Using Storytelling to Spark Change
I speak because stories have the power to reach people in ways data alone never can.
Despite living with anxiety, I’ve found that stepping onto a stage—whether for a keynote, interview, or panel—is where purpose outweighs fear. When we share lived experience with honesty and heart, we challenge stigma, inspire action, and sometimes change the entire trajectory of someone’s life.
My Philosophy
From A More Exciting Life by The School of Life.
Read more from the chapter this excerpt is drawn from here.
How much more interesting it might be if we dared to be a little braver, and conceived of many encounters as opportunities to risk the sharing of new truths. We might realise that our picture of what might happen if we are honest derives from outdated or irrelevant contexts: childhood, the company of narrow-minded schoolmates, obvious bullies, social media … Learning not to lie would not only be of egoistic benefit; our vulnerability would invite, and rehabilitate, that of others. Every confession we could muster would allow our companions to let go of a part of their own loneliness. Every move towards greater honesty would edge us towards a less needlessly isolated and painfully shame-filled world.
Authenticity, vulnerability, and gumption are the foundation of more meaningful dialogue and a more compassionate, connected world.
Camp Street Lights 2025
11/24/2025
Camp Street Lights hosted by Hillsborough County Children’s Services is an overnight experience that invites students to step into the reality of youth experiencing homelessness. Through interactive learning, conversations, and shared reflection, young people develop empathy, reduce stigma, and discover their power to advocate for change within their community.
Spectrum News 13: Nonprofit aimed at tackling mental health in schools
08/09/2023
This interview spotlights the founder of Brighter Times, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing mental health stigma and supporting students in Hillsborough County. Tori discusses the vision for school-based clubs that promote peer support, emotional literacy, and early intervention—empowering students to navigate stress and seek help without shame.
Bloom: #IYKYK Campaign for Mental Health Awareness Month
05/17/2023
Tampa Bay Thrives President Carrie Zeisse and Miss Tampa 2022 Tori Leto joined Gayle Guyardo on Bloom to highlight a community campaign focused on normalizing mental health conversations. They discussed why open dialogue is essential to reducing stigma and supporting a healthier, more connected Tampa Bay.
EP 123: ON THE RECORD : Judge Rita Lowman and Miss Tampa 2022, Victoria Leto
05/04/2022
Judge Rita Lowman and Miss Tampa 2022, Victoria Leto, will discuss how Tori’s musical flair blew away the competition with a euphonious talent like no other.
Bloom Miss Tampa
01/12/2022
In this Bloom interview with Gayle Guyardo, Victoria “Tori” Leto reflects on the journey that led to being crowned Miss Tampa and how her lived experiences shaped her platform, purpose, and future aspirations. She discusses the personal growth, community advocacy, and resilience that fueled her path to the crown, as well as the vision she carries forward as she prepares to compete on the next stage.
Camp Street Lights 2025
11/24/2025
This keynote at Camp Street Lights invited students into a conversation about service, dignity, and social change, core pillars of social work values and meaningful principles for all people. The keynote highlighted the opportunities young people have to effect change around youth homelessness in Hillsborough County. Through storytelling and reflection, the presentation encouraged participants to move beyond awareness and step into advocacy, compassion, and action.
Tori Leto on Pageants and Standing for Who You Are
Dancing in the Discomfort Zone with Anne Bonney
12/04/2023
Pageants often come with assumptions, but this episode turns them on their head. It follows a journey of staying true to yourself in a space that isn’t always built for authenticity. From obstacles and self-doubt to resilience and breakthrough moments, this conversation shines a light on what it really takes to rise. It’s honest, uplifting, and deeply empowering.
South Tampa Chamber Members Luncheon: Mental Health Panel
05/17/2023
This mental health panel brought together leaders from across Tampa Bay to discuss access to care, community needs, and pathways to support. Moderated by Rita Lowman, the panel featured Tori Leto, Carrie Zeisse of Tampa Bay Thrives, and Meredith Grau Porter from the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Together, they offered insights on improving mental wellness in our community.
The presentation was co-led by Dr. Rose Iovannone, Dr. Shannon Suldo, Dr. Alison Salloum, Victoria Leto, and Karen Michel.
National Conference on Advancing School Mental Health
12/02/2025
This session shared the findings from year 1 of the STAY grant. Including the stepped-care intervention being developed to support students experiencing emotionally based school avoidance, highlighting key barriers, the role of caregiver involvement, and strategies school-based mental health professionals can use to re-engage students and improve attendance.
Coping with Stress: Building Skills for Student Success
10/20/2025
This workshop at Alonso High School introduced students to the foundations of resilience, helping them identify common stressors and practice evidence-based coping tools before challenges escalate. As an aspiring school social worker, Tori emphasizes the importance of Tier 1, strengths-based prevention that builds emotional literacy and equips students to thrive both academically and personally.
Coping with Stress: Building Skills for Student Success
10/20/2025
This workshop at Alonso High School introduced students to the foundations of resilience, helping them identify common stressors and practice evidence-based coping tools before challenges escalate. As an aspiring school social worker, Tori emphasizes the importance of Tier 1, strengths-based prevention that builds emotional literacy and equips students to thrive both academically and personally.