A Message as We Celebrate 50 Years

For 50 years, The Centre for Women has stood beside women as they navigate life’s transitions, overcome challenges, and build brighter futures. From employment services and entrepreneurship training to mental wellness counseling and safe housing repairs, our work has always been grounded in one simple idea: when women succeed, families and communities thrive.

Today’s nonprofit environment presents new challenges. Funding uncertainties, shifting priorities, and increased demand for services require us to think creatively and act boldly. As we begin our 50th Anniversary year, we are not standing still — we are pivoting, innovating, and expanding partnerships to ensure women continue to have access to the tools they need to succeed.

Signature events like our 34th Annual Gourmet Feastival and the upcoming Golden Gala Anniversary Celebration are more than celebrations — they are vital opportunities to sustain and grow the programs that change lives every day.

Thank you for being part of our community of supporters, partners, and champions. Together, we are ensuring the next 50 years of impact.

With gratitude,

Ann

Our work reflects the reality that economic prosperity, mental wellness, and safe housing are interconnected. By addressing these needs together, we help women build sustainable paths forward for themselves and their families.

34th Annual Gourmet Feastival – Havana Nights

Your support of Gourmet Feastival helps sustain programs that empower women to achieve independence and confidence.

To sponsor, contact Ann Madsen, amadsen@thecentre.org or

donate an auction item, contact Camryn Frost, cfrost@thecentre.org

Tickets go on sale April 30th. Watch for a BOGO opportunity.

Sponsor

the Event

Showcase

Your Restaurant

Donate

Silent Auction Item(s)

As the only SBA-designated Women’s Business Centre on Florida’s west coast, the WBC provides training and coaching to aspiring entrepreneurs ready to launch or grow their businesses. Through programs such as the Start-up Academy, participants gain the tools to create business plans, develop marketing strategies, and build financial confidence.

FREE online courses, coaching, community, and incentives for entrepreneurs

Startup Academy April Kick-Off Class

Demand for mental wellness services continues to grow. Our counseling program provides accessible, compassionate support to individuals facing stress, trauma, and life transitions. These services are often life-changing, helping clients regain stability and confidence.

Dedication Ceremony at the Kathy Castor Centre

for Counseling and Wellness

We held an uplifting dedication ceremony on Friday, March 13 for our office reception area, made possible by the generous support of Dr. Yvette Suarez. Her donation helps us continue to warmly welcome individuals and families seeking mental wellness support.

Pictured here is the plaque symbolizing this meaningful gift. Dr. Yvette Suarez and Congresswoman Kathy Castor.

We were honored to be joined by Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Betsey Hapner (Board President), and Ann Madsen (Executive Director of The Centre for Women)

Thank you to everyone who helps make our mission possible.

Wear Blue Day for Child Abuse

Prevention Awareness Month

Our counseling and wellness team -pictured here in our blues- is committed every day to creating hope, preventing child abuse, and strengthening families in our community.

Workforce programs help women build skills, confidence, and pathways to meaningful employment. Leadership development opportunities equip participants to advance professionally and personally.

Our work is possible because of the generosity of donors, sponsors, and community partners who believe in our mission. Your continued support helps ensure that women in our community have access to resources that change lives.

As we celebrate 50 years, we are especially grateful to those who continue to invest in the future of women and families in Tampa Bay.

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.

When Gloria Steinem turned 80, someone asked her if she was ready to pass the torch. She said she wasn’t going to pass the torch, she was going to use hers to light others; if we all have torches, there’s a lot more light.

Your commitment of $1,000 each year for three years will help fund programs at the Centre for Women that strengthen and grow women-owned businesses, elevate women and girls in leadership roles, and create new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Or, become a Lifetime League Member for $25,000!

or call Executive Director Ann Madsen or

Engagement & Events Manager Trinity Oliver at 813.251.8437

Renée Vaughn- 2026 Chair of the League

We were honored and grateful to stand alongside so many incredible organizations in our community as we received a generous grant from the Rotary Club of Tampa.

We are excited to use these funds to support our annual Women’s Leadership Series, helping us continue to empower, connect, and inspire women in our community.

Thank you to the Rotary Club of Tampa for believing in our mission and investing in the work we do every day.

Pictured: Connie Gage and Trinity Oliver, Engagement & Events Manager (CFW) and Trinity Oliver addressing those in atendance.

Every contribution strengthens our ability to serve those who rely on our programs.

Suite Night for the Rays Game at Tropicana Field

The Tampa Bay Rays knocked it out of the park last Friday with a Suite Night for The Centre for Women! From the first pitch to the final out, the evening was filled with great baseball, wonderful company, and plenty of smiles (and snacks!). The food and service were phenomenal. 

The Rays’ generosity created a memorable night for our guests. We are grateful for The Rays continued support of our mission and for making everyone feel like MVPs.

What an inspiring evening at togetHER

A heartfelt thank you to Hyde Park Village for hosting this incredible event benefiting The Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women. From powerful conversations to meaningful connections, the night brought our community together in support of women across Tampa Bay. When women come together, amazing things happen.

Pictured: Trinity Oliver, Engagement & Events Manager (CFW), Madison DeChellis, Senior Marketing Manager Hyde Park Village, Janelle Martinez, Co-host of Great Day Live Tampa Bay 

Celebrating the Power of Women Across Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre and the The Centre for Women were honored to attend the 2026 Women of Influence Luncheon with keynote speaker Judy Smith, hosted by the Tampa Bay Chamber in partnership with Tampa General Hospital.

Pictured: Stacy Miller, event emcee and 2026 Women of Influence Committee Chair with keynote speaker Judy Smith; Christina Hand, Director of Student Success at Everglades University and Dr. Kimberly Rankin, Director of the Women’s Business Centre; Trinity Oliver, CFW Engagement & Events Manager with Judy Smith

While the nonprofit environment continues to evolve, our commitment remains steadfast. The Centre for Women will continue to adapt, collaborate, and innovate to meet the needs of our community.

Thank you for being part of our mission and helping us build the next 50 years of impact.

Together, we are creating opportunity, strengthening resilience, and empowering women every day.