Bemetra Simmons: National Women's History Month Spotlight

by Melanie Griffin March 18, 2020

Now, more than ever, we need to come together in support of each other. So, in honor of National Women's History Month, we're highlighting female Trail Blazers who pour into their communities like none other. Today, Bemetra Simmons instantly comes to mind!

After an esteemed banking career including as the Florida Managing Director at Mutual of Omaha Bank, Bemetra joined United Way Suncoast in February as its Chief Strategy & Operations Officer. Of Bemetra joining the United Way Suncoast Team, CEO Jessica Muroff said, “We are so excited to have Bemetra fill such a pivotal leadership role at United Way Suncoast. There really could not be a more qualified community and business leader to help us meet our goals and elevate community impact.”

Bemetra has certainly established her footprint in the Tampa Bay community and beyond, including through her service on the Board of Trustees for Christian Brothers University, Board of Directors for Community Tampa Bay, The City of Tampa’s Police Review Board, and Tampa’s Affordable Housing Advisory Team. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., current member of Leadership Florida Cornerstone Class XXXVIII, 2013 Leadership Tampa graduate, 2013 TBBJ Up and Comer, and 2017 TBBJ BusinessWoman of the Year Finalist.

Bemetra has also made her mark empowering and uplifting women and minority professionals. In 2017, she helped launch and began serving as the two-term Chair of the Tampa Bay Chamber Minority Business Accelerator, a program geared toward helping black and Hispanic business owners identify and overcome barriers to grow their companies. That same year, Bemetra and her twin sister, Demetra, founded Corporate Homie, a career, lifestyle, and advice company focused on helping minorities succeed in the corporate workplace. As avid listeners of the Corporate Homie podcast, our 5-star review is well-earned. Not only are the episodes entertaining, they are filled with tangible tips and strategies that Homies can employ each week to advance in their careers, including key takeaways from the lives of well-known celebrities that emphasize the relevance and applicability of the advice given.

Given Bemetra’s tireless work ethic that inspires us every day, we couldn’t let Women’s History Month pass without sharing her story with the Spread Your Sunshine community. Keep shining brightly, Bemetra, you’re truly amazing!!