TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott announced the selection of Adela Hernandez Gonzmart, Janet Petro, and Lee Bird Leavengood to the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame. Governor Scott chose these three individuals from a group of ten nominees selected by the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. They were considered for their work to make significant improvements in life for women and all citizens of Florida.
Adela Hernandez Gonzmart, (1920-2001), formerly of Tampa, was an advocate for the arts and the community. Gonzmart attended Julliard School of Music where she received a Bachelor of Music and Science degree. After traveling the country performing music, Gonzmart moved back to Tampa and helped manage the family restaurant, “The Columbia”, which is now the oldest restaurant in Florida. Gonzmart was a community advocate and helped co-found the Latino Scholarship Fund at the University of South Florida. Gonzmart also served three consecutive terms as the President of the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce. Gonzmart organized the Ballet Folklorico of Ybor City and the Tampa Symphony Orchestra. Among her many accomplishments, Gonzmart received the Tony Pizzo Award for “Outstanding Citizen of the Year” from the Ybor City Museum Society. She was also awarded the key to the City of Tampa and was honored as “Hispanic Woman of the Year” from Tampa Hispanic Heritage Inc.
Janet Petro, 58, was born in Michigan and graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering. She also received a Master of Science degree in Business Administration from Boston University. Upon graduation, she served in the U.S. Army as a commissioned officer and helicopter pilot. Petro served in various management roles throughout her career, but most notably, as Deputy Director of John F. Kennedy Space center. As the first female Deputy in the history of John F. Kennedy Space Center, Petro manages and executes the Center’s mission. Petro spearheaded many projects and established partnerships that led to more efficient and cost saving practices at the space center. Among her many achievements, she has been honored with the Meritorious Presidential Rank Award.
Lee Bird Leavengood, 89, was born in Monticello and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida State University in 1950. She moved to Tampa in 1960 and became involved at the University of South Florida as a volunteer, a student, and then an administrator. At the age of 45, Leavengood pursued a master’s degree, became an advocate for “non-traditional students” and served as director of Continuing Education. Leavengood spearheaded senior programs in the greater Tampa Bay area and the creation of the University of South Florida’s Division of Senior programs, now known as the Osher Lifelong Learning Center, serving over 1,500 maturing students. She also served in the first Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women and was a founding director of adult learning at the Tampa Bay History Center. Among her many accomplishments, Leavengood received the Women of Distinction Award by the Girl Scouts Council of West Florida, the University of South Florida’s President’s Fellow Medallion, and the Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero award.