Get Connected Tampa Bay: Issue 2

Tammy Levent Wears Many Hats and Wears Them Well

There are some stories that move you, some that inspire you, and some that motivate you - the story of Tammy Levent touched all those emotions during this interview and it's not just her story, it's her life - about faily, happiness, and a drive to help others as she was helped during her time of need.

In addition to owning her own company, Elite Travel, and hosting numerous fundraisers for several charitable organizations, Tammy is also a motivational speaker. At a recent speaking engagement to college students, Tammy said, "The most important day of your life is today - so put all you have into it."

To say Tammy has overcome obstacles in her life is a huge understatement. Sadly, Tammy has had several near death experiences - a stalker burned her apartment while she was in it, she was in an elevator accident when she was 7 years old, she has been the victim of two hit and run accidents with serious injuries, her and her husband were robbed and beaten at gunpoint at their jewelry store in 1992. "If it weren't for the tremendous outpouring of help from the community, we would have ended up broke and homeless," Tammy adds, "which is why I try to give back in every way possible to the community that supported my family in our darkest hour of need."

Tammy's recent 2010 "Birthday Bash" at Sak's Fifth Avenue, which has become an annual event, raised over $24,00 for several charities in the Tampa Bay area including Friends of Joshua House, Crises Center of Tampa Bay, and Hands Across The Bay, benefiting Audrey Mabrey. Tammy says she owes a huge thanks to the Tampa Bay business community for answering the call to provide their support for this event. Tammy's 3rd Annual Birthday Bash was held at Fisker Jaguar Spyker of Tampa.

What inspires Tammy to get up every morning is the drive to reinvent her every day. Tammy's business brings her great gratification, as she owns Elite Travel - one of the largest American Express agencies in the country, specializing in weddings, honeymoons, and corporate incentives and vacations. Tammy still resides in her "starter home" purchased 26 years ago that is less than 2,000 square feet. "It's cozy and I raised my children here and no amount of money can replace that," states Tammy with a smile.

- Get Connected Tampa Bay: Issue 2