EDGE District executive director Nicole Waters spent part of her career in the financial world. She worked directly with entrepreneurs and realized that many of them were not aware of local resource groups such as Embarc Collective. This inspired Waters to take action and launch Amplify Women Tampa Bay.
The organization will host its third Annual Summit, “Navigators of Change: Women at the Helm,” Friday and Saturday at the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art in St. Petersburg. For Waters, the goal is simple: to be a bridge for women business owners, leaders and entrepreneurs.
Established in 2024, Amplify Women Tampa Bay develops events and experiences that equip women with the tools they need to grow and succeed.
“If you have questions, this is the summit to come to to walk away with answers,” Waters said. “It might be a resource that you need or a connection or just support.”
One of the key themes will be multigenerational bonding. The mission is to break down barriers.
“The summit spans all life stages and career stages,” she explained. “So, you’re going to have CEOs in the room with new entrepreneurs. There is a lot that we can learn from each other. So, this is not industry-specific or age group-specific. This is about saying ‘we are Tampa Bay’ and ‘we’re a very dynamic community.”
Waters argued that it is essential to bring women of all backgrounds together, especially in this era of technological advancement. She believes that innovations such as artificial intelligence have made it more difficult to build multigenerational relationships. Waters explained that mentoring and reverse mentoring can have a profound impact on individuals.
She hopes attendees leave feeling “networked.” In other words, Waters wants them to find opportunities to collaborate with one another, rather than simply exchanging contact information.
Pinellas County School Board member Laura Hine was the keynote speaker of the 2025 Amplify Women Tampa Bay Annual Summit. Photo provided.
Dr. Sandra Braham, president and CEO of Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS), will be the keynote speaker. The $60 million agency oversees more than 50 programs focused on behavioral health, workforce development, child welfare and other community services. In 2021, Braham became the first African-American woman to become chair of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce Board.
One of the planned panels will focus on women in sports leadership. Panelists include Tampa Bay Sun president and general manager Christina Unkel, Tampa Bay Rays vice president of marketing and promotions Yanna Pantelis Boutzoukas and Melissa Gebhardt, creative director for Vinik Sports Group and the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Amanda Wick, founder of the Association for Women in Cryptocurrency, and Candace Williams, associate director of cybersecurity leadership at U.S. defense contractor Raytheon, will participate in a panel discussion about digital finance and cybersecurity.
Participants can also attend a mental health discussion led by Faitherapy Inc. founder and TEDx speaker Marilyn Shaw.
James B. Sanderlin Neighborhood Family Center CEO Dr. Celeste Collins will moderate a panel on generational gaps. Brand photographer and creative director Jordan Torelli, mindset and intentional living coach Dr. Valerie Steele and real estate advisor and motivational speaker Carol Hasbrouck will be the panelists.
Artist Ya La’Ford, known for her geometric designs, will also participate in a conversation on creativity and leadership.
Amplify Women Tampa Bay website