Changemakers

Champions For Learning Honors 2022-2023 Glass Slipper Recipients at Luncheon

Champions For Learning honored the 2022-2023 Glass Slipper recipients at a luncheon Thursday, December 1st at The Club at Olde Cypress. The honorees are Brenda O’Connor, Dr. Kamela Patton and Tammi Pittaro (see below for bios).

Each year, the Glass Slipper event is held to honor female leaders for their dedication and service to the children of Collier County. This event and recognition program benefits young ladies who are graduates of Champions For Learning scholarship and mentoring programs and helps meet their needs as college students. Since the inception of the Glass Slipper event in 2004, $167,000 has been raised, providing 32 young women the funding needed to complete their degrees.

This year, $26,790 was raised to provide scholarships for women who have completed 60 semester hours but need additional scholarships funds to complete their postsecondary education. The Glass Slipper Scholarships helps Champions For Learning ensure that graduates from the organization are not just getting to college, but through college.

$2,500 was raised at the Glass Slipper Luncheon event through a wine pull in honor of Myra Daniels. Mayra was a 2013 Glass Slipper recipient. These funds will go towards a scholarship in her name.

This year’s event was co-chaired by Gina Lostracco and Dottie Whipple, both previous Glass Slipper honorees. The event was sponsored by Naples Daily News and Naples Illustrated, and hosted by Stock Development.

Pictures from the luncheon can be viewed here.

Meet the 2022-2023 Glass Slipper Recipients:

 

Brenda O’Connor is an unsung hero in many ways.  She has supported children and education for many years in numerous ways.  Each year she hosts and sponsors the CFL students at Naples Yacht Club for their etiquette class/luncheon which has proven to be so successful at CFL events.  She has not only supported Champions for years, but also serves as Chair of the Women’s Foundation and has served on the Board of Youth Haven.  It is wonderful to have Brenda as a member of the Glass Slipper Sisterhood.

 

 

 

Dr. Kamela Patton is currently in her 12th year as  is the district’s first female superintendent in Collier County Public Schools history. She has spent the past several year tackling some of biggest obstacles Collier County has faced to date, springing into action to see our students and educators through a global pandemic and two major hurricanes with a “whatever it takes” attitude. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Dr. Patton has always prioritized communications and transparency and has worked diligently to strengthen the connection between the school district and our amazing community. This past year, Dr. Patton was selected as the Florida Superintendent of the Year. She will be capping her 35-year career in public education this spring and, for all of her service to our community, is truly deserving of this recognition.

 

 

Tammi Pitaro has served in many volunteer roles in support of Champions for Learning over the years.  She is an experienced Mentor with Champion’s Take Stock program.  She has been on the Golden Apple and Classroom Grant Selection Committees.  And as a Student Programs volunteer, she has helped with resume writing, personal statements, networking and as a financial aide coach helped students and parents prepare FAFSA Applications.  Tammi is always willing to pitch in and embodies the spirit of the Glass Slipper award