a look at...
Ken and Donna Welch
Photography by Win Wolloff
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and his wife, Donna
Welch, were born nine months apart in St. Petersburg.
Their families attended the same church in the Gas Plant
neighborhood (Prayer Tower COGIC), and they began dating
in high school. After Ken completed his master’s degree studies
at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, they were married.
Their 31-year marriage has produced two daughters, Keonna
and Kenya, who both also attended FAMU.
Donna worked for more than a decade at the then St.
Petersburg Times, and now works with youth in the foster system.
Ken worked in accounting and technology at Florida Power,
Raymond James and St. Petersburg College. Before being elected
mayor of St. Petersburg in November 2021, he served for five
terms on the Pinellas County Commission.
What could you talk about for hours?
Donna: The importance of youth having a “village” to
experience progress, resilience and success
Ken: Not much. One of my best friends on the County
Commission had a limit of two hours for a meeting. After that,
attention spans tend to wane.
What is your favorite word?
Donna: Strong
Ken: Purpose
What do you do on your day off?
Donna: Spend time with my daughters, have family dinner
dates, visit my mother and mother-in-law
Ken: What’s that?
What are you famous for?
Donna: My community knows it has always been my passion to
help young girls, youth and families facing various challenges
Ken: The Harley, playing guitar, tech-nerdiness
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Donna: Never to be intimidated by anyone or anything and
to speak up for myself and for what’s right. Always seek
opportunities to increase my knowledge and skills.
Ken: Always tell the truth, that way you don’t have to
remember who you lied to and what lie you told.
Why do you do what you do?
Donna: Caring and serving others has been passed down to me
through my role models. It has become my passion and purpose.
Ken: It’s my purpose.
What don’t people know about you?
Donna: I’m the oldest of five.
Ken: I skipped kindergarten.
60 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022
What are your favorite words of wisdom?
Donna: Never let your circumstances define who you are.
Ken: The Golden Rule.
What is your motto?
Donna: Your circumstances don’t define your purpose.
Ken: Facts are Stubborn Things….
How do you think other people would describe you?
Donna: Caring, compassionate, giving and dedicated to
serving my community
Ken: It really depends on who is doing the describing – strong,
independent, caring, persistent.
How would you describe yourself?
Donna: A leader, motivator and community advocate
Ken: A southern gentleman
What is your idea of happiness?
Donna: Creating balance between family, self and career
Ken: Being at peace with my purpose
What talent do you wish you had?
Donna: Sewing, it isn’t my best skill.
Ken: Playing the piano
What is the secret to your success?
Donna: Remaining grounded at every level of life and living
by the two Ps: perseverance and prayer
Ken: Pray, plan, prepare, perform (4 Ps)
What did you want to be when you were younger?
Donna: At a very young age, I was concerned about young girls
who lacked a support system. I’ve always wanted to help young
women overcome their challenges and achieve their goals.
Ken: A rock star
Who would you most like to meet?
Donna: The graceful Michelle Obama, the late Whitney
Houston and Fantasia Barrino
Ken: Jesus Christ
What is your favorite thing to eat?
Donna: Steak, sweet potatoes, carrot salad and Red Hots
Ken: Pizza, grits (not together!)
How would you like to be remembered?
Donna: I want people to remember me as a woman who poured
into her family and community, and as a person who always
strived to help find solutions to our community’s challenges.
Ken: As someone who lived their purpose with excellence 9