Christina Pepin • United States of America

Christina Pepin, professionally known as Tina Pepin, serves as Executive Director of the Pepin Family Foundation, continuing a multigenerational legacy of philanthropy rooted in service, compassion, and community partnership. As a third-generation philanthropist, she oversees strategic investments and collaborative initiatives across Tampa Bay, Florida. Her leadership focuses on public safety, healthcare, education, and mental health, with a commitment to strengthening long-term community impact.

Tina carries forward the values established by her grandfather, who was allowed to attend college by a family he once served. That experience shaped his lifelong dedication to giving to givers. She works to uphold the mission embraced by both her father and grandfather, who devoted their lives to serving others and passing those principles through many generations.

Over the years, she and her family have contributed to numerous charitable organizations, including 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 many more. These partnerships reflect a steady commitment to supporting community-based institutions and expanding access to meaningful programs.

Tina Pepin has also played an important role in supporting The Pepin Academies, founded in 1999 as a non-profit, tuition-free public charter school serving third through 12th-grade students, as well as a transitional job training program for 18- to 22-year-old students. Nearly three decades later, the schools 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 access to 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 model and the sense of belonging it fosters. Students are supported in an environment where they feel respected and encouraged to grow. The Foundation also provides space for community culture and cuisine at Pepin’s Hospitality Centre.

Tina actively supports the mission of the Pepin Heart Institute as part of the Foundation’s longstanding commitment to healthcare advancement. 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 primary focus within the Foundation’s work. Mental health and resiliency programs are designed to support law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other front-line professionals who regularly experience traumatic events. These initiatives emphasize sustainable partnerships and practical care for those who serve their communities.

Tina Pepin believes in serving those who serve others. 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 enhance resiliency, officer wellness, and mental health programming. It supports Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association President Jonathan Vazquez and General Counsel and Executive Director Sasha Lohn, Esq., in launching 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 bring organizations together, promote responsible practices, and ensure that community-serving institutions have the support they need to thrive. She has championed initiatives such as the USF Pepin Family Summer Nursing Pathway Program and expanded mental health resources for first responders. A graduate of Belmont University, Jack C. Massey College of Business with a Bachelor of Business Administration BBA in 2021, she also participated in the Winterline Global Education program, where she pitched a business venture at MIT in Boston and studied management and international business in the United States and Asia. Through consistent leadership and service, she remains dedicated to creating meaningful and lasting community impact.