Andrea Gaskin-Capehart, President & CEO, Pinellas County Urban League

July 2026 — In an interview with Invest:, Andrea Gaskin-Capehart, president and CEO of Pinellas County Urban League, discussed the organization’s Vision 2030 strategy, regional growth, housing challenges, and plans for the Sankofa Empowerment Center. “We want to make sure that people have what they need to be successful, and to thrive, not just survive,” Gaskin-Capehart said.

What changes over the past year have impacted Pinellas County Urban League?

I am going into my third year with the Urban League, and over the last 12 months we have been very intentional about putting our Vision 2030 strategic plan in place. We have specific deliverables that we are looking to achieve each year through 2030. Much of our focus has been on building infrastructure, planning for expansion, listening to the needs of our clients, and focusing on building generational wealth.

For us, the investment piece allows our community to think differently about the work we are doing because we are making an investment in them, and we are asking them to make an investment in us. We want to inspire them and ignite a spark so they have the ability to change the trajectory of their lives and their families’ lives.

Looking back on the last year, we have built a framework that we believe can be sustained for another 50 years. Even though the economy and nonprofit sector have changed, we are determined to strengthen our sustainability by creating revenue-producing social enterprise income and reducing our dependence on grants.

As the organization approaches its 50th anniversary, what celebrations and initiatives are planned?

We have several initiatives that will be announced over the coming months as part of a multi-year celebration. We begin in June with our Sankofa Freedom Conference.

The goal is to connect with our community while honoring the history that brought us here. We want people to know they have ownership in what we are building and to feel invested in where the organization is headed.

The conference will feature empowerment workshops and panels focused on building generational wealth, land ownership, agribusiness, financial wellness, physical health, and mental health. These topics align with our four pillars: education and community leadership, jobs and entrepreneurship, housing and community development, and health and quality of life.

How important are events like the Sankofa Freedom Conference in fostering dialogue around economic opportunity and inclusion?

It is very important because we have the power of the collective through all of our partners who are doing this work with us. We want to make sure that people have what they need to be successful, and to thrive, not just survive. Conferences like this allow us to share hope and optimism while also providing practical tools that people can use to achieve their personal and family goals.

We see ourselves as navigators and coaches. People may need support with education, entrepreneurship, caregiving responsibilities, mentorship opportunities, or workforce development. We cannot do everything ourselves, but we can connect people to organizations and resources that can help them move forward.

What is the vision behind the Sankofa Empowerment Center?

The Sankofa Empowerment Center reflects what we mean when we talk about building generational wealth and serving as an empowerment hub for the community.

The concept is inspired by the National Urban League model and what has been accomplished in Harlem. Our vision is to replicate that success in St. Petersburg on the historic Black Wall Street corridor across from the Manhattan Casino.

The project would include a new state-of-the-art headquarters that serves as a destination for the community. We envision bringing together small businesses, financial institutions, restaurants, and community amenities in one place.

The center will also help strengthen the Urban League’s long-term sustainability. Our current headquarters is being redeveloped with residential and commercial components that can generate revenue through leases and rentals.

Ultimately, the goal is to help transform the corridor, increase purchasing power within the community, and create opportunities for residents and entrepreneurs alike.

As Tampa Bay continues to grow, how can regional leaders ensure that growth remains inclusive?

Organizations like ours need to be at the table. I have worked in government, banking, and the nonprofit sector, and I understand that no single sector can solve these challenges alone.

Government cannot do it by itself. We need corporations, nonprofits, educational institutions, and community organizations working together. Employers can help by sharing their future workforce needs and partnering with organizations like ours to prepare people for those opportunities.

We are also focused on expanding our regional footprint. Similar to organizations such as United Way and CareerSource, we want to serve communities across a broader area and help connect residents to opportunities throughout the region.

Another important factor is workforce readiness. We are experiencing what many refer to as the Silver Tsunami, with large numbers of people approaching retirement. We need to make sure the next generation is prepared with the skills necessary to keep the region strong and competitive.

What are some of the biggest needs you are seeing in the communities you serve?

Housing continues to be one of the biggest concerns. When I think about attainable and affordable housing, I think about creating communities where people can access most of what they need within walking distance. One opportunity we see is working with faith-based organizations that have land available for development.

Through the state’s “Yes in God’s Backyard” legislation, churches now have additional opportunities to work with developers and create sustainable housing solutions for both their members and the broader community.

I believe we can go even further. Alongside housing, we should be creating community-centered environments that address food insecurity, access to services, and economic opportunity. Some neighborhoods continue to experience food deserts, so we need solutions that support healthy food access as well.

We envision places where housing, childcare, senior support services, businesses, and food production can exist together. These types of developments have the potential to transform communities while addressing multiple needs at once.

This work also requires strong financial partnerships. It is important that banks and other financial institutions understand the vision and help provide the capital necessary to bring these projects to life.

What are your key priorities over the next one to two years?

One of our biggest priorities is building relationships with the right corporate partners and anchor tenants. 

For the Sankofa Empowerment Center, we are looking for organizations that understand our mission and want to be part of creating long-term community impact. These partnerships can benefit both employers and residents.

Many companies are looking for workforce solutions, employee support systems, and stronger talent pipelines. Through our programs and services, we can help connect employers with qualified individuals while also providing wraparound support that helps people succeed.

Strong corporate partnerships also advance all four of our pillars. They create opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, housing, education, mentorship, and overall quality of life.

Our goal is to build connections that benefit both the community and the organizations that choose to invest alongside us.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

As the first woman CEO in the organization’s history, it is important to me that I continue investing in other women through leadership development initiatives such as our My Sisters Keeper Fellowship.

I want women to see themselves reflected in leadership and know that they can achieve their goals despite challenges that may exist.

One of the first things I did when I started was create a new meaning behind our acronym. In addition to being the Pinellas County Urban League, we are also a “Professional Culture United in Love.” That philosophy influences how we approach our work and how we serve our community.