The Tampa Bay Chamber’s Women of Influence Committee brought professional development off the page and into action this week during Pearls of Experience: Ready, Not Rattled, an interactive evening focused on personal safety, situational awareness and practical self-defense.
Hosted at The Skills Center, the program gave attendees an opportunity to step outside of their comfort zones, learn hands-on techniques and build greater confidence in their ability to recognize and respond to potentially unsafe situations.
The conversation was especially relevant for working women. Professional wellbeing is often discussed through the lens of mental health, work-life balance or overall physical wellness, but personal safety is another important part of that conversation. Whether traveling for work, attending conferences and evening events, navigating unfamiliar places or working in environments where women may be underrepresented, having greater awareness and preparedness can make a meaningful difference.
Leading the experience was James White, Lead Certified CPI Meritorious Instructor at Tampa General Hospital, who was joined by members of his team and students who helped demonstrate techniques throughout the evening. White brought humor, energy and relatability to a serious topic, creating an environment where attendees felt comfortable asking questions, participating and learning by doing. It was also inspiring to see young women helping demonstrate these skills and the confidence that comes with knowing how to use them.
By the end of the evening, attendees left with more than information. They walked away with practical skills they could use in real-world situations—and, most importantly, a little more confidence in themselves.
A special thank you to Celeste Roberts and The Skills Center team for providing a welcoming space that allowed attendees to get up, move and fully participate in the experience. Thank you as well to Gaston's Culinary Services for keeping everyone fueled with delicious food and Time for Wine for helping attendees end the evening with a celebratory drink.
The Chamber also extends its gratitude to Floridacentral Credit Union, Presenting Sponsor, for its support and enthusiastic participation throughout the evening, as well as to James White and his team for making an important topic approachable, engaging and memorable.
Through experiences like Ready, Not Rattled, our Women of Influence continues to create opportunities for women across Tampa Bay to connect, learn from one another and leave better equipped to navigate both their professional and personal lives.