Four women honored for community contributions

Four women were honored today as shining examples for the community.

The 10th annual Women of Distinction Luncheon recognized Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor, teacher Sarah "Scottie" Beasley, education executive Margaret Sullivan and Judy Lisi, chief executive officer of the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts.

The luncheon was presented by the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. The featured speaker was Jenna Hager, daughter of former President George W. Bush and contributor to NBC's "Today" show.

"Your chief of police - she is incredible," Hager, 29, told The Tampa Tribune. "All of the women were incredibly articulate, were inspirational. I was incredibly impressed by all of them."

Castor, a 27-year department veteran and the city's first female police chief, helps with several charities. She is on the board of the Hillsborough House of Hope, which provides temporary housing to women who have been incarcerated in Hillsborough County, and also volunteers with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.

The Chamberlain High and University of Tampa graduate told attendees that determination, a strong work ethic and the ability to get along with others helped her succeed.

Lisi has been a performer, producer and educator for more than 30 years. She has led the performing arts center since 1992, founded Opera Tampa in 1994 and has produced more than 30 operas.

Sullivan, of St. Petersburg, is president of the Southeastern Consulting Group in Higher Education and has more than 15 years of experience in higher education administration.

Beasley, of Winter Haven, is a retired educator who now is a substitute teacher in Polk County. She was a Brownie and Cadet leader at First Presbyterian Church in Winter Haven.

The luncheon's honorary chairwoman was WFLA, News Channel 8, anchor Gayle Sierens, a Woman of Distinction in 1995.

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