Christina Pepin, known professionally as Tina Pepin, serves as Executive Director of the Pepin Family Foundation, overseeing philanthropic initiatives throughout Tampa Bay, Florida. As a third-generation philanthropist, she continues a legacy grounded in service, compassion, and responsible community partnerships. Her work supports public safety, healthcare, education, and mental health programs, with a consistent focus on strengthening local institutions and expanding access to essential resources.
Tina carries forward the values shaped by her grandfather’s experience of being allowed to attend college by a family he served. That moment influenced his lifelong dedication to giving to givers and supporting those committed to helping others. Tina remains devoted to preserving the mission established by both her father and grandfather, ensuring that their principles guide the Foundation’s direction and long-term impact.
Over the years, the Foundation and its family have supported a broad range of charitable organizations. These include 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. Each partnership reflects a steady commitment to organizations that address public safety, healthcare access, and community development across the region.
The Pepin Academies
Founded in 1999, The Pepin Academies is a nonprofit, tuition-free public charter school serving third through 12th-grade students, along with a transitional job training program for 18- to 22-year-old students. Tina Pepin supports a school model that now serves more than 1,200 students and has graduated over 850 students. Campuses operate in Hillsborough County in Tampa and Riverview, as well as in New Port Richey, serving Pasco County. Qualified students receive therapy at no cost, including services provided by social workers, mental health counselors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, sensory integration specialists, and speech language professionals.
She served on the board of Pepin Academies for nearly three years and values the individualized learning environment that promotes academic progress and personal growth. Students are encouraged to develop confidence, practical skills, and readiness for continued education or employment within a structured and supportive setting.
Tina also supports the Foundation’s involvement with Pepin’s Hospitality Centre, which provides space for community culture and cuisine. The venue brings together residents, nonprofit organizations, and local leaders, encouraging collaboration and strengthening connections throughout Tampa Bay.
Pepin Heart Institute
As part of the Pepin Family Foundation’s longstanding commitment to healthcare advancement, Christina Pepin actively supports the mission of the Pepin Heart Institute. Established in 1986 by Tom and Arthur Pepin, the Institute focuses on eradicating heart disease through research and patient-centered care. Her work includes promoting initiatives that improve cardiac outcomes and increase access to advanced medical treatment.
This effort reflects a broader dedication to healthcare innovation and responsible stewardship of community resources. By supporting research and patient care programs, the Foundation contributes to measurable improvements in cardiovascular health.
Public Safety a Priority
Currently, Tina prioritizes public safety initiatives that center on mental health and resiliency. Through the Foundation, she supports first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other frontline professionals, who regularly face traumatic events while serving their communities.
She believes that communities thrive when those who protect them receive proper support. Tina Pepin helped develop a program with the University of South Florida during a nursing crisis in Tampa to assist young nursing professionals entering the workforce. The Foundation collaborates with the Tampa Police Department to strengthen officer wellness, resiliency programs, and mental health services. It also 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 that enables active and retired officers to earn college credits and an applied mental health certificate.
These initiatives are delivered through the Foundation alongside other investments in healthcare and education, all structured to create meaningful and lasting impact.
Recognized for Her Dedication, Her Work
Tina Pepin is recognized for fostering collaboration among community organizations and for ensuring that public institutions have access to the resources they need. Her leadership continues the work initiated by her family, including the establishment of Pepin Academies and the Pepin Heart Institute.
She has supported significant programs such as the USF Pepin Family Summer Nursing Pathway Program and expanded mental health services for first responders. Her board involvement includes AdventHealth Tampa, Leadership Tampa Bay, the Suncoast Alliance for First Responders, and the Mental Health Advisory Committee.
In January 2026, Tina Pepin was honored for her support of Rise Tampa, the official Foundation for the Tampa Police Department. Additional recognitions include the Tampa Police Department Chiefs' Appreciation Award, Able Trust Champion of Opportunity, and Suncoast PBA Civilian of the Year.
Education
Tina graduated from Belmont University Jack C. Massey College of Business with a Bachelor of Business Administration BBA in 2021. She participated in the Winterline Global Education program, gaining experience in entrepreneurship and business through engagement with global hubs and startups in the United States and Asia. She presented a new business venture to a panel of entrepreneurs at MIT in Boston. She studied management and international business with students at the Prashad School in Mumbai, India, while visiting startup businesses in India, Singapore, and Cambodia.
Christina Pepin remains dedicated to advancing public safety, strengthening healthcare initiatives, expanding educational opportunities, and supporting long-term community well-being. Through steady leadership and continued service, she upholds her family’s philanthropic mission while working to create sustainable benefits for the Tampa Bay community.