Transformation & Transcendence! A Lifelong Learners of Tampa Bay Event – October 2026

🌐 WHERE CURIOSITY MEETS COMMUNITY

Joins us for a night designed to lift your spirits, spark your curiosity, and recharge your mindset. October's theme — Transformation & Transcendence — will feature three dynamic speakers who will help you rethink what identity, building beyond self, and personal transformation can look like in 2026.

This isn’t a lecture. It’s an experience.
Expect educational talks, engaging discussion, community connection, and an atmosphere full of energy, inspiration, and possibility.

SPEAKER SPOTLIGHTS

Mary Emmarco

Talk Title: From Darkness to Light: Rebuilding a Truer View of Yourself

Talk Description: This talk teaches people struggling with self-worth how to see themselves in a better, more accurate way.

In this presentation, the audience will learn how to…

—Gain awareness around what negative views they have about themselves
—Question and invalidate harsh views of themselves
—Create a more positive and accurate perception of themselves

Speaker Bio: Mary is a motivational speaker, registered nurse, certified life coach, and holds a certificate from the University of Pennsylvania’s positive psychology program. After reaching a level of pain where she nearly ended her own life, she became determined to help others who feel crushed by hopelessness, low self worth, or suffering find a way through. On stage Mary shares deep personal stories and practical tools that help audiences to face harsh truths, take ownership of what they can control, and begin rebuilding a truer, more hopeful view of themselves and their lives, the same way she rebuilt her own.

She lives in Clearwater, Florida. During her free time you can usually find her spending time with friends, or watching a movie or sitcom.

Rukshana Hafez Triem

Talk Title: Stop Running From your Calling

Talk Description: Audience Takeaways:

1. Strong communities start with shared values, not just shared spaces. Lasting communities are built on trust, respect, and purpose—not just on proximity.

2. Relationships are the foundation of resilience. When people feel seen, valued, and connected, the community can weather challenges together.

3. Everyone has a role in building. From elders to youth, leaders to quiet supporters, each person’s contribution strengthens the whole.

Speaker Bio: As a Women’s Lifestyle Coach, international speaker, and author of Living from Strength & Faith, she helps women reclaim their confidence, reset their priorities, and rise into purposeful leadership. Through retreats, coaching programs, and training, she inspires women to lead boldly—whether in their personal lives, careers, or communities.

Rukshana also organizes the African Fashion Show PDX, a vibrant cultural celebration that uplifts BIPOC artists and raises funds for education in Africa. Her work has created bridges between cultures, communities, and continents, blending fashion, philanthropy, and storytelling.

Driven by faith, family, and a vision of global impact, Rukshana is paving the way for future leaders and creating lasting change—one woman, one child, one community at a time.

Julie Rocco

Talk Title: Out Loud

Talk Description: What does it mean to live your life authentically and fully expressed? In this conversation, you will be asked to consider what parts of your life you are living out loud while other parts are put on mute. What drives those decisions and how do you believe the outcomes of those choices shape your life and those around you? You will be guided to reflect on what it would mean to pursue a journey of a life that you choose to live, "Out Loud." 

Speaker Bio: Julie Ann Rocco is a suicide loss survivor and a suicide attempt survivor. Julie is also the Founder, President and CEO of What I Would Have Missed where she seeks to create an international movement to prevent suicide and promote mental wellness by cultivating connections, camaraderie, and community. She does this by creating unique conduits for suicide attempt and ideation survivors to share their stories and spark open dialogue about suicide and mental wellness as well as inviting mental health professionals, family members, friends, and the community at-large to engage in open dialogue to deepen understanding of their unique journeys. 

🎟️ WHAT TO EXPECT

• A welcoming, high-energy environment

• 2 short-form talks + 1 keynote

• Live Q&A with all speakers

• A closing panel discussion

• And a community of curious, growth-oriented people who love learning

Doors open at 6:30 PM so you can grab concessions, mingle, and settle in. Talks run from 7–9 PM. To get a sense of the energy and vibe of our event, check out the below videos:

VENUE DIRECTIONS

The Dance Factory is a stylish venue nestled into Westshore Plaza - Tampa's longest-running mall. There is free, ground floor / covered parking below the AMC Theater location. Enter at ground level.

Here is a video and a visual to help you navigate to the best parking spot for Lifelong Learners!