The nine ‘Women Leading with a Purpose’ are being honored for driving positive change.
By Ed James III
Original Air Date: September 15 2026
Host: Suncoast Women of Action is preparing to celebrate some of the region’s female leaders. The group is holding its 12th Annual Luncheon this Saturday, September 19 at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex under the theme “Women Leading With a Purpose.” WSLR News reporter Ed James sat down with the organization’s founder and president.
Helen James (c.), Suncoast Women of Action
Ed James III: Suncoast Women of Action was established in Sarasota in 2014 by Helen James. Her move came on the heels of a contentious Florida midterm election marked by redistricting controversies and voter purge efforts that disproportionately affected minority voters. Witnessing firsthand the need to protect voting rights and ensure sustained voter registration, James and a core group of fellow activists launched SWOA. The idea: empower citizens across the Suncoast. Today, the grassroots organization continues its mission of civic advocacy while honoring local leaders who drive positive change.
Helen James: The reason we chose that theme is because women are in leadership roles and leadership positions. From where I sit, women are doing all kinds of things in different categories of leadership. That’s why we chose that theme.
EJ: The 12th Annual Luncheon recognizes a cross-section of nine women leaders in healthcare, education, faith, journalism and youth advocacy.
HJ: I’m excited about the future of our community because, with these women, it’s a cross-section.
Linda Carson
EJ: The 2026 honorees include:
Helen James says this broad range of backgrounds creates a roadmap for future generations.
Anita Williams
Keynoting this year’s luncheon is veteran broadcast journalist and community leader Renee James Gilmore, host of Empowering Voices on WWSB ABC7.
HJ: She has been a great leader in leadership positions and given African American women and men the opportunity to work under her.
Sarah Pappas
EJ: Beyond their annual celebration, Suncoast Women of Action host candidate forums and voter engagement workshops. SWOA is now partnering with the Sarasota Branch NAACP for an upcoming Ballot Literacy Training. That’s on Thursday, October 22nd at 6:30 p.m. at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. The session will guide voters through primary versus general elections, nonpartisan contests and personalized sample ballots.
HJ: When you pick up that ballot, we don’t want you to be afraid. We want you to just dive in and look at it.
EJ: More information on the September 19 luncheon at the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex is available at theright2vote.net.
For WSLR News 96.5 FM, I’m Ed James III.
Host: Full disclosure: Ed James III is the son of Helen James.
WSLR News aims to keep the local community informed with our 1/2 hour local news show, quarterly newspaper and social media feeds. The local news broadcast airs on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm.