselves. She also serves on multiple committees with the Florida Department of Education and The Learning Systems Institute, contributing to the development of the state's early childhood assessments. Beyond her work, Brown actively collaborates with local providers to strengthen and support the Early Childhood Education community.
Camry S. Floyd
Camry S. Floyd, a Gadsden County native, is committed to community service and leadership. After graduating from Florida State University, she co-founded Pretty Elite, Incorporated, a nonprofit organization that empowers young women in Gadsden County through service, leadership development, and educational opportunities. Officially incorporated in 2020, Pretty Elite serves girls in grades 3-12, focusing on building a strong foundation for their future. Floyd continues to strengthen the organization’s impact through community partnerships and local collaborations.
LaQuisha Persak
LaQuisha Persak, a native of Orlando, Florida, has called Tallahassee home for over 25 years. A double alumna of Florida State University, she holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Applied American Politics and Policy. Persak is the Recruiting and University Relations Manager at Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. CPAs, where she drives the firm’s recruiting strategy and student programs. She is also deeply involved in the Tallahassee community, serving on various boards and advocating for women’s health as a breast cancer survivor. Her work has earned her multiple recognitions, including being named a 2023 Honoree in Tallahassee Democrat’s 25 Women You Need to Know and winning on Wheel of Fortune in March 2024.
Ashley Scott
A passionate servant leader, Ashley Scott is dedicated to breaking the cycles of generational poverty through education, grant writing, and philanthropy. Through her consulting agency, A. Scott Consulting Group, she has secured over $100 million in grants, benefiting sectors like health, law enforcement, and education. She founded Oxford Learning Academy, which now serves grades K-5, and Creative Mind Solutions Inc., a nonprofit offering mentorship and educational programs to youth. Scott’s initiatives include expanding after-school programs, establishing STEM labs, and helping business owners secure funding. Her work continues to inspire and uplift communities worldwide.
Shannon C. Smith
Shannon C. Smith is a Managing Director at the Moore Agency, where she leads the wellness program, Thrive Moore, and the community outreach initiative, Moore Impact. An advocate for children, animals, and wellness, Smith has fostered seven children, including two sons she adopted in 2019. Through Moore Impact, she has donated over $65,000 and countless volunteer hours to support local schools, including launching a pet therapy program and establishing scholarships. Smith also teaches fitness and serves on the board of Girls on the Run of the Panhandle. A passionate animal advocate, she has raised over $20,000 for local animals in need.
Tonja B. Smith
Deputy Chief Tonja Bryant Smith has over 30 years of law enforcement experience, starting her career with the Tallahassee Police Department before joining the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) in 2002. She has served in various roles, including Special Agent, Inspector, and Special Agent Supervisor, managing multiple squads in areas like narcotics, counterterrorism, and public integrity. In 2020, she returned to the Tallahassee Police Department as Deputy Chief, overseeing the Support Branch, which includes Criminal and Special Investigations. Smith is also the President of the North Florida Chapter of NOBLE and has received numerous accolades, including the 2022 Trailblazer Award and the 2024 NOBLE Attorney General Eric Holder Leadership Award.
Markeisa Tassy
Markeisa Tassy, M.S., is an advocate, author, speaker, and consultant dedicated to empowering survivors of trauma, including domestic violence, sexual abuse, and addiction. A native of Delray Beach, FL, she holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Master’s in Community Psychology from Florida A&M University. Tassy is the author of There’s Hope in Healing: A Memoir – Journey to Healing After Childhood Abuse, offering guidance and hope to survivors. She also hosts the podcast Beautiful Disaster GPS, where she shares faith-based insights on identity and resilience. Through her work as a Family Coach and consultant, Tassy supports individuals and organizations in fostering healing and personal development.