What is CULTIVATE?
CULTIVATE: The Ultimate Career Building Experience is our annual signature event for individuals and businesses at all stages of their career, designed to motivate, cultivate, elevate, and celebrate emerging and established leaders alike. Taking place Saturday, March 7, 2026, in strategic partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay, the event features keynotes and workshops, professional headshots and wardrobe support, career library, on-site hiring opportunities, business vendors, and the inaugural Shirley’s Higher Learning Scholarship Awards.
Join us to build skills, gain resources, and make meaningful connections that empower individuals and strengthen our community.
volunteer for cultivate 2026
Join us in making a tangible impact by volunteering at CULTIVATE in strategic partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay. Volunteers help kick off the day during the Optional Volunteer Experience from 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM, supporting community empowerment and setting the stage for our career-building workshops, scholarship awards, and professional development activities. Together, we can inspire growth, connect professionals, and give back to our community.
PARTNER WITH CULTIVATE
We warmly invite you to join us as a sponsor this year. Your support reflects your commitment to motivate, cultivate, elevate, and celebrate the next generation of extraordinary leaders. While the sponsorship window remains open until 11:59 PM EST on January 31, 2026, we encourage you to consult your tax professional to see if completing your sponsorship before December 31, 2025 may be most beneficial.
Donated more than 300 professional clothing items
Provided over 35 free professional headshots
Offered career coaching and resource materials
Facilitated workshops and panels with respected leaders
Hosted on-site job recruiting and networking
We are honored to introduce Shirley’s Higher Learning Annual Scholarship—an intentional investment in the future of mission-driven students, aspiring professionals, and emerging leaders who are ready to make their mark. Born from our personal journey and the belief that opportunity should never be limited by access, this scholarship is more than financial aid—it’s a platform for empowerment. By raising $25,000 for our inaugural awards, we’re not only celebrating achievement—we’re cultivating character, ingenuity, academic excellence, and community leadership. Every contribution you make helps us remove barriers, amplify potential, and build a legacy where leadership is not defined by title, but by service, impact, and integrity. Join us in turning belief into action and vision into legacy at CULTIVATE 2026.
RECAP: CULTIVATE 2025
