ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - s4story -- A powerful movement is growing and it's rooted in collaboration, compassion, and the belief that when we unite for children and families, we strengthen our communities and our economy.

At the Juvenile Welfare Board's (JWB) Annual KidsFirst Awards, a simple "Bosses for Babies" button worn by Interim CEO Michael G. Mikurak sparked an impromptu conversation. Recognized at the event for her success in combining the best of both worlds, business and nonprofit, for sustainable community solutions, Lisa Ullven naturally asked a crucial question: Can this collective way of thinking become a model for the nation?

Mikurak's answer reflected the heart of a movement built on united strengths:

"I think it is a great opportunity to be a role model for the nation because it really focuses on getting businesses to think about how they support families and their children — how we provide valuable services so parents can go to work and children can be cared for, nurtured, and grow a sense of belonging."

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In today's economy, kindness and strategy are not separate, they are connected. According to the Florida Chamber Foundation's Untapped Potential in Florida report, the state's childcare crisis costs over $5 billion annually due to lost productivity and workforce disruption. When families don't have support, businesses lose time, talent, and momentum.

But when communities come together, the impact is transformative.

Carol Conaway, JWB award nominee and leader with Suncoast Voices for Children, shared a positive impact example of how her organization helps grandmothers gain resources to care for their homeless grandchildren, keeping families together and preventing children from entering the foster care system.

Throughout the St. Petersburg Coliseum event venue, bold signage reminded attendees of what really matters: "For the Love of Happiness" and "For the Love of a Sense of Belonging."

Mikurak shared that the phrase "For the Love of a Sense of Belonging" resonated most — a reminder that every child and every adult deserves to feel valued, supported, and connected.

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This belief is supported by Shawn Achor, author of The Happiness Advantage, who found that people are 31% more productive when happy and perceive challenges as 20% more achievable when working together.

The message is clear: Our greatest strength lies in unity.

When businesses support families…
When communities rally behind children…
When nonprofits, leaders, and everyday people align…
We don't just create change, we multiply impact.

About Lisa Blackburn Ullven (linktr.ee/guidedresults)

Lisa is a renowned sustainability expert, author, and community success coach. Her multi-year #1 Best Selling Book, "Secrets to Sustainable Solutions" empowers communities with business and community solutions through the power of stories. For over two decades, she's guided organizations in integrating top sustainable practices into their operations and culture.