Email from The Centre for Women

A Message from the Executive Director

As we wrap up an extraordinary year at The Centre for Women, we’re reminded of the power of community, generosity, and the women whose leadership shapes Tampa Bay. This holiday season, we invite you to give the gift of empowerment by purchasing tickets to our Waves of Change Women’s Leadership Celebration—a meaningful and memorable experience to share with friends, colleagues, or someone who inspires you.

With national honoree Sutton Foster and local honoree Jeanne Tate, this year’s event promises to be one of our most unforgettable yet.

Your gift doesn’t just offer a beautiful luncheon—it supports the programs that help women rise every single day.

As we look toward the new year, exciting things are on the horizon. In 2026, The Centre for Women proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary, and we’re planning a year of reflection, celebration, and bold new initiatives. And yes… there may be a very special Golden Gala shimmering in the distance later next year.

Stay tuned—big things are coming.

Thank you for believing in our mission and for standing with us as we continue shaping brighter futures for women and families across Tampa Bay.

Cheers,

Ann

Waves of Change has become one of the most inspiring events in Tampa Bay. Our sponsors and guests help us honor extraordinary women, uplift thousands of families through The Centre for Women’s programs, and show our community what real, meaningful change looks like.

This year, we’re turning up the tide even higher.

We are thrilled to announce that our national honoree will be Broadway superstar SUTTON FOSTER—a two-time Tony Award winner who embodies creativity, resilience, and women supporting women.

And we’re equally proud to celebrate our local honoree, JEANNE TATE, one of the nation’s foremost adoption attorneys and a lifelong champion for children and families. Jeanne’s leadership and heart have shaped countless lives, and we can’t wait to honor her in front of our community.

We truly can’t imagine celebrating these remarkable women without you.

Your support doesn’t just make this event possible—it fuels the work we do every day for women across Tampa Bay who are striving, building, healing, and thriving.

Thank you for believing in this work and for helping women lift one another higher.

Sutton Foster is a two-time Tony Award–winning actress, singer, and dancer—and one of Broadway’s most beloved leading stars. With seven Tony nominations and acclaimed performances in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Anything Goes, The Music Man, Sweeney Todd, and most recently Once Upon a Mattress, she continues to shine as a defining voice in American musical theatre. On screen, she is adored for her lead role as Liza Miller on the hit series Younger, and her memoir

Hooked offers an inspiring look at creativity, vulnerability, and personal growth.

Foster was recently cast as Loretta Lynn in the new Broadway-bound musical Coal Miner’s Daughter, further expanding her remarkable career.

A generous mentor and advocate for arts education, she exemplifies resilience, authenticity, and the power of women supporting women—qualities that align beautifully with Waves of Change. Sutton Foster is a radiant example of leadership, creativity, and grace across generations.

"I AM SO HONORED by this award, the history of The Centre, the legacy of Helen Gordon Davis, and the remarkable women who have received this award previously."

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITES

VISIT OUR WEBSITE

OR, CALL OR EMAIL:

Ann W. Madsen, Executive Director

813-251-8437 | amadsen@thecentre.org

Trinity Oliver, Engagement & Events Manager

813-251-8437 x237 | tdimonda@thecentre.org

Kathleen Pravlik, Development Consultant

813-728-3574 | kpravlik@gmail.com

Grateful for the 28th Annual Community Harvest Program

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Gonzmart Family and to Jeff Houck, Vice President of Marketing for the 1905 Family of Restaurants, for including The Centre for Women in this year’s 28th Annual Community Harvest Program.

We were thrilled to receive generous dining certificates that can be used at Columbia, Ulele, Cha Cha Coconuts, and Casa Santo Stefano. Your commitment to uplifting local nonprofits continues to make a meaningful difference, and we are truly grateful for your partnership and community spirit.

Thank you for supporting our mission and the women and families we serve.

A Little Change Makes a

Big Difference!

We’re thrilled to be included in Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Change for Change campaign! Every little bit of spare change adds up to a big impact, and we’re grateful to everyone who “rocks” their generosity to support the Centre for Women. Thank you for helping us make meaningful change—one coin at a time!

A SUCCESS STORY

Photo Credit:Michael Connor St. Pete Catalyst

Notary services are essential for handling legal documents, but for many in the Spanish-speaking community, access can be limited.

That’s where Sara Roman, a client of the Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre, comes in. Through her business, Notary Kiosk, she’s helping bridge the gap for Hispanic residents across Hillsborough County.

Roman launched Notary Kiosk with guidance from the Tampa Bay WBC, which supports women entrepreneurs in developing and growing their businesses. Located at 946 E. Twiggs Street in downtown Tampa, her kiosk provides notary services, document scanning and faxing, Spanish interpretation, and more.

“For years, I’ve been assisting the Latino community,” Roman said. “Through the Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre, I learned how to turn that passion into a business that serves people where they are.”

Her goal now is to expand the reach of her mobile notary unit—bringing services directly to local neighborhoods and consulates. She often encounters individuals who need technical support or help understanding how to handle legal paperwork.

“I wanted to create a mobile office that could connect clients to the tools they need to complete their personal and business transactions,” she explained.

Sara also participated in our WBC's new Start-Up Academy in partnership with the City of Tampa and supported by the Community Foundation Tampa Bay.

Sara has been getting a lot of good publicity and was recently featured in the Tampa Bay Times and on SPECTRUM News for her innovative approach.

Phone: 813-328-0886 | Insta: @notarykiosk

The holidays are often portrayed as magical and carefree — but for many people, they bring a lot of pressure, stress, and unrealistic expectations. Instead of striving for perfection, try to set realistic expectations for what’s truly important. It is important to give yourself permission to say no to certain events or obligations — what matters most is peace of mind, not meeting external standards or societal pressure. More tips on navigating seasonal expectations. Coping with holiday stress - Mayo Clinic Health System

For some, holidays bring loneliness instead of joy. If you’re feeling isolated — because of distance, loss, or family estrangement, it may help to know that you’re not alone in this feeling. Here's a resource for balancing seasonal loneliness.

5 Tips to Find Connection This Holiday Season and Manage Loneliness

StrongMoms

The Centre for Women's StrongMoms recently joined ReachUp's community consortium. Tina Tidwell Bedore, Centre counselor, spoke about the importance of maternal mental health while encouraging pregnant women and new moms to access our no cost services

Collaboration=We are greater than the sum of our parts!

Tina is pictured here with Cheryl Fitzpatrick, ReachUp's Community Health manager.

Oh, what fun!

Get Merry & Chic was a fitting theme for the fashion soirée recently at Dillard's International Plaza And Bay. Thanks to the fabulous Dillard’s team for hosting this very festive and fun-filled fashion event for The Centre for Women. And special thanks to our Board members and friends for modeling and making spirits bright.

Spreading Holiday Cheer!

This holiday season, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible generosity of our donors who made our Graceful Holiday Gift Baskets possible. Thanks to your support, we were able to bring warmth, joy, and a sense of celebration to seniors and community members in need.

A special thank you goes to Gena Burrage, our Operations Manager, for personally delivering the baskets and ensuring that each one reached its recipient with care and holiday cheer. It’s moments like these that truly remind us of the power of community, compassion, and connection.

The League of Extraordinary Women is a powerful network of influential and accomplished women who are combining their efforts and resources to help women succeed.

JOIN TODAY