Angeline Howell was born in Dallas, Texas, but her childhood was full of travel and change as her father’s job took their family to several different states. She lived in Texas, Hawaii, California, and Florida, and each place helped shape her into the person she is today. These moves gave her the chance to learn about different people, cultures, and ways of life. She graduated from high school in Southlake, Texas, before moving to Florida for college. She studied at Florida State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Family and Child Sciences and a Minor in Child Development. Angeline didn’t stop there. She went on to complete her Master’s and Educational Specialist degrees in both School Guidance Counseling and Mental Health Counseling at FSU. After finishing graduate school, she moved to St. Petersburg, Florida. It was here that she met her husband and began her career as a mental health therapist. We at CIO Global are proud to name Angeline Howell as the Transformational Female CEO of the Year, 2025.

Angeline worked in the mental health field for ten years. During this time, she focused on helping children and families who were facing serious challenges, including abuse, neglect, and trauma. She worked closely with some of the most at-risk children in the community, giving her a deep understanding of what children and families need to heal, grow, and succeed. Her time as a therapist was not just a job—it was a calling. But after a decade of service in mental health, Angeline felt it was time to explore a new path, one where she could still make a difference in children’s lives, but in a more creative and interactive way. That decision led her to Great Explorations Children’s Museum.

In 2013, Angeline became the CEO of Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Petersburg. At just 33 years old, she was the youngest person ever to be chosen for the role, following a nationwide search. When she started, her vision was clear: she wanted the museum to be a place where all children, no matter their background or ability, could learn, grow, and have fun. She believed that children learn best when they are fully engaged with their surroundings, and she worked hard to ensure that the museum offered a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Her background in mental health gave her a special understanding of what children and families needed. She knew how important it was for children to feel safe, especially those who had experienced trauma, poverty, or developmental challenges.

Angeline’s leadership style is rooted in empathy, listening, and community focus. She brings her experience as a counselor into her role as CEO, creating an environment where families feel heard and supported. She listens carefully to the museum’s visitors, employees, and community partners, which helps her shape programs and exhibits that truly meet the needs of the people they serve. Under her leadership, Great Explorations has become more than just a museum—it has become a hub for families, a safe space for exploration, and a center for learning and emotional growth.

One of Angeline’s core beliefs is that a strong leader needs a strong team. She invested time and energy into building that team. Whether it’s bringing in training sessions or attending national conferences, she’s always looking for ways to help her staff grow. Most recently, she and her leadership team completed a multi-year training program that helped them align their goals, improve communication, and develop a shared business language. This commitment to growth and unity has helped make the museum a place of innovation and consistency. It also helped create a work culture that reflects the museum’s core values.

These core values aren’t just nice words—they are the guiding principles that shape everything the museum does. One of the key values is to “dream big, work hard, stay humble.” Angeline encourages her team to think creatively and turn simple ideas into something extraordinary. Another value, “work smarter, not harder,” reminds the team to be responsible, punctual, and accountable for their actions. The principle “actions speak louder than words” encourages everyone to act with honesty, fairness, and respect. “Dress to impress” is not just about appearance, but about being open to change, taking risks, and always striving to do better than the day before. Together, these values have helped transform the museum into a dynamic and inclusive place where learning is fun, meaningful, and powerful.

Of course, leadership also comes with its challenges. Angeline has faced several major hurdles during her time as CEO. One of the biggest challenges came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many other organizations, the museum was forced to close its doors. It was the first time the museum had ever had to shut down, and the impact was huge. They had to lay off employees and deal with a sharp drop in funding. It was a heartbreaking time, but Angeline and her team didn’t give up. Instead, they took bold steps and made tough decisions to help the museum survive. Their risks paid off, and over time, they were able to rebuild and come back even stronger.

More recently, the museum faced two major hurricanes that caused significant damage to the surrounding community. These disasters could have set the organization back, but instead, they became opportunities to show the true spirit of Great Explorations. After the storms, the museum and its partners worked quickly to support the families who were affected. They provided food, clothing, and household items to those in need. These moments reminded everyone that the museum is more than just a building filled with exhibits—it’s a vital part of the community, a place where people come together to support each other during difficult times.

“Find something that doesn’t feel like a job, but an interest—a passion. That’s where transformation begins.”

Angeline’s journey from mental health therapist to museum CEO is a powerful example of how one person can make a lasting impact. Through every stage of her career, she has focused on improving the lives of children and families. Her work is driven by a deep belief in the power of play, the importance of safety, and the value of community. She understands that learning doesn’t only happen in schools or books—it happens when children feel free to explore, when families connect with one another, and when communities come together to build a better future.

At Great Explorations Children’s Museum, Angeline Howell believes that fostering innovation and adaptability begins with the people. She understands that an organization can only grow if its team is given the tools and opportunities to grow as well. Over the years, she has built a culture where learning never stops. Employees are regularly encouraged to participate in training sessions, attend conferences, and share their own ideas. This helps each team member improve in their own role while also contributing to the museum’s overall success. Angeline introduced a model where everyone at the museum, from staff to board members, speaks a shared “business language.” This approach helps the entire team understand the organization’s goals, and more importantly, the steps needed to reach those goals. By keeping everyone on the same page, she has created an environment where innovation and adaptability are not just buzzwords, but part of the daily culture.

One of Angeline’s strongest values is inclusion. She has built a leadership team that reflects different perspectives, experiences, and strengths. She believes that the best decisions are made when people from diverse backgrounds come together with a shared purpose. Angeline and her team work hard to understand the needs of the Tampa Bay community and to serve all children and families, regardless of background or ability. Under her leadership, Great Explorations has made diversity, equity, and inclusion a foundation of its operations. The museum promotes self-worth and celebrates differences by offering programs and exhibits that encourage cooperation, creativity, and open-minded learning. From hiring practices to board selection, every step is taken with the goal of creating a space where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued.

As CEO, Angeline is also deeply focused on long-term sustainability and social impact. She works closely with the leadership team to manage the museum’s day-to-day operations while also guiding its future strategy. This includes not only making sure the museum runs smoothly, but also ensuring that it remains a vital, trusted part of the community. Angeline understands how every decision—from budgeting to programming—affects the museum’s ability to serve families, attract donors, and retain staff. By staying focused on the mission and building strong relationships within the community, she keeps the organization aligned with both growth and long-term purpose.

One of the ways Angeline’s leadership has made a lasting difference is through mentorship. She believes in succession planning, not just as a strategy, but as a responsibility. Angeline actively mentors key team members and supports their growth into leadership roles. She is especially proud when she sees women she has mentored take on new challenges and grow into confident leaders. Although she humbly credits their hard work and passion, her role in creating an environment that supports and encourages leadership development cannot be overstated. Her belief in people’s potential is one of the reasons why the museum continues to thrive.

“We want to bring science back to St. Pete—and inspire every child to discover the excitement of learning through hands-on experiences.”

Resilience is another quality that Angeline carries with her every day. Her journey, from her early career in mental health to her current role in nonprofit leadership, has taught her how to stay focused during challenging times. The legacy of Great Explorations—and the difference it makes in children’s lives—keeps her grounded and motivated. She has faced many moments of uncertainty, especially during events like the COVID-19 pandemic and recent hurricanes. But in each case, she leaned on her values, her team, and the support of the community to keep moving forward. Leading with compassion, clarity, and purpose helps her maintain focus even when times are tough.

Angeline’s leadership is also guided by strong personal values. Much of her decision-making style was shaped by her parents, who were her first mentors. From them, she learned to treat others with respect, to speak with honesty, and to stand firm in her beliefs. These simple yet powerful lessons have stayed with her and continue to guide how she leads both people and projects. Every decision she makes is with the well-being of the children and families in mind. Whether it’s launching a new exhibit, planning a fundraising event, or supporting a staff member, her choices are rooted in kindness, integrity, and courage.

Like many others in her field, Angeline has seen big changes in the museum industry over the past year. Changes at the federal level have had a direct impact on funding, programming, and the daily lives of families. These shifts have challenged museums across the country, including Great Explorations. But even in the face of uncertainty, Angeline and her team have stayed true to their mission. They continue to provide children and families with a place to play, learn, and grow—reminding everyone that joy and imagination are powerful tools for healing and connection.

When asked what advice she would give to the next generation of women leaders, Angeline offers a simple but powerful message: find your passion and follow it. She believes that true success comes when you love what you do. For her, every day at work is not just another task—it’s something she looks forward to. She encourages young women to choose a path that excites them, one that feels more like a calling than a job. She knows that when people are passionate about their work, they naturally inspire others and bring out the best in themselves and those around them.

Looking ahead, Angeline is excited about the future of Great Explorations. In just over a decade, the organization has grown tremendously. The museum’s preschool program is full, with waitlists for every age group. The outreach services have expanded, donating over half a million dollars in in-kind services in just one year. Great Explorations is now nationally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums—a huge milestone that speaks to the quality and impact of their work. But Angeline isn’t finished. She dreams of launching a new project: a Discovery Center that brings science back to St. Petersburg.

“A strong leader builds strong leaders—when we grow together, the whole community thrives.”

A Discovery Center would be a space where children and families could explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math—also known as STEAM—through hands-on learning. It would be a place full of exciting exhibits, interactive displays, and creative experiences that spark curiosity and build knowledge. For Angeline, this dream represents the next chapter of growth for the museum. It would also serve as a legacy project, showing how much can be achieved when a leader brings together passion, purpose, and a strong team.

Angeline Howell’s story is one of growth, compassion, and courage. From her early days in the mental health field to her current role as CEO, she has stayed focused on making a difference in children’s lives. She leads with empathy, builds with intention, and inspires with vision. Through every challenge and success, she remains deeply committed to helping children explore the world around them—one playful, meaningful moment at a time.

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