Christina Pepin, professionally known as Tina Pepin, serves as Executive Director of the Pepin Family Foundation and continues a third-generation tradition of philanthropy in Tampa Bay, Florida. Her leadership supports initiatives in public safety, healthcare, education, and mental health, with a focus on sustainable partnerships and measurable outcomes. Through strategic guidance and community collaboration, she advances programs that strengthen local institutions and serve families across the region. Tina draws inspiration from her grandfather, who was allowed to attend college by a family he once served. That experience shaped his lifelong commitment to giving to givers. She remains dedicated to preserving the values of both her father and grandfather, ensuring their shared mission of service continues for future generations. Over the years, she and her family have supported numerous charitable organizations throughout Tampa Bay. These include the Chief of Police Foundation, Tampa Police Department, the Suncoast PBA, Hands Across the Bay, Arise Alliance, Vincent Jackson Foundation, Hook A Hero, Operation Restore, and others. These efforts reflect a consistent investment in first responders, youth development, healthcare access, and community-based partnerships. Tina Pepin has also been closely connected to The Pepin Academies, founded in 1999 as a non-profit, tuition-free public charter school serving third through 12th-grade students, along with a transitional job-training program for 18- to 22-year-old students. Nearly three decades later, the academies serve more than 1,200 students and over 850 graduates across campuses in Tampa, Riverview, and New Port Richey. Qualified students receive therapy at no cost, including support from social workers, mental health counselors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, sensory integration services, and speech language programs. She served on the board of Pepin Academies for nearly three years and values the individualized learning approach that supports both academic progress and personal development. The environment fosters a sense of belonging and provides students with meaningful preparation for future opportunities. The Foundation also contributes to local engagement through Pepin’s Hospitality Centre, offering space for community culture and cuisine. Tina actively supports the mission of the Pepin Heart Institute as part of the Foundation’s longstanding healthcare commitment. Established in 1986 by Tom and Arthur Pepin, the Institute focuses on research and patient-centered cardiac care aimed at eradicating heart disease. She continues to promote initiatives that improve cardiac outcomes and broaden access to advanced treatment options. Public safety remains a central priority within the Foundation’s work. Mental health and resiliency programs are designed to assist law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other front-line professionals who regularly face traumatic events. These programs emphasize sustainable systems of care that reinforce wellness and long-term support for first responders. Tina Pepin believes that serving those who serve the community is essential to lasting progress. During a nursing crisis in Tampa, the Foundation partnered with the University of South Florida to support young nursing professionals. It partners with the Tampa Police Department to strengthen resiliency, officer wellness, and mental health programming. It collaborates with Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association President Jonathan Vazquez and General Counsel and Executive Director Sasha Lohn, Esq., to launch a first-of-its-kind law enforcement mental health college certificate program for active and retired officers to earn college credits and an applied mental health certificate. In January 2026, she was recognized with an award for her support of Rise Tampa, the official Foundation for the Tampa Police Department. Christina Pepin continues to foster collaboration among healthcare providers, educators, and public safety leaders throughout Tampa Bay. She has supported initiatives such as the USF Pepin Family Summer Nursing Pathway Program and the expansion of mental health resources for first responders. A 2021 graduate of Belmont University, Jack C. Massey College of Business with a Bachelor of Business Administration BBA, she also participated in the Winterline Global Education program, pitching a business venture at MIT in Boston, and studying management and international business in the United States and Asia. Through steady leadership and consistent service, she remains committed to meaningful and lasting community impact.
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