Each May, a powerful energy fills Spartan Manor in New Port Richey. The place where women from across Tampa Bay gather for a day centered around connection, encouragement, and community impact. The annual EmpowerUP Event has quickly grown into a meaningful celebration of the women who work every day to shape our communities, support their families, and create positive change.
The event was founded by Amy Walters, publisher of New Port Richey City Lifestyle, with a simple idea: women deserve one day to celebrate themselves together. In many ways, women spend much of their time supporting others and building businesses, raising families, volunteering, and helping strengthen the communities around them. EmpowerUP was created to pause for a moment and recognize the value of those contributions.
“I wanted to give women the chance to come together and remember the gift they are to their family and their community,” said Walters.
This year the day will begin with shopping from more than 25 vendors from across Tampa Bay. The vendor marketplace highlights small businesses and entrepreneurs, creating an opportunity for guests to support local brands while discovering new products and ideas.
Among the vendors participating this year is Wearable Words Company, founded by registered nurse Jodi Olsen. Her bracelets feature empowering words meant to inspire and uplift the people who wear them. The inspiration behind the brand comes from Olsen’s aunt Marilyn, who spent her life helping others through her work in the mental health field. Each bracelet carries a message designed to remind people of their strength and resilience.
One of the highlights of the day will be the keynote address from Julie Johnson Winetraub, co-owner of The Gold and Diamond Source and founder of the nonprofit organization Hands Across the Bay. Known for her leadership and dedication to helping others, Winetraub will share a message centered on giving back to the universe and choosing to be a positive influence in the lives of those around us.
The event also supports several charitable organizations, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to three nonprofits doing important work in the community. Hands Across the Bay was founded to assist and mentor hardworking families in need, advocate for change, support other organizations, and spread love through acts of kindness.
Warrior 321 will also receive a portion of the proceeds. The organization focuses on fighting human trafficking through education, training, and advocacy. Their volunteers work to raise awareness and provide communities with tools to help protect vulnerable individuals.
The third organization receiving support is The Rope Center, which provides food, clothing, and shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness. Through outreach and daily support services, the organization helps restore dignity and hope to people facing difficult circumstances.
This year will also mark the first recognition of four Women of Influence. These women will be honored during the event on May 15th in front of the audience, though their identities will remain a surprise until the day of the event.
EmpowerUP would not be possible without the many volunteers and sponsors who support the mission behind the event. The presenting sponsor for EmpowerUP 2026 is Cheval Wellness. Dr. Angela Mineo has dedicated her work to helping women better understand hormone balance and weight loss. During the event, she will share a message of encouragement and hope.
At its heart, EmpowerUP is about women coming together to celebrate one another. Guests are encouraged to bring a friend, make new connections, and spend the day sharing in what it truly means to empower each other.
"I wanted to give women the chance to come together and remember the gift they are to their family and their community."
EmpowerUp 2026
The 2026 EmpowerUp event is ready to lift up local women and empower them to take on the challenges facing them in the upcoming year! This pivotal event will be held on May 15th at Spartan Manor in New Port Richey. The event is still looking for local businesses to sponsor to help three great non-profit organizations: Hands Across the Bay, Warrior 321, and The Rope Center. If you or someone you know is interested in sponsoring, becoming a vendor, or attending, please visit empowerupflorida.com or reach out directly to Amy.walters@citylifetstyle.com. We look forward to seeing you there!