A Waves of Change to Remember! 

What an incredible success this year’s Women’s Leadership Luncheon turned out to be! With the incomparable Brooke Shields as our national honoree, the room was filled with inspiration, empowerment, and a whole lot of wow! 

The tidal wave of positive response that has followed is proof that when strong women come together, unstoppable change happens. Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make this event a momentous celebration of leadership, resilience, and the power of women lifting each other up.

An enthusiastic audience of 675 attendees packed the festive ballroom at the Tampa Convention Center. Channel 8’s Deiah Riley kept the program entertaining and on track. 

A heartfelt thank you to our Presenting Sponsors — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Valley Bank — and to all the amazing supporters, sponsors, and attendees—your generosity and passion fuel our mission and create lasting change. This event would not be possible without you!

To our local honoree, Dr. Moira J. Burke, congratulations on your well-deserved recognition. Your dedication continues to inspire us all. Special thanks to Honorary Chair Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Valley Bank’s Angelie Spurling, 2025 Waves Chair Renee Vaughn and Board President Elizabeth Hapner for each playing a significant role in the celebration. 

Together, we are making waves and shaping a brighter future. 

Here’s to keeping the momentum going—because this wave is only getting bigger!

This year’s Gourmet Feastival theme was Tropical Nights: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett. This fabulous food fest didn’t disappoint the more than 1,000 people who came out to enjoy signature dishes from Tampa Bay’s finest restaurants and beverage purveyors.

Yes, it was a foodie heaven, with fabulous entertainment from Billy Lindsey with his “Tribute to Jimmy,” and an impressive silent auction filled with unique items.  

The tropical vibes were flowing the entire night.  We are so glad that you came out for this fun-filled night. It will be hard to surpass this event!

The essence of leadership was on full display at our recent luncheon featuring an inspirational conversation with one of the world’s leading entrepreneurs Sheila Johnson engagingly moderated by Java Ingram, host of Great Day Live on 10 Tampa Bay.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to one of Tampa’s most influential leaders, Darcie Glazer Kassewitz and The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, for being our presenting sponsor. What a great way to kick off the year! Their support enabled us to create a memorable event with highlights including remarks by Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Valley Bank’s Market President Angelie Spurlino and a heartfelt request for support from the Centre for Women’s Board President Ashley Nessler Webb.

Attendees were thrilled to receive a copy of Sheila’s new book, Walk Through Fire, courtesy of Valley Bank.

Members of our League of Extraordinary Women enjoyed the exclusive pre-party Meet & Greet with Sheila while the violin music of Michael Smith provided a beautiful backdrop.

So, with a grateful heart, thanks to all of you who sponsored, attended, and promoted the luncheon. You are leading by example, and together, we are making a real difference for women in our community.

Blues, BBQ, & Elvis presented by TECO was the theme for this year’s Gourmet Feastival. And, yes, Elvis was in the building.

The beautiful grande ballroom in Higgins Hall at 5225 N. Himes Avenue was transformed into a foodie heaven on September 21st as The Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women hosted its 31st Annual Gourmet Feastival.