May 2025 - In Times of Uncertainty... Community is Our Constant

A Message from the Executive Director

Operating in a time of uncertainty—especially while awaiting government grant funding—presents real and pressing challenges. Programs are ready to launch. Services are in high demand. Yet the resources needed to sustain critical work hang in limbo as we wait for funding decisions outside our control.

This uncertainty doesn’t pause the needs of the women and families we serve. Counseling appointments are still being requested. Job seekers are still looking for support. Entrepreneurs still need coaching and training for their small business dreams. Seniors still need ramps and home repairs to enjoy safe living environments. Families are still turning to us for help.

That’s where you come in.

Community support gives us the stability to move forward—even when external funding is delayed. Your donations bridge the gap. They keep our doors open, our staff in place, and our services uninterrupted.

If you believe in building a community where women and families thrive, now is the time to act. Your gift today helps ensure we don’t have to wait to make a difference.

Together, we are the safety net. Together, we are the solution.

Ann

DONATE TODAY!

The Centre for Women’s Executive Director Ann W. Madsen joined other nonprofit leaders today at Bank of America for a community roundtable where the bank’s new Tampa Bay Market President Michael Esposito surprised each of us with generous grants.

We were thrilled to have received a $25,000 grant to support our Women’s Business Centre which offers training and coaching for entrepreneurs across Tampa Bay. This impactful investment will help us continue empowering women to build brighter futures for families in our community.

Pictured here: BOA’s Ashley Nessler, past president of the Centre’s Board of Directors, Ann W. Madsen and Michael Esposito. Together, we are creating opportunities and changing lives!

Eleanor Danielson and Kay Homer visited The Centre for Women to present a check to Ann W. Madsen, executive director, on behalf of The Carrollwood Area Women’s Club. Community support is essential for The Centre for Women because it fuels our ability to empower women and families through essential services like mental wellness counseling, career coaching, and entrepreneurship training. Heartfelt thanks to the members of The Carrollwood Area Women’s Club for this generous support.

We are Honored to Share Some Exciting News!

Our incredible Executive Director, Ann W. Madsen, has been named a Finalist for Business Leader of the Year by the South Tampa Chamber as part of their 2025 Business of the Year Awards!

This well-deserved recognition celebrates Ann’s visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to our mission, and the lasting impact she continues to make in our community. Please join us in congratulating her on this outstanding achievement!

Tickets are $150 each, and seats are limited.

The awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at The Westshore Grand, 4860 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609.

Please contact Trinity Oliver at Tdimonda@thecentre.org by May 28th, 2025 to reserve your seat!

Check out our Centre offices in South Tampa and Seminole Heights this May. We are glowing green! Green is the color for Mental Health Awareness Month because it symbolizes hope, strength, support, and mental well-being. Historically, green was used to label people who were considered “insane” in the 1800s, but over time, advocates reclaimed the color to challenge stigma and promote healing and understanding. A display of green during May shows solidarity with those experiencing mental health challenges and supports the movement toward greater awareness and acceptance. In addition to our Centre locations, other prominent buildings and bridges will be illuminated in green.

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!

INTRODUCING OUR

ANNOUNCING:

Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre

Startup Academy!

Are you ready to turn your idea into a thriving business? Our cohort-based academy will guide you step-by-step over eight weeks, culminating in a live pitch contest and graduation ceremony.

What You’ll Get:

Weekly business development workshops
Training in marketing, finance, customer discovery & more
Guest expert sessions & real-world case studies
Weekly subject matter certificates
Final Pitch Contest + Graduation Celebration
COHORT BEGINS SOON — Limited Seats!

Whether you’re still shaping your vision or ready to launch, this 8-week incubator is your blueprint to success.

Applications: Open on June 1, 2025 & close on June 21, 2025!

APPLY NOW!

BONUS $1,000 GRANT OPPORTUNITY

by the City of Tampa for 15 Graduates!

Eligibility requirements for this amazing grant opportunity:

Live or operate a business within City of Tampa limits
Are a microenterprise (5 or fewer employees including yourself)
Fall within the HUD 80% AMI income threshold

The Centre for Women Launches “StrongMoms” Mental

Health Initiative in Partnership with Florida Blue Foundation

The Centre for Women is proud to announce a vital new partnership with the Florida Blue Foundation to launch the StrongMoms MentalHealth Initiative, a program dedicated to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of pregnant women and new mothers in our community.

“Every mother and baby deserve a healthy start, and that begins with access to quality maternal mental health care,” said Susan Towler, executive director of Florida Blue Foundation. “By partnering together on the StrongMoms initiative, we can work collaboratively to break down barriers and ensure that every mom, regardless of her background or circumstances, can navigate pregnancy and motherhood with the care and support needed to thrive.”

“This initiative is a powerful step toward building stronger, healthier families by ensuring moms have the mental health support they need,” said Susan McIntyre, LCSW, Counseling & Wellness Program Director from The Centre for Women.

“Maternal mental health initiatives are essential because they address a critical yet often overlooked aspect of public health. Postpartum depression, anxiety, and mood

disorders affect 1 in 5 women during or after pregnancy. Without intervention, these

issues can lead to long-term consequences for mothers, babies, and families,” McIntyre said.

PHOTOS FROM THE STRONGMOM’S KICK-OFF OPEN HOUSE

In a beautiful setting at the Grand Hyatt, The Community Foundation Tampa Bay celebrated its 35th Anniversary which coincided with their successful achievement of reaching a $1 billion milestone of philanthropic funds committed to the future of Tampa Bay. Joining in the celebration were the Centre’s Executive Director Ann W. Madsen, left, incoming Community Foundation chair Linda Simmons and her husband Randy, chairman of R.R. Simmons, along with Betsey Hapner, president of The Centre’s Board of Directors.

Congratulations to Centre for Women Board Member Laura Rehbein who officially unveiled her new book, Fearless Finance, this week at a fun-filled book launch in Carrollwood where more than 50 people gathered to celebrate. Joining in the festivities were Trinity Oliver, left, and Ann W. Madsen. Laura is the principal of Impavid Wealth Advisors, an Ameriprise Private Wealth Advisory Practice.

Susan McIntyre, our director of Counseling and Wellness, joined over 650 attendees at the Community Health Symposium, celebrating Florida Blue’s 25th anniversary and Florida Blue Foundation’s 20th year of Sapphire Award presentations. Susan is pictured here with Tina James, Sr Manager Corporate Social Responsibility; Michelle Hamilton, Senior Director, Corporate Social Responsibility; and Phillip Lee, Florida Blue’s Market President for West Florida.

The Centre for Women staff, Susan McIntyre and Tatiana Lattanzio, attended today’s Senior Connection Center fundraising breakfast. Proceeds from the event will benefit their Crisis Fund to help area seniors and disabled individuals during times of trouble. In addition to supporting our community partner, we also applaud the recognition given to SCC’s CEO, Charlotte McHenry, who is retiring after an incredible 40 years of mission driven service.

We kicked off May’s mental health awareness month with a community presentation! Our counselor Naischa Justin promoted the benefits of mental wellness counseling to MacDonald Training Center‘s interns. The audience agreed that mental health matters!

Thais Louzada and Meybel Lobo joined the Family Fun & Community Resource Fair hosted by Metropolitan Ministries. It was a great opportunity to share information about our programs and connect with families and community partners. We were glad to be part of this event themed “Soaring into Summer with Awareness” — a perfect way to kick off the season with purpose and connection!

The Counseling and Wellness staff Susan McIntyre and Thais Louzada shared our program information with 260 attendees at the PACES CONNECTION Hillsborough Spring Conference. Conference topics focused on trauma prevention and healing and tips for building resilience for those we serve AND for ourselves. It is wonderful to see so many helpers in one place.