The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club to Honor Outstanding Women in St. Petersburg

Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine will host the Women Who Win Gala & Awards on April 17, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Florida, United States. The event, held at The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection, is designed to recognize leadership and excellence among professional women in the Tampa Bay region.

The gala will honor approximately 40 women who were selected from a pool of 200 nominations. The selection process aims to identify individuals who reflect a broad scope of achievement and influence within the business community.

Event Organization and Partnerships

The ceremony is presented by The William Stanley Group and features Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough as the nonprofit partner. Sponsorship for the evening is provided by Bake More Pies and the International Diamond Center.

Scheduled to run from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the event includes a dinner and an open bar. Attendees are required to wear formal attire for the evening, which is centered on empowerment, networking, and the celebration of finalists and winners in the Tampa Bay business scene.

Venue and Leadership

The event takes place at The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, a 361-room resort featuring an 18-hole championship golf course and 60,000 square feet of event space. The resort is managed by general manager Vanessa Williams, who was herself recognized as a 2025 Business Woman of the Year honoree.

Williams’ professional trajectory serves as an example of the international leadership the gala celebrates. Born and raised in South Africa during a period of political turmoil, Williams began her international career in Europe before expanding her professional experience across multiple continents.

Regarding her approach to career growth and professional development, Williams has shared advice for women entering the workforce, emphasizing the importance of expanding one’s own perceived limitations.

Don’t just aim to be good at what you do, strive to be great. And along the way, give yourself the time to grow. Every role and every opportunity comes with cycles, ebbs, and flows that teach you the nuances of a business or organization.

Vanessa Williams

Williams describes her philosophy of success as being measured by the happiness I create, viewing her role as an innkeeper where every interaction is a reflection of genuine hospitality.

Community Leadership Recognition

Beyond the business-centric awards, the broader context of community leadership in the region has been highlighted by local reporting. The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported that Vin Mannix, the CEO of Meals on Wheels, has been honored for his contributions to community leadership.

The recognition of figures like Mannix and the women honored at the gala reflects a regional emphasis on merit-based prizes and community service, specifically addressing issues such as poverty, hunger, and the support of senior citizens through organizations like Meals on Wheels.

The Women Who Win Gala & Awards serves as a platform for influential professionals and community leaders to connect while acknowledging the specific achievements of women who have attained success in both business and life within the Florida region.