Pinellas Education Foundation celebrates 40th anniversary

Education, business and community leaders came together Wednesday at the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park to recognize four individuals who have made a difference in the Tampa Bay area. 

For Pinellas Education Foundation CEO Kim Jowell, the ninth annual ChangeMakers Breakfast was an opportunity to celebrate the nonprofit’s 40th anniversary and multi-generational legacy. 

“Our work doesn’t get done without partners and people in the community who care about education,” Jowell explained to the Catalyst. “For us, it’s very important to take the time to recognize those who give back and invest in our students.” 

Established in 1986, the Pinellas Education Foundation is dedicated to “enhancing educational opportunities, supporting students and fostering community growth,” according to the organization’s website. The nonprofit, which runs the Enterprise Village economic education program in partnership with the Gus A. Stavros Institute, collaborates with a variety of organizations including Pinellas County Schools.

From left, Pinellas Education Foundation CEO Kim Jowell and Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Kevin Hendrick at the Wednesday event.

At the Wednesday event, Ellen Truskowski received the Impact & Innovation Award. Truskowski is Pinellas County Schools’ director of federal programs and special projects. She has played an instrumental role in the Closing the Gap initiative, which focuses on research-driven strategies to address gender achievement gaps. Through the program, teachers are learning how to change learning environment practices to create a more inclusive experience for all students.  

“We are really invested in early learning and literacy and getting students reading on level before they hit third grade,” Jowell added. “We also are invested in getting more students to be able to successfully complete Algebra 1 by 9th grade.” 

Bobby Coston Jr. received the ChangeMaker Award. Prior to earning a bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Stetson University, Coston experienced the impact of the Pinellas Education Foundation firsthand. He participated in the Take Stock in Children program, which provides students with mentorship, college readiness coaching and college scholarships. 

Coston was named a Top 10 finalist for the 2025-26 Pinellas County Schools Teacher of the Year. Currently, he is the assistant principal at Lealman Avenue Elementary.

“Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful to me because my story is deeply connected to Pinellas County,” Coston explained to the Catalyst. “I grew up in St. Petersburg and attended Pinellas County Schools from elementary school through graduation from Boca Ciega High School.” 

“The Foundation represents what can happen when a community intentionally invests in its young people, ” he continued. “Someone invested in me, believed in me and helped expose me to opportunities that contributed to where I am today. That is a major reason I feel such a responsibility to do the same for the students and families I now serve.”

Bob and Kay Dillinger received the Champion of Education Award. They founded the Beth Dillinger Foundation in memory of their daughter. According to the nonprofit’s website, the organization is “dedicated to providing food, clothing and education to youth in need in our community.”

The Dillinger family has supported the Pinellas Education Foundation for more than 17 years. They have been advocates of the Take Stock in Children program. While Bob died in 2024, his legacy continues to grow.  

Jowell added that the Pinellas Education Foundation’s 40th anniversary is not only an opportunity to celebrate the organization’s history, but also what lies ahead. The nonprofit is currently designing a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-focused innovation center, which will be built at the Gus A. Stavros Institute in Largo. Construction will commence in spring 2027. 

Pinellas Education Foundation website