Tampa Bay Leaders Take the Runway to Empower Women at Dress for Success Tampa Bay’s Annual Fashion Show.

Tampa, FL, August 21, 2026 --(PR.com)-- Some of Tampa Bay’s most recognizable community leaders, business professionals and local personalities will trade their everyday roles for the runway on Sunday, August 30, 2026, as Dress for Success Tampa Bay presents its annual Empowerment on the Runway: Bold Steps, Bright Futures at Higgins Hall in Tampa, Doors open at 1p, with the fashion show taking place from 2 to 4 p.m.

This signature event brings together fashion, philanthropy, and community to raise funds for Dress Success Tampa Bay and its mission to help women achieve economic independence through professional attire, career development resources, and a strong network of support.

Leading this year’s lineup are Tony and Lauren Dungy, this year’s featured Power Couple, who will join an eclectic group of Tampa Bay leaders and familiar faces stepping onto the runway for a cause. The 2026 runway models include Tony and Lauren Dungy, Aidza Antonio Thomas, Andrew Kinsey, Caitlin Lockerbie, Desiree Diaz, Halle Burton, Jose and Bridgette Bello, Matt, Mason and Major Maddux, Nathan Gigee, Netta McKissic-Stroman, Rena Romano, Ruchi Bhadauria. Hazely Lopez will serve as emcee for the afternoon. Women’s fashions will be provided by Dillard’s, with men’s fashions provided by Men’s Wearhouse.

“This event is about so much more than fashion,” said Lisette Parsons, Executive Director of Dress for Success Tampa Bay. “Every person who walks the runway, buys a ticket or makes a donation is helping a woman in our community take her own bold step toward a brighter future. We’re incredibly grateful to the leaders who are lending their names, voices and platforms to this mission.”

“Empowerment on the Runway brings together so many of the things that make Tampa Bay special—generosity, community and people who are willing to step up for others,” said Marian Rhodes, Event Chair. “Our models are giving their time and using their platforms to support women in our community, and we can’t wait to celebrate them. We hope Tampa Bay will come out, cheer them on and help us make this year’s event our most impactful yet.”

The runway models aren’t simply modeling—they’re fundraising for the mission. Each model has an individual fundraising campaign, giving supporters an opportunity to cast a vote for their favorite model by making a donation. Every dollar raised counts toward the competition, with the coveted Top Model title announced live at Empowerment on the Runway. More importantly, those dollars help Dress for Success Tampa Bay provide women with the tools, resources and support they need to thrive in work and in life. While the runway event takes place August 30th, the fundraising campaign will remain open through September 13, 2026, giving the community additional opportunities to support the models and the Dress for Success Tampa Bay mission.

Event Details
What: Empowerment on the Runway: Bold Steps, Bright Futures
When: Sunday, August 30, 2026
Doors Open: 1 p.m.
Where: Higgins Hall, Tampa, Florida
Emcee: Hazely Lopez
Featured Power Couple: Tony & Lauren Dungy
Tickets: $100

Tickets, sponsorships and individual model fundraising pages are available through the event campaign: Get tickets, become a sponsor, or support a model: https://go.rallyup.com/2026-dfstb-fashionshow/Campaign/Details

About Dress for Success Tampa Bay:
Dress for Success Tampa Bay empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Since its founding in 1998, the Tampa Bay affiliate has helped women throughout the community build confidence, strengthen career skills and pursue greater economic independence.

Media Contact: Tanya Cielo, Sky Strategic Marketing, t.cielo@dfstampabay.com, 954-682-7521