Growing Up in Clearwater, Florida: A Community That Helped Shape My Vision

Growing up in Clearwater is something I truly feel blessed to have experienced. Clearwater is more than just a place on the map to me — it is home, community, memories, culture, and the foundation of the vision behind The Lillie Mae Parson Performing Arts Center.

As a young girl, I learned early how important community spaces are. I remember watching people come together through music, dance, storytelling, church events, school programs, and local gatherings. Even the smallest moments of creativity could bring people together and create joy during difficult times.

Growing up here also helped me understand the importance of safe spaces for young people. Not every child has access to opportunities that help them discover their talents, express their emotions, or simply feel seen and supported. That realization stayed with me as I got older.

The vision for LMP was created from a desire to give youth the kind of creative environment that can inspire confidence, healing, leadership, and connection. I wanted to build something that could positively impact the same type of communities that helped shape me.

Clearwater has also shown me the value of diversity and connection. Our communities are filled with different cultures, stories, talents, and experiences. That is one reason international partnerships and cultural exchange became so important to me. I believe young people grow stronger when they are exposed to the beauty of cultures beyond their own while still appreciating where they come from.

Today, my goal is not only to create performing arts opportunities for youth locally, but also to help connect communities globally through creativity, education, and cultural understanding.

No matter where this journey takes LMP in the future, Clearwater will always be part of the heart behind this mission.

Because sometimes the place you grow up becomes the place that inspires you to give back