Email from The Centre for Women

A Message from the Executive Director

As The Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women prepares to celebrate its 50th Anniversary, I find myself reflecting on how far we’ve come—and how much our community still needs us.

For five decades, The Centre for Women has stood as a lifeline for those striving to build better lives—offering hope, skills, counseling, and connection to women, families, and seniors across Tampa Bay. From helping women launch businesses and careers, to providing home repairs for seniors and free mental wellness counseling, we have been there—quietly, steadfastly, and compassionately.

Each day, more women come through our doors seeking a path toward stability, independence, and dignity.

You are the reason we can continue to lift up women and families during a time when the need is growing and resources are shrinking. Your generosity, your belief in our work, and your commitment to creating a stronger Tampa Bay inspire us more than you know.

On behalf of our entire team, thank you for standing with us. We have so much to be grateful for in this season of giving. Together, we are building pathways to hope, stability, and opportunity—and as we prepare to celebrate our 50th Anniversary, your partnership means more than ever.

We hope you will join us for our annual Waves of Change celebration on Feb. 6th. Watch for exciting details coming soon.

Cheers,

Ann

A SUCCESS STORY

A few years ago, my life came crashing down and I found myself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, angry and hopeless. I was emotionally and physically exhausted almost every day. I realized that I couldn’t go on like this and desperately needed help. I am thankful that I found the Centre for Women and a counselor who is empathetic, actively listens without judgement, and is trustworthy. She challenges me to examine my thought process and gives me the tools to help me see situations in a more positive light and to feel less anxious. She continues to support my journey to improve my mental fitness. Not only do I feel more at ease, grounded and at peace, I now have the tools that I will carry with me the rest of my life and I owe it all to the Centre and my counselor. ~ SV

Without YOU success stories like SV's wouldn't happen. So please consider making a donation on our website or at the Drive Up and Donate at our Main Office on Dec. 2

You can help make the difference in someone's life.

With the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act on July 4, 2025, important tax benefits for charitable giving will change beginning next year. Donors who act now—in 2025—may receive significantly greater tax advantages than in future years.

Why You Should Give Now

Tax law changes make 2025 one of the most advantageous years for charitable giving. Donors can:

Accelerate or “front-load” giving before the new limits begin in 2026.
Bunch multiple years of gifts into 2025 to maximize itemized deductions.
Donate appreciated non-cash assets to avoid capital gains tax.
Strengthen impact by supporting The Centre for Women as funding landscapes shift.

Bottom Line

If you plan to give, giving in 2025 provides the strongest tax benefits before new deduction floors and caps reduce the value of charitable contributions in 2026 and beyond.

Now is the time to act—your generosity today will go further for you and for the communities you care about.

Make your donations online to The Centre for Women, www.thecentre.org,

or feel free to reach out to Ann Madsen, amadsen@thecentre.org

or Tatiana Lattanzio, tlattanzio@thecentre.org.

You're invited to join us for an exclusive holiday soirée of sparkle, style, and cheer at Dillard's!

Expect festive bites, beauty tips, gift-giving inspiration, and a chance to mingle with friends who love empowering women almost as much as they love a good pair of holiday heels.

Bring your merriest spirit—we can’t wait to celebrate the season with you!

RSVP to Trinity Oliver at tdimonda@thecentre.org

by December 5th.

Limited Spaces are available for this event!

THURSDAY,

JULY 30, 2026

HIGGINS HALL TAMPA

5225 N. HIMES AVE., TAMPA

More exciting details to come

We are deeply grateful to Rivero, Gordimer & Company for shining a light on the incredible impact nonprofits make in our community. Their annual Nonprofit Appreciation Day reminds us that together, we’re building a stronger Tampa Bay. Among those attending were Brooke Bauerle Dawson, Senior Manager at Rivero, Gordimer & Company, and Tatiana Lattanzio, Chief Operating Officer at The Centre for Women.

'Tis the Season: The Board of Directors and Leadership Team of The Centre for Women wrapped up a very busy and successful year with the Annual Board Holiday Party at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. The festive occasion was a chance to celebrate the season and thank outgoing Board member Shelby Harris for her six year of dedicated service. Special thanks to the Gonzmart Family for making the celebration possible through the annual Community Harvest Campaign. A merry and delicious time was enjoyed by all.

Trinity Oliver, Engagement & Events Manager, Camryn Frost, Success Strategies Program Coach, and CFW Board Member/2026 Feastival co-chair Craig Beckinger at the STCOC Nonprofit Showcase. The Centre for Women was proud to be a sponsor of the event.

Ann W. Madsen, Executive Director and Trinity Oliver, Engagement & Events Manager, attending AFP National Philanthropy Day event.

Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre Celebrates Graduation of Sixteen Entrepreneurs

The Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women proudly celebrated a major milestone as sixteen emerging entrepreneurs graduated from the Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre’s eight-week Startup Academy. The ceremony marked the culmination of an intensive program designed to equip participants with the skills, confidence, and support needed to launch and grow successful small businesses in Tampa Bay.

This inspiring evening was made even more special with the presence of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and Centre for Women Executive Director Ann W. Madsen, who joined TBWBC Program Director Jennifer Schultz in congratulating each graduate and presenting certificates of completion. Their participation underscored the significance of entrepreneurship as an engine for economic growth—and the importance of championing women as business leaders.

Over the past eight weeks, participants engaged in hands-on learning, weekly coursework, and guided assignments that helped them develop the foundational elements of a business plan, sharpen their financial literacy, and strengthen their marketing and operational strategies. Under the leadership of Jennifer Schultz, the Startup Academy empowered each woman to transform her ideas into viable business ventures.

The Centre for Women congratulates the sixteen graduates for their dedication, creativity, and commitment to building a brighter economic future for themselves and our community. Their success reflects the growing entrepreneurial spirit in Tampa Bay—and the powerful impact of programs that ensure women have access to the tools and support they need to thrive.

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.