In this episode, reporter at the St. Petersburg Times Stephanie Hayes, becomes our host as she sits down with two remarkable leaders: SPC President Dr.Tonjua Williams and Melissa Seixas, the President of Duke Energy Florida.

They delve into the intricacies of their career paths, shedding light on the unique challenges and triumphs they have encountered as women in predominantly male-dominated fields. Melissa Seixas shares with us her childhood dreams and how her aspirations evolved, reflecting on her journey to becoming a prominent figure at Duke Energy. Dr. Tonjua Williams recounts the pivotal moments in her life that shaped her professional trajectory. Both women discuss the struggles they faced, from gender biases to the challenge of recognition and respect in their respective industries.

Their conversation also highlights the critical importance of connecting with customers and the community. Melissa Seixas and Dr. Tonjua Williams emphasize the value of embracing your uniqueness and finding support systems to foster personal and professional growth. They believe in the significance of mentorship — underscoring how their guidance can help navigate your career and enhance personal development.

Tune in as they encapsulate the essence of their success and resilience in the face of adversity in this enlightening episode.

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KEY POINTS:

• What does Melissa want to be when she grows up?
• The trajectory of Dr. Tonjua Williams’ life
• Common challenges faced by Melissa and Dr. Williams as women in their careers
• The importance of connecting with customers and the community
• On embracing uniqueness and finding support from others
• The value of mentorship for personal growth
• Leadership, communication, and balance in a crisis management role
• Community growth: Collaboration & investing in people's economic mobility
• The pivotal role of people and relationships towards success
• On choosing courage over comfort as a leader

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QUOTABLES:

“It just is more of a kind of natural dialogue. Every single day, it has nothing to do with the title. It has more to do with the relationship you build — and whether you're learning in [the] actual process from them or [a] certain area of knowledge. A lot of times it’s just watching how people treat other people.” – Melissa Seixas

“Getting the job is not the job. It's being able to keep the job, and to be mentored through that — there's always someone at your jobs. And let me show you. Let me help you. You better take that help. You better listen, because they're going to help you be successful. I believe in mentoring, because I wouldn't be here without it.”- Dr. Tonjua Williams

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GUEST RESOURCES

Melissa Seixas

LinkedIn | @melissa-seixas

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RESOURCES

St. Petersburg College

Website | St. Petersburg College

Facebook | @stpetecollege

IG | @stpetersburgcollege

YouTube | @SPC

LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college

X | @spcnews

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Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/