Pictured left to right:
Joanie Greco, Eleanor Morrison,
Genie Conte, Louise Friedman,
Joni Cusimano
Mermaid Sisters of Tampa Founders
Joni Cusimano, Founder/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.
Genie Conte​
Born in Jacksonville, Florida, I moved to Upstate New York for approximately 20 years and came back to Tampa in 1992 to be close to my mother and 3 sisters. I have 3 grown children from my first marriage, 9 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter. Married to Randy Conte in 2008, we currently reside in the Wellswood section of Tampa. My favorite holiday is Christmas and I get to bring out my 150+ collection of nutcrackers to decorate the house. I recently retired from Travelers Insurance company after 37 years, mostly in the legal department as the Administrator of the office and now plan on helping my husband with our landscaping company and enjoying not having a corporation as my employer! In addition to my husband’s passion for FSU football games, my social life in Tampa has always been the “Krewe World” having been a member of several krewes and a member of Ye Loyal Krewe of Grace O’Malley since 2006. Through the krewe world I’ve met many friends including the other founders of this charity and consider them to be sisters. I have always been involved with charities and when Joni approached me about this wonderful idea I couldn’t resist. I really love the ideals and goals of the Mermaid Sisters; there was a need for helping our communities young girls and young women and I actually see the good results first hand instead of being on the outside looking in.
Louise Friedman, Founder
Louise is a native New Yorker, born in Bronx, who moved to Florida to trade ice and snow for sunshine and warmth in 1989. Louise's professional career has been as a litigation paralegal, mainly focusing on insurance defense. Louise has worked with Shriner's Hospital and The Sylvia Thomas Center, donating her time and assisting with fundraising for these organizations who provide various services to children and their families. Louise became involved with Mermaid Sisters when she was invited by Joni Cusimano to join her in forming this group. Louise wishes "all children should be as fortunate as I was to have a wonderful family, home, upbringing, and the various opportunities I was able to experience when I was growing up. Unfortunately, that doesn't always happen, so I hope in some small way I am able to help improve the lives of the children who benefit from our charity efforts." When Louise isn't working, working out, or helping one of her charities she likes to travel, preferably on her Harley!
Joanie Greco, Founder/Director of Finance
Originally a Jersey girl transplanted to Tampa 39+ years ago, met the love of my life and have called Tampa home ever since. Married for many moons to David Greco and reside in central Tampa with our furbaby Dino. We have a son and bonus daughter whom have left their Tampa nest. We are very proud to say both are currently serving our country in their active military careers. My career began in retail sales and real estate until I soon learned there was so much more to do on weekends and holidays then work! I changed direction and stared in local government with Tampa City Council. From there I advanced to the Heights development and affordable housing. I landed in the Public Works and Utilities where I still am today. My interests are travel, entertainment, cars, cruising and anything relating to food and wine. I don’t think anything makes me happier than planning a party and celebrate a meal with family and friends. I work hard, play hard and am very passionate about our community. When Joni approached me to join in her vision -I jumped! To be involved in a grass root social and charitable organization with a local focus means that we can make a difference for those who may get overlooked by larger agencies. Tampa is our treasure; her people are the jewels and the Mermaid Sisters share the love!
Eleanor Morrison, Founder
Daughter of Peter and Leonora Filippello, whose parents and grandparents immigrated from Sicily. I am the youngest of three children with two older brothers. I was born and raised in Tampa my entire life. Graduated from Hillsborough High School and attended college at Loyola University in New Orleans, LA where I received a degree in Dental Hygiene. It was there that I met the love of my life, Jack, who was attending Loyola Dental School. We married after he graduated and served two years in the US Navy stationed at NAS Lemoore, CA. We then returned to Tampa where he established his dental practice. So, guess who was his hygienist for forty years?! We have a son Aaron and a daughter Adelyne whose husband is Deron. We have two precious grandsons, one from each of our children. I am now retired so we have time to travel a lot. We are in numerous social and charitable organizations, which we enjoy. I would like to share my father’s favorite saying “Remember, it is always better to give than to receive!”. We definitely feel very fortunate that we can always be helping those in need.