Board of Directors
Joni Cusimano - Director
Born in Malden, Massachusetts, and moved to Tampa when I was 3-months old. Basically, I am a Tampa native. I grew up in South Tampa, mostly Hyde Park and Palma Ceia, back in the day when those areas were quaint and everyone knew each other. Married to Charles Palleja and reside in North Tampa, with the love of our lives, our little doggy Sasha. My educational background and careers basically have nothing to do with who I am or what I do, although probably helped giving me an understanding of life and appreciation for the Arts. I love fashion, decorating, party planning and hanging with my friends and family. True friendship and family means everything to me. I have been dedicated to charitable and social organizations since 1981. It was on my bucket list to belong to an organization of women who would foster respect, be a sisterhood, have fun and give back to the community, which is how Mermaid Sisters came to be. My vision for the organization is that we continue to strive to reach as many opportunities to help young girls, donate our efforts to our chosen charities, offer charity driven and social events for our members participation, and grow our membership base.
Pamela Corbin-Jones - Director of Correspondence and Web Mistress
Originally from Ohio, Pam was transplanted to Pinellas County Florida at a young age. Graduate of St. Pete High School with deep roots in the local area. She is married to her long time love, Mark Jones. They spend their spare time enjoying life and traveling both throughout the US and Internationally. They have one son, Jakob. Pam has a son, Tyler and a daughter, Courtney from a prior marriage. Pam has a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and works as a Project Program Manager within the government sector. She is currently working projects involving the Department of Veteran Affairs. Pam became involved with the Mermaid Sisters as a member who wanted to be hands on with her charity work. She has done work with various charities around the community and continually volunteers when there is a need. Her focus has mainly been in the areas of children, women and Veteran charities. While many of us have either had the benefit of, nor know someone who has had the benefit of a gift of charity, Pam promised herself to always pay it forward. "Mermaid Sisters is my way of giving it back."
Mary Messina - Social Director
Hi to all, my name is Maria Messina, I go by “Mary”. I was made in Italy and born in Tampa from a big Sicilian family and first generation Santo Stefano Tampan! My first language was Italian and it wasn’t until I started school that I learned English and Spanish. Chamberlain High School and HCC Alumni, I’m a licensed Real Estate Specialist, Cosmetologist, Esthetician and currently serving as President of Native Woods Property Owner’s Association. Retired from a 32 year career with the US Postal Service, I have many passions, goals and YES...an extensive bucket list that includes lots of travel! I have had many accomplishments in my life but my greatest has been giving birth to my precious daughter, Rochelle! God has also blessed me with amazing parents, son in law, two amazing grandchildren Camilla and Luciano, the rest of the “Messina” clan and many dear friends! I am honored to have been nominated and given the title of “Social Director” of our “FIN”tastic organization, “Mermaid Sisterhood”! I look forward to splishing and splashing in 2019 and beyond with much success!...Thank you!