15 minute read
Moms to KNOW: Meet Kiva Williams the @thefunfoodiemama and founder of Mahogany Kids Fine Arts Foundation
Moms to Know
Kiva Williams
by Julie Tingley, founder of @weemacree
While Black History Month (or any month that recognizes and celebrates marginalized communities) is important for reinforcing our understanding of American history, we have reached a time when it is not only reasonable, but also quite simple to honor and support Black heroes and pioneers every single day. Most likely, you’re doing it already. And if, by chance, examples of Black culture and achievements that surround us daily are not familiar or recognizable, this local mother helps to make them known. From her collaborative events and her nonprofit organization to her well-established foodie blog and national media invitations, Kiva Williams is truly an inspirational mom to follow, support and befriend.
photo by Yokie Emp ire
TBPM: From the Tamron Hall Show, Good Morning America and multiple local media appearances for The Fun Foodie Mama, Mahogany Kids Fine Arts Foundation, Tampa Bay Black Excellence Challenge and your own PR clients, 2022 was truly a year that established the foundation for many of your professional brands. What does 2023 look like for Kiva Williams, your personal brand?
KW: Wow! When I sit back and think about all of the things I accomplished in 2022, I can't help but smile! I'm truly grateful that I'm in a space professionally where I'm not afraid to step out and tap into my many talents. For me personally, 2023 will be about securing the brands that I've started and taking my vision for each to the next level.
TBPM: As entrepreneurs, both you and your husband have found unique ways to combine your work with your passions and your children. Where does the drive, creativity and unwavering dedication come from?
KW: For both of us, our children are our greatest motivation. We know that we have three children's futures in our hands, and we want to do everything in our power to set them up for success. Also for me, I started my brand as a family blog and my nonprofit focuses on children, so it's only right to have my own children at the core of what I do.
TBPM: As someone that I see as a true ‘Community Hero,’ who is your Hero?
KW: I love that you called me a "Community Hero" because I truly do care about my community, and I think of it as a privilege to impart and impact any way that I can. When I think of my own personal heroes, my parents immediately come to mind. My mother was born with sickle cell anemia, and she has faced breast cancer twice. My father comes from humble beginnings, and took a leap of faith as a family man with a wife and two young kids to move us overseas to Germany for eight years to pursue a better life. I can't think of two more courageous people in my immediate life that I could look up to more, and I am motivated and inspired by them daily. I would be remiss not to mention MLK Jr. as my hero as well. I stand on his shoulders, and am grateful for what he stood for and fought for all Americans.
TBPM: The mission of Mahogany Kids Fine Arts Foundation is to empower minority youth through music, art and dance. Can you share what inspired you to create this nonprofit group and how you became connected to the arts?
KW: As a child I was heavily involved in performing arts and developed a love for dance so much so that I pursued a degree in dance at the University of South Florida. There I worked on mastering my dance technique in hopes of pursuing dance as a career professionally. Unfortunately, I did not follow my dreams of moving to New York City. Not following my dreams led me to want to tap back into my love of the arts years later, and hence, my nonprofit was formed.
TBPM: How can the Tampa Bay community support Mahogany Kids Fine Arts Foundation? In what ways can children join the events you have planned?
KW: We are always looking for community partnerships! Please email us to inquire about partnerships or to join our newsletter to stay in the know about upcoming events. info@mahoganykidsfineartsfoundation.org
TBPM: Let’s talk about the Tampa Bay Black Excellence Challenge and how your collaboration with Karimah Henry (@craftingafunlife) has supported so many Black-owned businesses. What was your initial vision for this project, how does the challenge work, and how does this work fulfill you?
KW: We wanted to showcase women coming together in support of a greater good. Individually, we enjoy supporting Black-owned businesses but joined forces to amplify our voices. Making it into a game puts a fresh spin on our overall message of supporting minority-owned Tampa Bay based businesses. Follow us on Instagram @tampabaybec to learn more about the challenge.
TBPM: In February, we have the opportunity to learn about and celebrate Black History Month in so many ways. What does this month mean to you, and what do you think the most important takeaway is for families in Tampa Bay?
KW: My family looks forward to BHM every year. We explore documentaries, visit cultural art exhibits in the Tampa Bay area, as well as patronize Black owned businesses. Attending local cultural events throughout the month is a great way for the Tampa Bay area to get involved and celebrate Black History Month.
TBPM: What do you and your family love to do most in Tampa Bay?
Your Guide to: Tampa BayArea Schools
The Tampa Bay area is lucky to have such a wealth of incredible private, charter and magnet education options that make it easy to find the perfect school for your child.
ACADEMY AT THE LAKES 2331 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes 34639 813-948-7600; academyatthelakes.org/admission
The school’s ethic of opportunity and “You Matter Here” philosophy empower our students to become well-rounded individuals who have the confidence and the knowledge to change the world. With talented, dedicated, and caring teachers leading the way, Academy enjoys a 100% 4-year college placement rate.
ACADEMY OF THE HOLY NAMES 3319 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa 33629 813-839-5371; holynamestpa.org
The Academy of the Holy Names is a Catholic, coeducational elementary school and college preparatory high school for young women, sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Since 1881, the Academy has empowered students to be authentic individuals who engage in independent thought, are inspired by creativity, and lead culturally aware, spiritually rich lives.
ALEGRIA MONTESSORI SCHOOL 5995 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. S., St. Petersburg 33705 727-310-8243; alegriamontessori.com
Alegria Montessori School is an authentic Montessori program that creates a rich learning environment and supports individual development. We are also a bilingual program, with students receiving Spanish instruction throughout the week from native Spanish speakers. We offer a true Montessori education through middle school. Come discover the joy of Montessori.
BAYSHORE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 3909 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa 33611 813-839-4297; bayshorechristianschool.org
Bayshore Christian School is a college preparatory, accredited, non-denominational Christian school serving students 2 years old through 12th grade. Founded in 1971, Bayshore Christian School is located on 10 acres in residential South Tampa. BCS provides athletics and fine arts opportunities in addition to a rigorous and challenging academic curriculum.
BELL CREEK ACADEMY 13221 Boyette Road, Riverview 33569 813-793-6075; bellcreekacademy.com
A tuition-free public charter school proudly serving grades 6-12, Bell Creek provides a well-rounded college preparatory education. The challenging and rigorous curriculum includes a special concentration on math and science, a technology-rich atmosphere and a focus on character development. We are an “A” rated Florida School of Excellence offering the Cambridge Program for Advanced Studies and an award-winning athletic program and are Cognia accredited.
BERKELEY PREPARATORY SCHOOL 4811 Kelly Road, Tampa 33615 813-885-1673; berkeleyprep.org
Ranked as one of the BEST private schools in Florida (NICHE), Berkeley Preparatory School presents a safe, nurturing environment featuring inspiring teaching, engaged parents and alumni, and outstanding resources, including incomparable facilities on a beautiful campus. We develop and expect strong character, promote innovation and growth, and desire excellence in all that we do. Simply put, the educational journey at Berkeley is truly extraordinary. Enrollment: 475 Class-Size: 7:1 Grades: PreK3-grade 12 Tuition: $14,000 - $26,500
Enrollment: 975 Class-Size: Varies Grades: PreK-grade 8 (Coed); grades 9-12 (All Girls) Tuition: $13,650 – $21,790
Enrollment: 140 Class-Size: Small class sizes in elementary and middle school Grades: age 1 - grade 8 Tuition: Varies depending on age
Enrollment: 340 Class-Size: 11:1 Grades: age 2 - grade 12 Tuition: $9,300-$11,340
Grades: 6-12 Tuition: FREE
Enrollment: 1,401 Fall 2022 Class-Size: 20 Grades: PreK-grade 12 Tuition: $19,400-$29,390
BOWERS/WHITLEY BUILDING CONSTRUCTION ACADEMY 13609 N. 22nd St., Tampa 33613 813-558-1750; hillsboroughschools.org/buildingtampastomorrow
COMING 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR! The Bowers/Whitley Career Acceleration Academy will be transformed into our new Building Construction Academy for high school students. Students can participate in A/C Refrigeration, Heating Technology (HVAC), Plumbing, and Welding programs. For more details and the latest updates, please visit hillsboroughschools.org/ buildingtampastomorrow.
CALVARY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL 110 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 33759 727-449-2247; cchs.us
Calvary offers an advanced college preparatory education in an environment where students are taught a Christian worldview with the Word of God being integrated into each subject. Calvary also offers many extra-curricular activities for your child including athletics, fine arts, SGA, clubs, leadership opportunities and more! Come for a visit today!
CAMBRIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 6101 N. Habana Ave., Tampa 33614 813-872-6744; ccslancers.com
See why we are the #1 rated Christian school in Tampa! Since 1964 we have equipped students with a college preparatory education taught from a biblical worldview. A partnership with CCS provides students with a strong foundation for life and college from a nationally accredited school committed to educating the whole child.
CARROLLWOOD DAY SCHOOL Main Campus - 1515 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa 33613 Preschool Campus - 12606 Casey Road, Tampa 33618 813-920-2288; cdspatriots.org
Carrollwood Day School is a world class co-ed IB school in Tampa celebrating our 40th anniversary this year. Our mission is to create entrepreneurial thinkers for a global society. We provide strong character-based education emphasizing problem-solving skills and philanthropic understanding. CDS fosters the development of the entire student not only in academics, but also ethically, emotionally and through social experience.
CENTER ACADEMY 6710 86th Ave. N., Pinellas Park 33782 727-541-5716; centeracademy.com
Founded in 1968 and Cognia accredited, Center Academy provides a small, safe setting to help students to focus, organize and learn. We work with students in grades 4-12 with ADHD and learning differences and accept FES, Step Up and Tax Credit Scholarships. Dual enrollment and summer programs are available.
CHANNELSIDE ACADEMY OF MATH & SCIENCE 1029 E. Twiggs St., Tampa 33602 813-579-9649; channelsideacademy.com
Students at this tuition-free, public charter school receive a well-rounded college preparatory education. The challenging and rigorous curriculum includes a special concentration on math and science, a technology-rich atmosphere and a focus on character development preparing students for their secondary education and beyond. Offerings include the Cambridge program for Advanced Studies, Edvantage before and after school program, Tampa Bay’s Grasses in Classes Program and Cognia accreditation.
COMMUNITY MONTESSORI SCHOOL Toddler & Primary Campus, 4930 Webb Road, Tampa 33615; 813-886-2050 Elementary & Middle Campus, 8411 Civic Road, Tampa 33615; 813-886-3969 communitymontessori.org
Community Montessori School provides a prepared environment that responds to the developmental needs of the child and cultivates the unique potential of each individual by adhering to Montessori principles. CMS is a warm, secure community with a high expectation for the quality of thought, work and mastery of content and skill. Enrollment: 150 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: FREE
Enrollment: 790 Class-Size: 12:1 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: $16,150
Enrollment: 767 Class-Size: 17 Grades: 1 year - grade 12 Tuition: $10,610-$18,062
Enrollment: 1,164 Class-Size: 15-18, ratio 6:1 Grades: ages 2 to grade 12 Tuition: $7,100-$25,500
Enrollment: 90 Class-Size: 18 Grades: 4-12 Tuition: $12,680-$15,180
Grades: K-8 Tuition: FREE
Enrollment: 125 Class-Size: Average 20 Grades: 18 months-15 years Tuition: $7,500-$10,950
CORBETT PREPARATORY SCHOOL OF IDS 12015 Orange Grove Drive, Tampa 33618 813-961-3087; corbettprep.com
Founded 54 years ago, Corbett Prep offers the International Baccalaureate curriculum for all students. Teachers use research-based strategies to create hands-on learning experiences. Visual and performing arts, team sports, and social-emotional learning curriculum align to develop confident, creative, innovative thinkers with character ready to contribute to the world in a meaningful, positive way. Enrollment: 550 Class-Size: Varies by grade level Grades: PreK-grade 8 Tuition: $13,803-$18,470
CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 317 Milwaukee Ave., Dunedin 34698 727-733-1438; cornerstonechristianfl.org
At Cornerstone Christian School, our mission is to provide quality education in a Christ-Centered environment for the children of our community. We believe that every child has value and purpose. Our job is to help students discover their potential through academic, physical, social and spiritual development. Enrollment: 80 Class-Size: Small teacher-student ratio Grades: PreK to grade 8 Tuition: K-8 $8,100
COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 1850 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater 33759 727-437-0090; myccacademy.org
Countryside Christian Academy's mission is to provide excellence in Christian education while instilling Biblical principles in students' lives that they might impact their society for Christ. Our program is fully accredited and well-balanced, encouraging the development of the whole child: spirit, soul, (mind) and body. Enrollment: 225 Class-Size: 15 Grades: K5-grade 8 Tuition: $9,500+
D.W. WATERS MEDICAL ACADEMY 2704 N. Highland Ave., Tampa 33602 813-233-2655; hillsboroughschools.org/buildingtampastomorrow
COMING 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR! The D.W. Waters Career Acceleration Academy will undergo an exciting transformation over the next year. It is scheduled to become our high school Medical Academy. Some programs slated to be offered include Medical Laboratory Assisting, Electrocardiograph Technician, and Emergency Medical Responder. For more details and the latest updates, please visit hillsboroughschools.org/buildingtampastomorrow.
DOROTHY C. YORK INNOVATION ACADEMY (K-8 MAGNET SCHOOL)
5995 Covington Garden Drive, Apollo Beach 33572 813-533-2400; hillsboroughschools.org/york
York will open as a Project Lead the Way Robotics and Engineering School, where students will participate in hands-on, project-based learning, STEM, arts, and international studies. The Admirals will collaborate in innovative labs with one-to-one technology accessible to explore their interests and prepare them for high school and beyond. Enrollment: 150 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: FREE
Enrollment: 1,253 Grades: K-8 Tuition: FREE
DOWDELL MIDDLE MAGNET (ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES)
1208 Wishing Well Way, Tampa 33619 813-744-8322; hillsboroughschools.org/dowdell
We bridge passion for the environment with real world learning. Students can take unique environmental and animal science electives. Students learn outdoors with our salt marsh grass nursery and land lab and experience our hydroponics and aquaponics labs. Our partnerships with the Florida Aquarium and surrounding recycling companies helps strengthen our mission to educate students to understand the environment around them and how to help it.
DUNBAR ELEMENTARY MAGNET (MEDICAL SCIENCE)
1730 Union St., Tampa 33607 813-276-5677; hillsboroughschools.org/dunbar
At Dunbar’s Medical Magnet Program, young scholars experience STEM fields through hands-on curriculum and an interactive House Program. Students explore the human body systems and healthy habits with partners like St. Joseph's Children's Hospital, USF Health and more. NEW! Third Grade Accelerated Math Academy prepares students for high school Math courses. enrollment: 508 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE
Enrollment: 278 Grades: K-5 Tuition: FREE
ESSRIG MONTESSORI ACADEMY 13131 Lynn Road, Tampa 33624 813-975-7307; hillsboroughschools.org/essrig
A first of its kind Essrig Montessori Academy will open for Hillsborough County Public Schools students 3 years of age through kindergarten. This self-directed and paced learning approach will foster rigorous, self-motivated growth for children in all areas of their development—nurturing their desire for knowledge, understanding and respect.
FERRELL GIRLS PREPARATORY ACADEMY
(A CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL)
4302 24th St., Tampa 33610 813-276-5608; hillsboroughschools.org/ferrell
As a Cambridge International Magnet School and the only girls-only school in the district, we are dedicated to developing confident, dynamic, educated young women. Our technology-rich, interactive learning campus—including our 1:1 technology program—infuses 21st century tech skills into every student’s learning. Mentoring opportunities and community engagement create well-rounded learners.
FRANKLIN BOYS PREPARATORY ACADEMY
(A CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL)
3915 21st Ave., Tampa 33605 813-744-8108; hillsboroughschools.org/franklin
As a Cambridge International Magnet School and the only boys-only school in the district, we are molding young men of distinction who will achieve greatness. We promote academic achievement, professionalism and self-confidence. Our young men prepare for college in a technology-rich environment with a robotics makerspace and Smart Boards and iPads available for every student.
FRENCH AMERICAN SCHOOL OF TAMPA BAY 2100 62nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg 33702 727-800-2159; fastb.org
The French American School of Tampa Bay offers a unique culturally diverse experience through Dual Language education from PK to grade 6. We are also an IB World candidate school nurturing curiosity, creativity, and the ability to reflect. Our students are caring and active learners thanks to our exceptional faculty.
GRECO MIDDLE MAGNET (IB CANDIDATE)
6925 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa 33617 813-987-6926; hillsboroughschools.org/greco
Our school-wide IB candidate program, guided by International Baccalaureate World School principles, works with community partners and the city of Temple Terrace to create a unique IB experience every day. Our school has exceptional programs on campus that allow students to explore their passion, all under the IB program umbrella.
HILLEL ACADEMY TAMPA 2020 W. Fletcher Ave., Tampa 33612 813-963-2242; hillelacademytampa.com
A Preschool-1 through 8th-grade school empowers students of all backgrounds to reach their unique potential and develop their personal identity shaped by a rich academic program, Jewish life, and an inclusive community anchored in a Culture of Kindness. Additionally, Hillel offers an After School Enrichment Academy and Summer Camps!
HILLSBOROUGH ACADEMY OF MATH & SCIENCE 9659 W. Waters Ave., Tampa 33635 813-793-6085; hillsboroughacademy.com/admissions
A tuition-free public charter school serving Kindergarten to 8th Grade. Challenging and hands-on curriculum includes a special concentration on math and science, a technology-rich atmosphere and a focus on character development. We are “A” rated offering the Cambridge program for Advanced Studies, extracurricular activities, clubs and Edventure, before & after school program. Enrollment: 63 Grades: ages 3 years - kindergarten Tuition: FREE
Enrollment: 470 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE
Enrollment: 323 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE
Enrollment: 75 Class-Size: 12-15 Grades: PreK-6 Tuition: $13,000-$16,000
Enrollment: 810 Grades: 6-8 Tuition: FREE
Enrollment: 218 Class-Size: small class sizes Grades: age 1 to grade 8 Tuition: $5,300-$20,450
Grades: K-8 Tuition: FREE
