Fathers, families, and community advocates from across Florida gathered in Tampa Bay this month for the 2025 Affirming Fatherhood Conference, an annual event aimed at celebrating and strengthening the role of fathers in family and community life.
Hosted by REACHUP, Inc., a health and economic advocacy non-profit, the conference featured a full day of workshops, keynote addresses, and networking opportunities centered around the theme, “Fatherhood Reset: Recharge, Refresh, Renew.” The event drew participants from Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, and Miami-Dade counties.
“This conference is about creating space for fathers to be celebrated, supported, and uplifted,” said REACHUP CEO Nicola Bailey. “We want dads to walk away knowing they are not alone.”
The conference was supported by a coalition of sponsors including Aetna Better Health of Florida, Florida Blue, Humana Healthy Horizons, and Simply Healthcare Plans. The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County also partnered in the event.
The program combined educational content with personal stories and community-building sessions. Attendees heard from organizations like Frameworks of Tampa Bay on the impact of emotional intelligence in parenting, and from motivational speakers, one who led a discussion on men’s mental health and peer support.
One new addition to this year’s event was a comedian who shared humorous and personal perspectives on modern fatherhood. The day concluded with the Hall of Fame Dads Luncheon, honoring fathers who have made a significant impact in their families and communities.
Michael Morgan, the event’s director and REACHUP’s Community Engagement and Outreach Manager, said the goal was to make the event both practical and uplifting. “This is a reminder that being a father is not just about responsibility, but also about joy, growth, and renewal,” Morgan said.
Founded in Tampa, REACHUP, Inc. works to reduce health and social disparities across the region, with a focus on family support and fatherhood engagement. The organization provides a range of services and advocacy aimed at building healthier communities.