A Message from the Executive Director

October has been a month of gratitude and growth at The Centre for Women. We are deeply honored by a $100,000 gift from The Frankle Family Foundation to support our Counseling & Wellness program, helping us expand access to mental health care for women and families across Tampa Bay.

We are deeply grateful to Wells Fargo for their consistent support of our Women's Business Centre and appreciate their generous contribution of $50,000 to empower entrepreneurs to achieve their dream of business ownership.

Special thank-you to Hillsborough County Commissioner Harry Cohen for his continued partnership and belief in our mission.

In partnership with the City of Tampa, we were proud to launch our new Start-Up Academy and additional Technical Support—offering aspiring entrepreneurs training to help them successfully achieve their dreams of business ownership. Heartfelt thanks also to Linda Hague at Wells Fargo for her generous support of our Women’s Business Centre.

We also celebrated an inspiring Fall Women’s Leadership Luncheon, presented by EY where we were joined by many community champions who enjoyed an engaging fireside chat with featured guest Gretchen Bauer, Founder & Designer of BSWANKY, and Bridgette Bello, CEO & Publisher of TBBW magazine.

Together, we continue to advance women’s leadership, confidence, and connection.

Cheers,

Ann

A heartfelt thank you to The Frankle Family Foundation for their extraordinarily generous gift of $100,000 to support our Counseling & Wellness Program!

We are deeply grateful to Mark Frankle, MD, and his wife Lynne Couchara, a dedicated therapist at The Centre for Women, who knows firsthand how our work helps people find hope, healing, and renewed strength every day.

"We are profoundly grateful to Dr. Frankle and his wife Lynne for this extraordinary gift," said Ann W. Madsen, Executive Director of The Centre for Women. "Their generosity will enable us to help even more individuals find hope, healing, and stability in their lives. We are especially touched that Lynne, one of our own therapists, and Dr. Frankle believe so deeply in the life-changing impact of our work."

Together, we’re building a healthier, more compassionate Tampa Bay.

Photo Above: On behalf of the Frankle Family Foundation, Lynne Couchara (center) presents a check to Susan McIntyre, LCSW, Director of Counseling & Wellness, and Executive Director Ann W. Madsen.

Wells Fargo invests $50,000 in Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre

We are honored to announce a generous $50,000 gift from Wells Fargo to the Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre (WBC). This investment accelerates our work to help women start and grow businesses through coaching, workshops, mentorship, and access to capital—especially for entrepreneurs who’ve historically been overlooked.

Our heartfelt thanks to Linda Hague and the Wells Fargo team for their steadfast belief in women-owned enterprises and in the WBC’s impact across Tampa Bay. Their support will expand technical assistance, strengthen our Start-Up Academy pipeline, and equip more founders with the tools to launch, scale, and create jobs.

On behalf of our clients, staff, and volunteers: thank you, Wells Fargo, for powering opportunity—and for standing with us as we build a more resilient local economy.

Be Extraordinary: A Message from League Chair Renée Vaughn

There’s something truly powerful that happens when women come together — not just to support each other, but to lift an entire community. That’s what the League of Extraordinary Women is all about.

As women, we understand that success isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about impact. It’s about using our influence, our compassion, and our collective strength to help other women rise — in business, in leadership, in life. The League gives each of us that opportunity.

When you join the League of Extraordinary Women, you join a circle of leaders who are shaping the future of Tampa Bay. Together, we help The Centre for Women provide life-changing programs — from mentoring entrepreneurs at the Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre, to offering counseling and wellness support for those facing life’s challenges, to helping seniors stay safe in their homes through critical repairs.

Every dollar we give, every hour we invest, every connection we make strengthens the fabric of this community we love. The League isn’t just a membership — it’s a movement of extraordinary women who believe in the power of giving back.

If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a real difference — how your leadership, generosity, and example can change lives — I invite you to join us.

Because when women lift women, extraordinary things happen.

Renée Vaughn

Chair, League of Extraordinary Women

JOIN TODAY

Our Graceful Holiday Campaign is back!

Every year, The Centre for Women gathers donations to create holiday gift baskets for local seniors, sharing warmth and joy with those who need it most.

Here’s how you can join us in making a difference! We’re accepting:

Nonperishable foods
Cozy bathrobes, slippers, and socks
Soaps and candles
Books, magazines, puzzles, and games
Holiday decorations and gift cards (Walmart, Publix, Target, etc.)

You can also contribute online through our Amazon Wishlist here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3S3Q0KSD0UHS8

Donation deadline: December 13th

Drop-off location: 305 S. Hyde Park Ave., Tampa

Contact: Gena Burrage at 813-251-8437 or gburrage@thecentre.org

Join us in keeping this beloved tradition alive and making the holidays brighter for our seniors. Every donation makes a difference!

THURSDAY,

JULY 30, 2026

HIGGINS HALL TAMPA

5225 N. HIMES AVE., TAMPA

More exciting details to come

With Gratitude, Gretchen!

Our Fall Women’s Leadership Luncheon at the Westshore Yacht Club was a packed, energizing celebration of connection and comradery, thanks to featured speaker Gretchen Bauer, Founder & Creative Director of BSWANKY. The audience was captivated by her luxury handbags, each one a work of art. Gretchen’s spirit of philanthropy glowed brightly as she offered rare discounts on her handbags for $500 and $250 donations to the Centre for Women. Happily, a dozen women accepted her generous offer. In a lively conversation with Bridgette Bello, CEO & Publisher of TBBW, Gretchen shared candid insights on building brands, leading with purpose, and lifting other women as we rise—leaving the room buzzing with ideas and new relationships. We are deeply grateful to Gretchen, Bridgette and Board Vice President Christy Rolland of EY for being our Presenting Sponsor, championing women’s leadership and making this gathering possible. Special thanks to our table sponsors Luminate Bank, Valley Bank, and Carver Concierge for their generous support. We are immensely grateful to the International Diamond Center for donating a spectacular diamond pendant. And a heartfelt shout-out to Board Member Craig Beckinger of ABC Event Planning for the adorable centerpieces. The hospitality of Amy Cole and her team at Westshore Yacht Club set a beautiful tone for the day. And, to all who attended, our sincere appreciation. Together, we’re fueling the momentum for women across Tampa Bay—thank you for standing with The Centre for Women.

SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT

Susan McIntyre, Director of Counseling and Wellness, joined Nikki Noya on WTTA/WFLA’s Bloom TV to share a message of hope and the availability of supportive services at The Centre for Women for those impacted by domestic abuse.

Join our community's pursuit to end domestic violence by wearing purple this October — a symbol of healing, empowerment and transformation.

Charisse Medina (center), Women’s Business Centre, with Edson Abadia, Sr. and Bertha Burruezo, Burruezo & Burruezo PLLC, the STCOC Small Business of the Year, at the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce Luncheon.

Charisse Medina, Program Manager, Women’s Business Centre, and Meybel Lobo, Counseling & Wellness Receptionist, at the Hispanic Heritage Month, Heritage and Traditions Miss latina Tampa event

Startup Academy

We are thrilled to partner with Mayor Jane Castor and the City of Tampa to launch our eight-week Startup Academy for early stage entrepreneurs. It is the latest initiative of our Tampa Bay Women's Business Centre.

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 of Tampa and The Community Foundation for making this possible.

APPLY NOW

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.

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.

A SENIOR'S STORY

After my husband passed, I couldn’t afford to fix the broken water heater. I was boiling water on the stove just to bathe. When SHIP stepped in, they replaced it within a week. For the first time in months, I felt like someone cared about me. SHIP gave me more than hot water—they gave me back my dignity.

— Evelyn, Age 72

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.