Throughout Women’s History Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is celebrating women whose leadership, service, and dedication have strengthened our community and shaped the lives of young people across Tampa Bay.
Few individuals embody that impact more than Doretha Edgecomb.
A pillar of strength, education, mentorship, and community in East Tampa, Mrs. Edgecomb has spent decades advocating for children and families. As an educator, Hillsborough County School Board member, community leader, wife, and mother, she has dedicated her life to ensuring that every child has access to opportunity, encouragement, and support.
Her work has left a lasting imprint across our region, inspiring generations of young people and community leaders. That legacy lives on through the Edgecomb Mentoring Circle, a Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay initiative focused on expanding mentorship opportunities for youth in East Tampa. The program continues the work Mrs. Edgecomb championed by empowering young people, strengthening community connections, and ensuring every child knows they matter.
Mrs. Edgecomb is also a proud and longtime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., carrying forward the sorority’s tradition of sisterhood, scholarship, and service in everything she does. Her life’s work is a powerful reminder that mentorship can change the trajectory of a child’s future.
As Mrs. Edgecomb has said, “Children rise when someone believes in them, and every one of us has the power to be that someone.”
Today, 75 children in East Tampa are waiting for a mentor. While that number has decreased from 80, it is still far too many young people waiting for someone to show up for them. You can help continue the legacy of leaders like Doretha Edgecomb by becoming a volunteer mentor. Together, let’s invest in the next generation and ensure every child has someone in their corner.
