July 2025 - It's a Sizzling Summer With Activity

A Message from the Executive Director

It’s an exciting time at The Centre for Women! This summer, we’ve been busy growing programs, welcoming new faces, and expanding our impact in the community. From helping entrepreneurs launch new businesses through our Women’s Business Centre, to supporting mental wellness at The Kathy Castor Centre for Counseling & Wellness, our team is hard at work meeting women where they are—and helping them get where they want to go.

We’re also gearing up for one of our favorite events of the year—The Gourmet Feastival! Mark your calendar for August 7, when 35 local restaurants, breweries, and beverage vendors will come together for a delicious evening in support of our mission. With this year’s ABBA-inspired theme, “Having the Time of Your Life,” guests can expect great food, fun music, our legendary silent auction and plenty of sparkle. Tickets are now on sale, so get your groovy outfit and join the party!!

Thank you for being part of our mission. With your support, we are creating opportunities, building resilience, and empowering women and families across Tampa Bay. Stay tuned for more updates and ways to get involved!

Ann

Florida Blue Partners Visit The Kathy Castor Centre

We had the pleasure of welcoming our Florida Blue partners—Phillip Lee, West Region Market President, and Tina James, Senior Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility—for a tour of the Kathy Castor Centre for Counseling and Wellness. Joined by Ann Madsen, Susan McIntyre, and Thais Louzada, the visit sparked a meaningful conversation about the critical importance of mental health and the positive impact of our work in the community.

We’re proud to partner with the Florida Blue Foundation through the StrongMoms Maternal Mental Health initiative, supporting the well-being of pregnant women and new mothers. Grateful for this powerful collaboration and shared commitment to building healthier futures!

We are so grateful to TD Charitable Foundation for their generous $10,000 contribution in support of empowering female entrepreneurs through our Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre.

A special thank you to Seth Dreyfuss, Lindsay August, and Robert West of TD Bank , pictured here with our Executive Director, Ann W. Madsen, as they presented the check at our historic Hyde Park office.

This support directly impacts the women we serve—helping them start, grow, and sustain their businesses with confidence and success. Thank you to TD Bank for investing in women and strengthening our community!

Thanks to the Community Foundation for its support.

We extend our deepest thanks for the generous $50,000 grant awarded by The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay to support our Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre. These funds were made possible through the Norman and Virginia Nelson Women’s Fund at the Community Foundation. This investment will help us empower more entrepreneurs across our region—providing them with the tools, mentorship, and support needed to launch and grow successful businesses.

The Community Foundation’s commitment to fostering economic opportunity for women is not only inspiring, but transformative.

We are incredibly grateful to Helene’s Designs of Valrico for transforming our main floor entryway and parlor at our beautiful headquarters on S. Hyde Park Ave. Inspired by our Waves of Change Women’s Leadership Luncheon, they donated their time and talent to create an updated look. Their thoughtful design has brought new life and warmth to our space and we sincerely thank them for supporting our mission and the women we serve.

and Get Ready to Say Mamma Mia!

Join us for this year’s Gourmet Feastival, where we’re serving up culinary delights and disco fever with the fabulous theme: Almost ABBA!

Come dressed to impress in your grooviest ‘70s attire and get ready to enjoy:

A dazzling evening of gourmet tastings from the area’s top chefs and restaurants

Entertainment that will transport you to the golden days of ABBA!

Our phenomenal silent auction…and more.

Whether you’re a “Dancing Queen” or just love having the “Time of Your Life,” this is a party you won’t want to miss!

Look for our Silent Auction Sneak Peek email coming soon!

We were proud to celebrate our Executive Director, Ann W. Madsen, as a finalist for Business Leader of the Year at the South Tampa Chamber’s 2025 Business of the Year Awards.

Being recognized among such an inspiring group of leaders was an incredible honor. Congratulations to all the outstanding finalists in her category!

Thank you to our amazing Centre staff and supporters who came out to cheer her on—and to The South Tampa Chamber for hosting such a meaningful evening celebrating local leadership and impact.

A heartfelt thank you to Lilly Pulitzer for hosting the Centre for Women’s Shop for a Cause event!

Your support empowers women in our community and helps create meaningful change.

We hosted our very first Cappuccino & Conversation at the stunning Tampa Edition — and we’re still feeling inspired!

We’re incredibly grateful to The Tampa Edition for partnering with us to bring this vision to life. Their hospitality and beautiful space set the perfect tone for a meaningful morning of connection and conversation.

A huge thank-you as well to our guest speaker, Nicole Carver of Carver Concierge, for her impactful talk on “The Mental Load Is Real: Why High Performers Need Support More Than Ever.”

And to all the amazing women who joined us — thank you for showing up with heart and purpose. This is just the beginning!

The Mama Circle

Motherhood can feel heavy—emotionally, mentally, and physically.You deserve a space to breathe, be heard, and feel supported.

Join a free weekly virtual support circle for pregnant women and moms (with children age 2 or under). Led by a mom and social worker trained in maternal mental health, this is an opportunity for real connection—without pressure or judgment.

Tuesdays • 6–7 PM (ET)

July–September

Summer Book Club featuring Women Who Run with the Wolves

We gathered to celebrate the joy of reading with Pamella Bittner and Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés — a powerful beginning to a season of reflection, connection, and storytelling.

Thanks to everyone who joined us!

Our Summer Book Club is full. Stay tuned for future groups!

Creative Courage – A Supportive Space For Women: ‘Freedom of Expression’

Looking for a space to express, reflect, and feel inspired?

Join us for a unique workshop where images spark words and creativity leads to insight. Guided by Tiffany Baldwin, counselor at the Centre, and Shelby Smotherman, writer, visual artist, and teaching artist, this experience is all about exploring strength, freedom, and authentic expression. No art or writing background needed—just bring an open heart.

Thursday, July 17

6–7:30 PM