angeline howell

Moms to Know: Angeline Howell, Creating Change Through Play and Purpose

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Angeline Howell, the CEO of Great Explorations Children’s Museum, was recently recognized as CIO Global’s Transformational Female CEO of the Year, 2025. The local mom and changemaker is inspiring hands-on learning, building community and shaping the future of education in Tampa Bay.

TBPM: What does creating change in the Tampa Bay area mean to you?

AH: It means collaboration. Meaningful change involves strong partnerships. At Great Explorations, we work closely with partners to identify community needs and break down barriers so that, together, we can make lasting impacts. The children in our bay area communities are at the heart of the impacts we aim to make. Our work equips them with the tools and resources needed to succeed both academically and personally. In this way, since they are the bay area’s future, they can be contributing members of our communities for years to come.

TBPM: How do you see local parents and community partners playing a role in advancing the museum’s mission?

AH: The mission at Great Explorations is to stimulate learning through creativity, play and exploration. We also understand that it takes a village to raise children. Through collaborations with parents and community partners, where all contribute their expertise, we have built a space that’s free from judgment and direction and, instead, full of possibility. Great Explorations believes play is serious business. In partnership, we’ve created experiences that make a difference in kids’ lives by advancing our mission of hands-on education.

TBPM: Who are your biggest sources of encouragement as both a mother and a leader?

AH: My children, my family and the team I work with inspire me every day. Watching my kids light up during hands-on learning — their faces in that “aha” moment — reminds me why the work we’re doing at Great Explorations matters.

Being a mom with a full-time job is a juggle, but it’s worth it. I bring my work home in the best way — through play. With my background in mental health counseling, I know the power of therapeutic play. Whether we’re building with Legos or making pizza to learn fractions, we’re learning together, and the bonding keeps me encouraged.

I’m also deeply encouraged by our community partners and fellow leaders across Tampa Bay. They’re doing incredible things and the collective energy encourages me to keep pushing forward.

Angeline Howell
Angeline and her family at a Rays game.

TBPM: What advice would you give Tampa Bay moms who want to get involved in causes bigger than themselves but feel pulled in many directions?

AH: Don’t be afraid to start. Even small efforts make a difference. Contributing your time or skills in any way is valuable. Embrace change and stay open-minded — you never know what opportunities may arise from getting involved.

TBPM: What do you hope your children learn by watching you lead and serve?

AH:

  • Never give up. When things get hard, keep going.
  • Giving back matters. Time is one of the most valuable gifts we can share.
  • Don’t fear failure. Trial and error builds creativity, problem-solving and grit.
  • Ultimately, find a profession to love. My work is my passion.

TBPM: What new projects or hopes are you most excited about?

AH: Great Explorations has served the community for 38 years, but we’re expanding. We’ve broadened our reach to middle schoolers, bringing immersive science experiences to their classrooms. We’re working on securing a location for a Discovery Center, a space that combines a hands-on children’s museum with a science center.

Angeline Howell
Image Credit: Off the Walls Photography

TBPM: If you could imagine one change for children in the Tampa Bay area, over the next five years, what would it be?

AH: More hands-on education — play-based learning and real-life skill-building. Think woodshop and home economics — classes many of us grew up with that taught us life skills. Kids need more immersive experiences that prepare them for the world in practical, creative ways.

I’m grateful to work with a creative, dedicated team and I hope that, through our efforts, we’re building a brighter future for the next generation.

Read More:

The Play List: Great Explorations Children's Museum in St. Pete

Originally published in the October 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.