At-a-Glance

• March is Women's History Month, and SMPR is spotlighting women making history today across key sectors, from sports media and conservation to mental health, community development, and children’s health.
• Check out our Fluent in Floridian listening list: A curated roundup of six recent podcast episodes featuring female leaders sharing their leadership lessons, challenges overcome, and community impact.
• Elevating these stories helps expand opportunity and representation, and we’re grateful these women are leading with purpose to open doors for others because the good work of strengthening Florida continues year-round.

‍Table of Contents

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SMPR’s Women’s History Month Listening List

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of women across generations and reflect on the progress still being made. It’s also a moment to be intentional about what we amplify. While it’s important to honor the trailblazers who opened doors, it’s equally important to uplift the women who are building what’s next right now.

With SMPR being a Top 100 Women-led Business in Florida, we are dedicated to celebrating women who are leading the charge to the top of their industries across the state.

That’s why we’re sharing a Women’s History Month podcast roundup featuring women who are making a meaningful difference in their Florida communities. These conversations on Fluent in Floridian highlight the challenges they have overcome, the work they’re proud of, the lessons they’ve learned, and what inspires them to keep moving forward.

Enjoy these recent episodes featuring women creating change across Florida.

1) Episode 109: ESPN Commentator and Reporter Tiffany Greene

Tiffany Greene has always wanted to be a trailblazer as a woman in sports. After more than a decade in local TV, she became the first African American woman to commentate on a college football game on ESPN. Now a notable figure in the HBCU broadcasting space, Tiffany is continuing to expand her skill set while pushing the industry forward. In this episode, SMPR President Heidi Otway talks with Tiffany about her future plans and why women in sports continue to challenge the status quo.

2) Episode 111: Conservation Florida President and CEO Traci Deen

Traci Deen has built a career advocating for Florida, first as a public defender and now as president and CEO of Conservation Florida, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the state’s water, land, and wildlife. Florida’s ecosystems are central to its identity, and Traci shares why they need our protection now more than ever. In this conversation, she joins SMPR President Heidi Otway to discuss her journey, what drives her passion, and how every Floridian can play a role in safeguarding this special place.

‍3) Episode 112: NAMI Florida Executive Director Carali McLean

Carali McLean is a lifelong advocate for mental health in Florida. With roots in Pinellas County and a background in clinical social work, she now leads NAMI Florida as executive director with a focus on advocacy, support, and systemic change. In this episode, she and SMPR President Heidi Otway discuss Carali’s path into social work, the work NAMI is doing across the state, and a key question: How do we make mental health care a priority, not a privilege, for every Floridian?

‍‍‍4) Episode 114: Good News Outreach Executive Director Talethia Edwards

Talethia Edwards is shaping the future of neighborhoods throughout Florida’s Big Bend region. As executive director of Good News Outreach, she connects residents with critical resources that help communities become stronger and more resilient. A first-generation Florida A&M University student turned urban planning leader, Talethia has founded the Greater Bond Neighborhood Association and helped advance efforts around affordable housing, reentry programs, and food assistance. She joins SMPR President Heidi Otway to share her journey from Miami to Tallahassee and why investing in people creates lasting change.

‍5) Episode 116: Health Care District of Palm Beach County CEO Darcy Davis and Dr. Courtney Phillips

For many Floridians, mental health is more than a medical issue. It’s deeply personal. In this episode, Health Care District of Palm Beach County CEO Darcy J. Davis and Dr. Courtney Phillips share how Palm Beach County is reimagining mental health care through a more responsive and compassionate system. From mobile response teams that meet people where they are, to evidence-based crisis centers and peer-supported programs, they discuss how creativity and empathy can transform services and restore dignity, setting a higher standard for care across Florida.

‍6) Episode 118: Nemours Children’s Health Hospital President Martha McGill

Florida has 4.4 million children, but no children’s hospital nationally ranked in the top 10, at least not yet. Martha McGill, president of Nemours Children’s Health Hospital, is working to change that by building Florida’s premier children’s health system. In this episode, she joins SMPR President Heidi Otway to talk about expanding clinical programs, developing highly skilled teams, and the lessons kids have taught her along the way. It’s an inspiring conversation about leadership, vision, and making the “magic” of children’s hospitals possible.

‍Why These Conversations Make a Difference

When we take the time to listen and learn from women who are creating change, we help build a future where more women can lead, thrive and make history. 

We’re grateful for the women who appeared on Fluent in Floridian to share their stories. They are true leaders in their industries, challenging the status quo and making a difference for Florida communities every day.  

Women’s History Month gives us a moment to celebrate, but the work of building a stronger Florida happens year-round. There is always good work to be done, and we are truly grateful for the women featured in these episodes who are leading with purpose, opening doors for others, and making a difference in communities across our state.

‍

------------

SalterMitchell PR is a full-service communications consultancy with 25+ years of experience generating results. Our deep understanding of how to help clients effectively reach, engage and influence people across the state makes us Fluent in Floridian. Contact us to learn more about our media relations, public affairs, marketing and advertising, and creative services.

‍