Kids to Know: Cameron Cowans
Meet 13 year old Cameron Cowans of Troop 46 in Tampa who collected over 350 used musical instruments to help support local music programs.
Tara Payor, Ph.D.
Tara Payor is a language arts educator and has taught students from the middle school level to adult learners at the doctorate level. She earned a Ph.D., in curriculum and instruction, from the University of South Florida. A member of the Junior League of Tampa and KNOW Women, she has two children—Harlow and Hendrix.
Articles by Tara Payor, Ph.D.
Carrying Forward a Tampa Tradition: Phil Alessi Jr. on Family and Legacy
Today, more than a century after his grandfather opened Tampa’s Alessi Bakery, Phil Alessi Jr. finds himself serving as both a caretaker of a beloved local institution and a steward of its future.
Kids to Know: Swara Nirav Patel
Swara Nirav Patel, a rising senior at Carrollwood Day School, is passionate about conservation, leadership and community impact. Swara, who gave a TEDx Talk at 15, was recently honored with the 2026 Young Women of Promise Award by the Athena Society — a recognition awarded to just 10 junior girls from students across Hillsborough County. Swara shares more about her passions, goals and…
Kids to Know: Nia Williams
Eight-year-old Nia Williams, a Tampa Bay second grader, is a published author making her mark on the local literary scene. Inspired by a personal childhood moment, her debut book, “Did You Know God Made You Beautiful?” co-authored with her mother, Kiva Williams, shares a message of confidence and self-worth with other kids. When Nia is not…
- Art | Festivals | Gasparilla
Bringing Music and Opportunity to Tampa Families: A Conversation with the Gasparilla Music Foundation
The Gasparilla Music Festival brings thousands of Tampa Bay area music lovers together for a weekend of live performances, local food, and family-friendly fun. Behind the festival is the Gasparilla Music Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated not only to showcasing great music but also to expanding access to music education through initiatives like the Recycled Tunes program.
How to plan your best day ever at the Gasparilla Music Festival 2026!
We’re sharing everything you need to know about this year’s Gasparilla Music Festival in downtown Tampa February 16-18, 2024!
Kids to Know: Leela & Sonia
Tampa Prep high school students Leela and Sonia are helping inspire the next generation of STEM leaders by coaching elementary robotics teams across multiple schools. Through competitions, teamwork and problem‑solving, they’re showing younger students, especially girls, that robotics can be both challenging and fun. What has surprised you most about working with younger students in…
USF Brings Beach Volleyball to Tampa Bay: Coach Pri Piantadosi Lima’s Vision for a New Era
USF is launching its inaugural NCAA Beach Volleyball season. We’re introducing you to head coach Pri Piantadosi Lima, a longtime professional beach volleyball player with an elite background, as she leads this history-making team in Tampa Bay.
What it means to keep going: Nick Schuyler on Loss, Resilience, and Life After
As a Tampa Bay parent raising young children, Schuyler reflects on how a life-altering experience shapes the way he approaches parenting, resilience, and the fleeting nature of time.
Kids to Know: Drew Garcia and Paige Wilson, American Bios Project
The American Bios Project: Student-Led Veteran Storytelling High school students Drew Garcia and Paige Wilson are helping preserve Tampa Bay history in a powerful way: researching and writing biographies of veterans buried at the American Legion Cemetery. Through the American Bios Project, they’re ensuring that veterans’ stories aren’t forgotten and helping others feel connected to…
Kids to Know: Kids 4 A Cause
Get to know Dominic Fouché, Sheldon Fouché, and cousins Michael Kuhn, and Christian Kuhn – the four boys behind Kids 4 A Cause.
Moms to Know: Malissa Spencer with Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Get to know mom and businesswoman, Malissa Spencer, senior entertainment manager for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Kickoff to the Next Generation: The Gramatica Legacy Evolves
For the Gramatica family, hard work and athleticism are part of the DNA. In 2003, Martin Gramatica helped lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to their first Super Bowl victory. Today, Martin has traded his kicking tee for a whistle — coaching youth soccer, cheering from the sidelines and mentoring his athletic trio: Nico, a kicker…
Moms to Know: Angeline Howell, Creating Change Through Play and Purpose
Local mom and changemaker, Angeline Howell, is inspiring hands-on learning, building community and shaping the future of education in Tampa Bay.
Kids to Know: Madison “MightyMouse” Richardson
Meet Madison Richardson, a tae kwon do champion raising awareness for causes that empower kids and fund life-changing cancer research.
USF Volleyball Coach, Jolene Shepardson, on a Full Court, Full House and Full Heart
University of South Florida’s head volleyball coach, Jolene Shepardson, balances coaching life and motherhood.
Moms to Know: LOL with the Mom Group Chat Podcast
Get to know Candace Donnelly and Whitney Williams, co-hosts of the popular parenting podcast, Mom Group Chat.
Kids to Know: Miller and Linden Brown
Triathlon siblings, Miller and Linden Brown, are making waves in Tampa Bay and sharing advice for other kids who dream of crossing the finish line.
Moms to Know: Dr. Lisa Hayes, Hayes Pediatrics
Read about Dr. Lisa Hayes, a pediatrician and mom, and how she’s building her own practice while navigating motherhood and life’s challenges.
Shifting Terrain: Helping Kids Navigate the Middle to High School Transition
Learn how to make the middle to high school transition smoother with insight from pediatric psychologist Dr. Jennifer Katzenstein.
