Meet the 2025 TOBA MLK Breakfast Co-Chairs

Rebecca Washington is a dynamic and compassionate leader who currently serves as the CEO of SOAR First, a nonprofit organization in Tampa, Florida. With an 18-year career at TECO, Rebecca has navigated a remarkable journey from the call center to to Director of CE Revenue Operations. Since joining Tampa Electric in 2005, Rebecca has held various roles, each highlighting her vast expertise and dedication. From her early days as a Customer Service Professional, where she delivered a quality experience with each call and customer interaction, to her most recent role as Director of Business Planning, where she led a group of leaders responsible for various TECO financial expenditures. In all of her progressively responsible roles, she has consistently driven positive outcomes for TECO, our team members and our customers.

At SOAR First, Rebecca channels her strategic vision and leadership into empowering underprivileged youth. Her deep experience in nonprofit management and social entrepreneurship allows her to implement transformative programs that focus on educational equity and community development. Under her leadership, SOAR First has expanded its reach by building key partnerships with schools, community centers, and youth organizations, ensuring its services effectively reach those in need.

Rebecca is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, having spearheaded initiatives that provide mentorship, life skills development, and enriching community engagement opportunities. She is committed to creating spaces where underprivileged youth can thrive academically, gain essential life skills, and become leaders within their communities.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Rebecca is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, actively involved in her community. She works closely with nonprofit leaders, government agencies, and business executives to drive collective impact, champion social justice, and foster sustainable community growth.

Rebecca’s unwavering dedication to both her corporate and nonprofit work, combined with her visionary leadership, has earned her widespread recognition as a leader in the Tampa area.

Whether in her corporate role at TECO or her work at SOAR First, she continues to inspire positive change, creating brighter futures for the next generation and the communities she serves.to Director, CE Revenue Operations