ST. PETERSBURG – For 80 years, the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County has invested in the people, programs and partnerships that help children thrive.
JWB recently celebrated the milestone with 600 community leaders, elected officials and supporters at its 80th Anniversary KidsFirst Awards Luncheon.
“Eighty years ago, the people of Pinellas County made a decision that continues to shape our community today: children deserve the opportunity to thrive, and investing in their futures benefits everyone,” said Karen Boggess, JWB interim CEO. “As we celebrate this milestone, we also celebrate the people who turn that commitment into action every day. Their work reminds us that when we put children first, we strengthen families, build stronger communities and create opportunities that can change lives for generations.”
Keli Mondello received the Dillinger-McCabe Putting Children First Leadership Award. Mondello has worked with lawmakers to elevate early literacy and close achievement gaps, served as a Guardian ad Litem protecting abused and neglected children and co-founded LiFT, a Clearwater school for kids and adults with neurodiversity.
“Children don’t choose their parents. They don’t choose their genetics. They don’t choose their circumstances; I feel it’s our responsibility to be their voice,” Mondello said. “I have always tried to do what’s right for children, and to be seen among all these nominees and be seen by JWB, it has completely filled my heart and is the pinnacle of my professional life.”
The award honors the legacies of the late Bernie McCabe, former Pinellas-Pasco state attorney, and Bob Dillinger, former Pinellas-Pasco public defender. Both served 20 years on JWB’s board of directors.
“Keli’s remarkable vision and fierce devotion to children, especially neurodivergent children and those who learn differently, make us all so proud,” said Denise McCabe, Bernie McCabe’s widow. “This award honors leaders who are following in Bernie and Bob’s footsteps, doing what is best for children and paving a path for their bright futures ahead.”
Kay Dillinger said reviewing nominations for the award was among the last things her husband did.
“Of all the exceptional nominees, Keli Mondello stood out completely,” she said. “Bob was inspired by her vision and her unwavering commitment to ensuring all children thrive, and he would have been so proud to present her with this award bearing his and Bernie’s names.”
JWB also posthumously presented the Dillinger-McCabe Putting Children First Leadership Award to the late Jack Latvala. The former state senator championed legislation adding the state attorney and public defender to JWB’s board. His son, Chris Latvala, accepted the award.
The luncheon highlighted four recipients of the 2026 KidsFirst Cooperman-Bogue Award. Each received $1,000 in recognition of their service to the community:
- Gena Calish – An in-home specialist who works directly with families to strengthen parenting skills, support healthy child development and help prevent child abuse and neglect.
- Melissa Mapes – A teacher who has spent 29 years at Gingerbread Preschool creating a classroom where children feel safe, valued and supported.
- Christine Powell – A foster grandparent with Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay who helps kindergarteners at Maximo Elementary improve literacy skills and develop a love of learning.
- Deputy Anthony Borbonio – A member of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Community Policing Unit who builds trust in the High Point community and connects families with resources and support.
Teenagers Tatiana Mansfield and Savannah Starcher received H. Browning Spence Education Scholarships.
