Tewabech Genet Stewart

Tewabech Genet Stewart has dedicated over two decades to Florida's child welfare system. She is deeply committed to transforming its structure into one that prioritizes support over separation; therefore, enabling children to thrive within their own families and communities. Her experience has taught her that the best way to support children is by strengthening and uplifting their parents. 

In her current role as Director of Strategic Initiatives with the Children's Board of Hillsborough County, Genet leads the ONEhillsborough Initiative, leveraging the Social Determinants of Health to address systemic challenges facing underserved communities. 

Genet’s work has earned widespread recognition, including the Distinguished Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) Leadership Award at the 2024 National Staff Development and Training Association (NSDTA) Annual Education Conference. For her contributions to public service, she received the Mark of Excellence Award from the Tampa Bay Chapter of the National Forum of Black Public Administrators. 

Genet was introduced to the Junior League by former President Ashley Link during their participation in Leadership Lakeland. She subsequently joined the Junior League of Lakeland before transferring to the Junior League of Tampa in 2017. 

Within the Junior League of Tampa, Genet has been instrumental in child welfare initiatives, particularly through her work with the Kids Connect committee, which facilitates events to match foster children with their forever families. As a mentor, she continues to inspire and guide Junior League of Tampa members. In 2024, after years of dedicated service in the child welfare system and supporting the Junior League of Tampa’s efforts, she embarked on the most profound journey of her life—motherhood. During the 2024 National Adoption Day, hosted by the Junior League of Tampa, she adopted her son, who had been in foster care for four years. 

Her expertise and dedication extend to serving on numerous boards, committees, and coalitions, including Parent Advocates for Transformation and Healing (PATH), which envisions a society where family separation is no longer a reality. She is also a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Florida Department of Health -Hillsborough Health Equity Coalition, Hillsborough County Health Care Advisory Board, BayCare Board Clinical Excellence Committee & Health Equity Council, and the American Public Human Services Association EDIB Peer Community. Through these roles, she advocates for equity and works to eliminate racial disparities, striving to ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive within their own families.