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Behind Brighter Times
Every Child Deserves Not Just to Survive, but the Opportunity to Thrive
Brighter Times began as an audacious pursuit to do more. As its founder has grown, so has the organization. Brighter Times has undergone a rebrand and evolved in its identity, but its heart has never changed: investing in students, removing barriers to belonging, and creating opportunities for every child not just to survive, but to thrive.
2022 | The Opportunity of a Lifetime
Winning Miss Tampa 2022 with the Miss America Organization changed the trajectory of Tori's Life
Competing at Miss Tampa, Tori used her platform to openly share her mental health journey and advocate for youth mental health. Through community outreach and candid conversations, she worked to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and inspire others to seek support.
January 2022 - Thanks to the generosity of Bob Clark, Tampa Steel Erecting Company, and the Miss Tampa Scholarship Organization, Tori's life changed forever becoming Miss Tampa 2022
May 2022 - Gracepoint Stronger Than Stigma Keynote. Delivered the keynote to more than 500 attendees to raise funds for the Gracepoint Foundation.
During her year of service, Tori attended more than 200 community events, performed the trumpet dozens of times, volunteered across the city, spoke whenever possible, and connected with hundreds of community leaders. Igniting her passion for community-centered advocacy and service.
Graduating with her undergrad in psychology and minor in leadership from USF in only 3 years fully remote. Tori was eager to re-invest into the community that poured into her success.
Steinbrenner High School
Student Government
Sickles Mental Health Club
2023 | Founded
Brighter Times was founded in 2023 with a mission to strengthen the emotional resilience of high-achieving youth.
Inspired by founder Tori Culhane's own mental health journey and growing research identifying high-achieving students as being at increased risk for anxiety, depression, and burnout, Brighter Times partnered with Hillsborough County Public Schools to deliver resilience education and mental health programming to students.
2024 | MSW
Expanded presentations, provided one-on-one mentorship, and learned directly from students.
Began the MSW program at the University of South Florida and embraced mentorship, leadership, and opportunities that would shape the future direction of Brighter Times.
Camp CEO with the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida
Sickles High School Student Government
Ana Hernandez, Steinbrenner Grad, C/O 2025
Alonzo High School IB Psychology
Camp Street Lights, Hillsborough County Student Services
2025 | Clinical Internship
As Tori relocated to Orlando to begin her MSW clinical internship, Brighter Times continued to prioritize speaking when ever possible.
Tori began her MSW clinical internship at the Children's Advocacy Center of Osceola, supporting children and families navigating child sexual abuse investigations. The experience was both deeply meaningful and emotionally challenging.
Spring 2026 | Relaunch
In 2026, Tori served as a school social work intern with Hillsborough County Public Schools, gaining firsthand insight into the diverse needs of students and inspiring the relaunch of Brighter Times.
Through her time in Hillsborough County Public Schools, Tori witnessed the barriers that prevent students from fully belonging. From a valedictorian who couldn't afford graduation attire to a student unable to join soccer and another too embarrassed by unmet hygiene needs to attend school, these experiences reshaped her understanding of what students need to thrive and inspired the reimagining of Brighter Times.
Pierce Middle School Social Worker appreciation week
Masters of Social Work Graduation
Summer 2026 | Graduation
Following her graduation in August 2026 and acceptance of a full-time role as a school social worker at Schmidt Elementary School, Tori is leading the next chapter of Brighter Times.
To celebrate Tori's graduation and introduce the next chapter of the organization, Brighter Times will host its inaugural Back to School with Brighter Times event. Bringing together community partners, educators, and local leaders, the event will share the nonprofit's vision, foster meaningful collaboration, and build partnerships that ensure every child has the opportunity to experience belonging within their school community.
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