May 2026- Progress rarely happens alone… thank you for being part of this journey.

A Message as We Celebrate 50 Years

As we celebrate 50 years of empowering women and strengthening our community, I find myself reflecting on something simple but powerful: progress rarely happens alone.

At The Centre for Women, we see every day what can happen when people show up for one another — whether it’s a counselor helping someone rediscover hope, a business coach encouraging a new entrepreneur, a volunteer rolling up their sleeves at an event, or a donor making it possible for us to say “yes” to one more woman in need.

This season has been busy, inspiring, and occasionally fueled by coffee and last-minute deadlines — but through it all, I continue to be amazed by the generosity and heart of our community.

As we prepare for exciting events ahead, including Gourmet Feastival and our Golden 50th Anniversary celebration, thank you for being part of this journey. Your support helps women in our community not just get by, but truly move forward with confidence, stability, and hope.

Here’s to making the next 50 years even more impactful — preferably while wearing comfortable shoes and celebrating every victory along the way.

With gratitude,

Ann

34th Annual Gourmet Feastival – Havana Nights

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

Reflections from Program Director Susan McIntyre, LCSW

Mental Health America’s theme for May’s Mental Health Awareness Month 2026 is More Good Days, Together. This year’s theme strongly reflects the work and heart of our Counseling and Wellness program.

Our counseling and wellness team continues to make meaningful strides through in-person and virtual counseling sessions, support groups, workshops, webinars, and community outreach. Together, we create more good days, together for our clients and our community by fostering connection, support, and hope. And we thrive from the team spirit that lives in our daily work lives. 

Many of the individuals and families we serve come to us during difficult seasons of life, seeking support to move from surviving toward flourishing. Through the counseling relationship, clients and counselors work together to build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and create more good days, together. The impact of this work often extends beyond the individual, rippling into family life, workplaces, and relationships. We are often reminded of this through our StrongMoms maternal mental health program. Supporting new and expecting mothers not only helps create more good days for women, but also for their babies and families.

Our partnerships throughout the community further reflect the power of creating more good days together. Whether collaborating with local providers, participating on task forces, or connecting with the public at wellness events, we are reminded that mental wellness grows stronger through collaboration and a united community.  

For me, More Good Days, Together serves as both a compass and resonates a hopeful outlook. It reminds us that people matter, that difficult days can become brighter and that there is a tomorrow worth working toward — together.

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

Innovation in HER Voice:

A Leadership Session with Mylitta Butler

A powerful afternoon of inspiration, leadership, and meaningful conversation took place at our Innovation in Her Voice speaker series featuring Mylitta Butler — entrepreneur, author, Head of Strategic Partnerships at The Bureau Fashion Week, and valued member of The Centre for Women’s Board of Directors.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in uplifting and empowering women in our community through this impactful event.

If you missed the event, it’s not too late to get the inside scoop — Mylitta’s new book, Behind the Runway: An Insider’s Strategy for Success, is now available on Amazon.

Green offices

This May, our Centre offices are again illuminated in green in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, reinforcing our commitment to improving mental wellness in our community—this month and all year long.

All Children’s Gala

Thanks to the generosity of Christina Unkel, president, general manager, and general counsel of Tampa Bay Sun, Ann Madsen and Trinity Oliver enjoyed a glorious, fun-filled evening at the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital’s 100th Anniversary Celebration, celebrating a century of care, innovation, and community impact.

Zoo Tampa employee wellness event

We continue to pop up in all kinds of places, happy to be invited to share our mental wellness services with the community, even at the Zoo!. Our Counseling and Wellness team were are part of the wellness event for ZooTampa employees, interns and volunteers. We are so pleased to meet the hundreds of people who bring joy to others and want to remind them to take care of themselves, too.

Workshop: A Reflective Collage Experience

Collage workshop, facilitated by Eve Jackson, brought together a room full of women ready to pause, create, and reconnect with themselves. Through art

and reflection, participants shared meaningful moments for their own growth and well-being.

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

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