Email from The Centre for Women

A Message from the Executive Director

As fall arrives, we are reminded that every season brings change—and with change comes opportunity. At The Centre for Women, this is a season of momentum. From expanding our Counseling & Wellness services to launching new programs that foster entrepreneurship, leadership and workforce development, we are seeing lives transformed every day.

These achievements are only possible because of you—our dedicated partners, donors, and friends. Your support allows us to empower women, strengthen families, and build a stronger, more resilient Tampa Bay. As we look ahead to the close of our fiscal year and prepare for our 50th Anniversary, we do so with gratitude and determination to continue creating lasting impact.

Together, we are planting seeds of hope that will flourish for years to come.

Ann

Join us for our Fall Women’s Leadership Luncheon, a joyful and inspiring occasion where friends, colleagues, and community members come together to celebrate the power of women supporting women. Guests will gather over a delicious lunch as Bridgette Bello, CEO & Publisher of Tampa Bay Business and Wealth, leads a lively conversation with our featured guest. It’s more than just lunch—it’s a chance to be part of a special event that encourages growth, honors achievement, and reminds us that when women lift each other up, everyone rises.

Tickets: $100

There's Still Time ... Don't Forget to Choose The Centre for Women

An Invitation to Join the League of Extraordinary Women

The Centre for Women invites you to become part of a remarkable circle of leaders, visionaries, and changemakers. The League of Extraordinary Women is a community of accomplished women who are united by a shared commitment to uplift and empower others across Tampa Bay.

As a member of the League, you will:

Connect with a network of dynamic women who lead with purpose.
Amplify your impact by supporting programs that strengthen families, foster economic independence, and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Share your voice and influence in shaping a brighter future for women and girls in our community.

Your leadership has already set you apart. Now, we invite you to join forces with other extraordinary women to magnify that impact. Together, we can ensure that The Centre for Women continues to be a beacon of hope, opportunity, and empowerment for the next 50 years and beyond.

If you are ready to step into this legacy of leadership, we warmly welcome you to join the League of Extraordinary Women.

JOIN TODAY

Trinity Oliver Promoted

Trinity Oliver has been promoted to Engagement and Events Manager at The Centre for Women. Since joining our team, Trinity has demonstrated exceptional talent, creativity, and dedication in coordinating events and engaging our community. Her leadership was instrumental in the success of our recent Gourmet Feastival, Waves of Change, and other key initiatives that have elevated our visibility and strengthened our donor relationships.

In her new role, Trinity will oversee all aspects of event planning and execution, deepen engagement with our supporters, and work closely with staff and volunteers to ensure that our events not only raise critical funds but also reflect the mission and spirit of The Centre for Women.

Please join us in congratulating Trinity on this well-deserved promotion. We are excited to see her continue to grow as a leader and bring her vision and energy to this important position.

Commemorating Women’s Equality Day

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Maryann Ferenc for hosting the recent Women’s Equality Celebration at her renowned restaurant, Mise en Place. Maryann’s leadership and generosity created a welcoming space for our community to come together in recognition of the progress we’ve made and the work still ahead in advancing equality for women. The evening was not only inspiring, but also a powerful reminder of what is possible when vision and purpose align.

Thanks to her hospitality, the event directly benefited The Centre for Women and The Spring, ensuring that critical programs and services continue to reach those who need them most. Maryann’s longstanding commitment to empowering women and families across Tampa Bay exemplifies the spirit of true community partnership, and we are deeply grateful for her dedication to lifting others and creating lasting impact.

Creative Courage Freedom of Expression

Our Creative Courage workshop invited participants, pictured here, to explore the theme of self expression. Our facilitators, Shelby and Tiffany, guided participants in creative writing exercises inspired by art images.

AgeWell- Helping Seniors Flourish

Residents at Bayshore Presbyterian Apartments, pictured here, shared heartfelt life experiences and built bonds with each other and with facilitators, Lynne and Colleen. "Tell Your Story" is an inspiring workshop that isn’t only about sharing memories—it’s about boosting mood, sharpening minds, and nurturing deeper connections.

The Centre for Women at USF

Our former Board Member Andrea Daly, an instructor at USF, invited Ann Madsen and Camryn Frost (left) to speak to her Integrated PR and Advertising class this week. The class has taken on the project of developing a campaign for The Centre for Women's upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration.

The Tampa Bay Women's Business Centre offers free business coaching to entrepreneurs with businesses in the Tampa Bay area.

Our team of expert coaches will provide you with advice and connect you to resources to help you succeed in your business. To qualify, your business must be located in Hillsborough, Hernando, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco and Manatee counties. We only service for-profit companies. Non-profit organizations are not eligible. Register for 3-5 free business coaching sessions to help guide you through the steps of starting a business or expanding your existing business. Coaching available in English or Spanish. Click here to fill out the inquiry form or call: (813) 251-8437.

Startup Academy

We are thrilled to partner with Mayor Jane Castor and the City of Tampa to launch a new initiative of our Women’s Business Centre. Wednesday night, Program Facilitator Jennifer Schultz officially launched our new eight-week Startup Academy for early stage entrepreneurs. It is the latest initiative of our Tampa Bay Women's Business Centre. Since 2013 we have helped hundreds of women to achieve their dream of business ownership. We know that when women start businesses, whole communities thrive. Female entrepreneurs spark innovation, create jobs, and strengthen local economies. They’re more likely to reinvest in their families and neighborhoods, multiplying the impact of their success.

By launching this new initiative, we’re not only closing opportunity gaps—we’re building a more vibrant and resilient community for everyone.

Thank you to our friends from the City and The Community Foundation for making this possible.

We were pleased to welcome Kevin Wagner, Director of Hillsborough County’s Health Care Services Department, and his team for a tour of The Kathy Castor Centre for Counseling and Wellness. The visit was an important opportunity to strengthen partnerships and explore new ways to meet the mental health needs of our community.

The Mama Circle

Motherhood can feel heavy—emotionally, mentally, and physically.You deserve a space to breathe, be heard, and feel supported.

Join a free weekly virtual support circle for pregnant women and moms (with children age 2 or under). Led by a mom and social worker trained in maternal mental health, this is an opportunity for real connection—without pressure or judgment.

Tuesdays • 6–7 PM

September

Tai Chi - Free Biweekly Classes:

Tuesdays and Thursdays

to September 30, 2025

Kathy Castor Centre for Counseling and Wellness

105 W. Sligh Ave, Tampa

Discover the benefits of Tai Chi’s gentle, flowing movements—improving balance, flexibility, memory, and sleep while reducing stress and anxiety.

*Women of all ages are welcome!

**Comfortable/exercise clothes recommended. .

Creative Courage - Sing-Along: Songbirds Unite!

Thursday, Sept. 18

6 – 7:30 PM

Kathy Castor Centre for Counseling and Wellness

105 W. Sligh Ave, Tampa

Join us for a playful, soul-nourishing workshop where singing becomes a pathway to expression, connection and courage.

No experience needed—just bring your breath, your voice, and your beautiful self. Leave feeling lighter, braver, and more in tune with yourself and others.

Support for New Moms – You’re Not Alone!

Monday, Sept. 22

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Kathy Castor Centre for Counseling and Wellness

105 W. Sligh Ave, Tampa

Community Roots Collective and the Counseling and Wellness StrongMoms initiative are teaming up to offer a warm and welcoming support group for pregnant women and new mothers.

This free in-person group is open to all new moms—no registration required! Join us to connect with other mothers, share experiences, and gain valuable information and encouragement during this special (and sometimes overwhelming) season of life.

For more information: 813-921-9461

Mom-life overload? You’re not alone.

Wednesday, Sept 24

12–1 PM

From work to home and everything in between, it can feel like you’re wearing all the hats at once. We’re hosting a free 1-hour webinar designed especially for pregnant women and new moms juggling it all.

The Self Worth Circle

Tuesdays - October 1- 29

12-1 PM

Online via Zoom (virtual)

Join us for The Self Worth Circle, a five-week virtual support group for women.

The Self Worth Circle will provide a supportive space to explore and discuss topics around self-esteem and self-confidence. Each week a new topic will be featured. Women are welcome to attend any or all of the sessions.

Facilitated by Centre Counselor Yusnely Comas and part of our ongoing Healthy Mindset topics.

For more information and to register, contact tlouzada@thecentre.org

Creative Courage - My Mini Mural

Thursday, Oct. 23

6 – 7:30 PM

Kathy Castor Centre for Counseling and Wellness

105 W. Sligh Ave, Tampa

Join us for a vibrant small-scale mural workshop where you’ll bring your story, values, and dreams to life through paint, collage, and mixed media. No art experience needed — just your creativity! All supplies provided; leave with a piece that’s uniquely yours.

Our Senior Home Improvement Program (SHIP) transforms lives by allowing older adults to remain safely and independently in their homes. Through essential repairs and accessibility modifications—SHIP addresses critical health and safety concerns that many seniors cannot afford on their own. Beyond improving living conditions, the program reduces the risk of accidents and costly medical interventions, eases the burden on families, and preserves the dignity of aging in place. Each completed project not only restores a home but also strengthens community stability, ensuring that seniors can continue to thrive in the neighborhoods they helped build. This program is funded in part by the Senior Connection Center.

Demand always outpaces our resources.

Please consider donating to support this effort.