Finding Purpose in Collaborative Giving: A Q&A with Michelle Soderlund

Leader of the Tampa Women for Good Giving Circle

Since its founding, Tampa Women for Good has become a driving force for positive change in the Tampa Bay area. The group has grown to 399 members, raised more than $100,000, and contributed over 728 volunteer hours. At the heart of this impact is Michelle Soderlund, one of the Giving Circle’s founding members and its Volunteer Opportunities Leader. Her journey is proof of how generosity, when shared, can ripple outward to transform both communities and lives.

Get to Know Michelle Soderlund

Michelle Soderlund is a founding member of Tampa Women for Good and quickly stepped into a leadership role, connecting members with hands-on volunteer opportunities to give back across the Tampa Bay community. She’s passionate about creating meaningful impact through service, mentorship, and collaborative giving. Believing that generosity is most powerful when it’s shared.

Beyond the Giving Circle, Michelle mentors high school students through Think Big for Kids, helping them explore career paths and plan for life after graduation. She also channels her passion for community into her small-batch baking business, Soderlund Sourdough, which pairs her love of breadmaking with her commitment to giving back.

With a professional background in senior operations leadership, Michelle has guided teams through growth and transformation. She holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration and Management and certifications in HR (SHRM-SCP), sales, and leadership development.

After years of volunteering and even spearheading CSR programs in her workplaces, Michelle joined Tampa Women for Good looking for something more and lasting. She found it in a Giving Circle that combines purpose, connection, and collective impact.

Q&A with Michelle Soderlund

Q: What inspired you to join a Giving Circle?

Michelle: I was one of the founding members of Tampa Women for Good, and from the start I knew this was something special. I’ve always believed in the power of community and the idea that giving is more than writing a check, it’s about showing up with your whole heart. I wanted to be part of a group that not only donated but also rolled up our sleeves to make an impact right here in Tampa Bay.

Q: What has been the most meaningful part of your Giving Circle experience?

Michelle: For me, it’s the connection. The way we come together for causes and for each other. We’ve volunteered over 728 hours, valued at more than $25,000 in impact, and every single one of those hours tells a story. From planting reefs with Tampa Bay Watch to writing letters to isolated seniors, we’ve turned compassion into action. The most meaningful moments aren’t always the big ones; sometimes it’s celebrating a member’s engagement, cheering on someone’s new business, or supporting a personal dream.

Q: What made you want to become a leader?

Michelle: I serve as our Volunteer Opportunities Leader, which means I get to connect our members with hands-on ways to give back. I stepped into this role because I wanted to help our Giving Circle live out its mission beyond our quarterly donations, to feel the impact in our own hands and hearts. It’s deeply fulfilling to see members discover new ways to contribute and realize their own power to make change.

Q: How has being part of a Giving Circle changed the way you think about philanthropy or giving back?

Michelle: Philanthropy, to me, is no longer a solo act. It’s a chorus. Being part of Tampa Women for Good has shown me that fulfillment doesn’t come from aesthetics, it comes from alignment. When we give together, we amplify both the impact and the joy.

Q: Can you share a memorable moment or impact story from your Giving Circle?

Michelle: One that stands out is when we hit our $100,000 mark in donations right at our three-year anniversary. That milestone was the result of months of dedication, and it felt like a “hard fought hallelujah.” But just as powerful are the smaller moments, a member finding her voice after years of silence, another bravely sharing her novel, or launching a small business knowing this community will show up to support her. Those are the ripples that last.

Q: What advice would you give to someone considering joining a Giving Circle?

Michelle: Say yes. Even if you’re nervous. Even if you’re not sure what you have to give. You’ll find that this is about more than money, it’s about connection, courage, and growth. You’ll discover that your voice matters, your story matters, and that when you show up, you never do it alone.

Find Your Circle, Find Your Purpose

Michelle’s story is a reminder that generosity grows when it’s shared. Through her leadership and the power of the Tampa Women for Good Giving Circle, she has shown how collaboration can turn small acts into lasting impact. If you have ever wanted to make a difference but did not know where to start, explore the many Giving Circles on Grapevine. You will find people who share your passions, your purpose, and your desire to give back. When we give together, we all grow together.