Powerstories was founded on a simple belief: true stories have the power to change lives. What began with Fran Powers sharing her own journey grew into a mission‑driven organization dedicated to helping women and girls claim, shape, and share their stories with confidence. Every program, performance, and workshop reflects the founding vision that when people speak their truth, they inspire others to do the same.
Powerstories gives women and girls the tools, space, and support to explore their experiences and transform them into meaningful narratives. Through Seek and Speak Your Powerstory, Girlstories Leadership Theatre, and our community storytelling initiatives, participants learn to express themselves with clarity and courage. These stories become the heartbeat of our work, shaping the productions we create, the conversations we spark, and the connections we build.
The stories shared at Powerstories reach far beyond the stage. They strengthen communities, deepen understanding, and remind us that every voice matters. Whether told through theatre, workshops, digital platforms, or community events, each story becomes part of a larger tapestry that celebrates resilience, truth, and the power of being heard.
Girlstories Leadership Theatre
Girlstories Leadership Theatre is a comprehensive theatre arts program for middle school girls in Hillsborough County entering grades six through eight. Participants build confidence, leadership, and creativity through performance and collaboration. The program has been honored with the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award from First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House.
HerStory Lessons
HerStory Lessons is our ongoing blog that celebrates the true stories of present and historical women changemakeHERS. Each post highlights a woman whose courage, creativity, or determination shaped her community or the wider world. The series shares short, accessible stories that introduce readers to well‑known trailblazers and overlooked figures whose impact deserves recognition. HerStory Lessons invites the community to learn, reflect, and be inspired by women whose actions continue to influence the world today.
Wonderstories
Wonderstories, formerly PositivelyPowerstories.com, is our community storytelling time capsule that invites people to share short videos or written reflections about the small moments that bring unexpected joy. These stories highlight the simple experiences that brighten a day, the ordinary details that stay with us, and the quiet reminders of what matters. Each contribution becomes part of a shared collection that celebrates the beauty found in everyday life.
Seek and Speak Your Powerstory
Seek and Speak Your Powerstory guides women in shaping and sharing the stories that define them. Participants explore identity, purpose, and personal history as they craft narratives for stage, page, or personal growth. The program offers a supportive space for women seeking clarity and connection through their own voices.
Speaking for Our liveS (SOS)
Speaking for Our liveS is a gathering for women in Tampa Bay to share stories, spoken word, and song. The open mic format creates a space for community, creativity, and solidarity. Women are invited to speak, listen, and connect in an environment that honors honesty and expression.
Lilypad
Powerstories takes immense pride in how the Voices of Truth and Voices of Women Theatre Festivals have become launching lilypads for playwrights. These festivals provide a platform where original works can flourish beyond our stage and ripple outward to diverse venues and audiences. Through Lilypad, we celebrate the continued achievements of our extended family of playwrights whose stories began here and continue to make waves in the world.
Testimonials
By The Numbers
| Impact Area | Quantity |
|---|---|
| True story productions | 109 |
| Educational programs taught | 98 |
| Summer programs for young girls | 20 |
| Voices of Youth, Truth, and Women Theatre Festivals | 8 |
| Nonprofit programming partnerships | 17 |
| Nonprofits gifted event tickets | TBD for 26 years of research |
