The City of Tampa will hold its 28th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held at the Tampa Bay History Center, located at 801 Water Street.
Mayor Jane Castor will present the 2025 Josephine Howard Stafford Memorial Award to City Clerk Shirley Foxx-Knowles. She is a cornerstone of Tampa’s leadership and the 28th City Clerk, proudly serving in the administrations of three consecutive mayors. Since 2003, Foxx-Knowles has held the pivotal role as Records Custodian for the City of Tampa. Her office is responsible for all administrative activities relating to the Tampa City Council and ensuring the seamless operation of essential city boards.
"Shirley Foxx-Knowles has dedicated her career to public service with professionalism, integrity, and commitment to our city,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “Her leadership has helped shape the way Tampa’s government serves its residents, and it is an honor to recognize her with this award.”
The Josephine Howard Stafford Memorial Award was created to honor a current or former City of Tampa female employee who demonstrates outstanding commitment to her position and the community. The award is presented in memory of Josephine Howard Stafford, who served as an Assistant City Attorney for 24 years. Stafford was the first female judge in Hillsborough County and a pioneer for women’s issues, both professionally and in the community.
For more information on Tampa’s Women’s History Month Celebration, including past Josephine Howard Stafford Memorial Award winners, please visit tampagov.net/whm.
Media outlets are invited to attend the celebration and interview this year’s award winner. Please RSVP by emailing media@tampagov.net