Moms to Know: Jenna Cibran

In the five years that we have featured mothers in this special space, I have yet to focus on a part of motherhood that is just as important as all of the others that have been highlighted before.

The role of the woman in the home to be there for every member of the family, at every school or sporting event, and even make time for herself is one of an unsung hero. It’s a juggle we don’t talk about nearly enough, and it surely hasn’t been given the attention it deserves. Jenna Cibran eloquently embodies this sacred role.

With four children approaching four different milestone seasons, an entrepreneurial husband who is growing a business that serves families across Tampa Bay and beyond, and an extended family known for community involvement, she is the face of that piece of motherhood we can all relate to. And as our July Mom to Know, Jenna already feels like a familiar friend.

Tell us about your family’s background and how your husband ’ s company came to be.

Jenna Cibran: Michael and I have been married for 18 years and have four children: Cruz, 17, River, 14, Jett, 11 and Presley, 6.  In 2002, he began his career in healthcare by managing the day-to-day operations of his family’s business, St. Petersburg Pediatrics, His father, Dr. Mariano Cibran, a pediatrician, recently retired after practicing medicine for over 45 years. Michael applied his experience and knowledge when opening St. Petersburg’s first urgent care dedicated to children, Your Kids Urgent Care.

As one child prepares for college, another is beginning high school, a third is heading into his first year of middle school, and the fourth is just starting to lose her teeth, how do you spend quality time with each of your children individually? Do you have any special routines or traditions with them?

Jenna Cibran: We are a very close-knit family and enjoy being together. Michael and I spend time individually with each of our children by going out to lunch or dinner, boating, visiting a theme park or playing a round of golf.

Given the stretch of ages and interests, what have you found is the best way to manage involvement in your children ’ s school activities and extracurriculars?

Jenna Cibran: Since Cruz began driving last year, the three of us are able to manage after school activities and tutoring sessions, which sometimes overlap. Cruz is always willing to help out, which Michael and I appreciate so much. Michael has coached Jett’s flag football teams for a number of seasons in the past and enjoys teaching the boys on the golf course. We both love attending school events, games, golf matches and ballet performances.

Your late father was a well-known, well-respected and well-loved local philanthropist. How have you carried on John E. Stross’ legacy of community involvement, and how do you integrate it with your family today?

Jenna Cibran: Yes, my father was the definition of a true philanthropist. He helped start the Children’s Dream Fund , serving on its board for consecutive years. He was instrumental in helping CASA and was chairman of the board of trustees, even naming an event in his honor, The John E. Stross Peace Breakfast. My father devoted his time and resources to local charities and causes for veterans (Remember Honor Support), animals (Southeastern Guide Dogs), sick children (The Children’s Dream Fund), the mentally challenged (PARC), and the hearing impaired (Deaf and Hearing Connection of Tampa Bay), as well as survivors of domestic violence (CASA). He was also a trustee and docent at the Florida Holocaust Museum.

After the unexpected passing of my father, The John E. Stross Family Foundation was created in his memory to help carry on his philanthropic heart to those in need in our community.  Through the foundation, we have been able to continue to support the charities and causes close to his heart such as The Children’s Dream Fund, PARC, CASA, PAL, Redefining Refuge, A Door of Hope and Wee Macree.

Let ’ s be real: the work you do in this season of motherhood is worthy of the world ’ s most prestigious accolades. What are you most proud of when it comes to yourself and all you ’ ve done to support the people you love most?

Jenna Cibran: I take pride in knowing that Michael and I are raising responsible, kind and respectful children. We are very proud of our children and their accomplishments.

What is your family ’ s favorite thing to do in Tampa Bay?

Jenna Cibran: I would consider any opportunity where we are able to spend time together as a family as something that makes me the most happy. We love boat rides, golfing, going to dinner and traveling together as a family.

Originally published in the July 2024 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine .