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Woman of the Year &
Business of the Year Awards
Recognizing our accomplished members |
Each October, we celebrate National Business Women’s Week by naming a Woman of the Year and a Business of the Year. These awards recognize Upper Keys BPW members and member-run businesses that have positively impacted our organization, shown support for working women and made meaningful contributions to the broader community. Nominations may be submitted during the annual nomination period (in September) by any Upper Keys BPW member in good standing. Members may submit more than one nomination for each award. Once the nomination window closes, all members are invited to vote on the nominees to select the final recipients. Awards are announced at our annual "Celebration of Working Women" event in October. | About National National Business Women's Week was created in 1928 by the National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs to recognize the important contributions made by working women. In 1938, it became an officially recognized annual event. Today, National Business Women's Week is celebrated nationwide during the third week of October each year. |
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2026 Woman of the Year: Manuela Mobley
| Manuela Mobley never says no when there is work to be done — and she always finds important work to be done. Driven by a genuine passion for service, she moves quietly from one cause to the next without seeking recognition. Her generosity is matched by her humility, and her smile is a constant presence whether she is organizing a project, showing up for an event, or rallying others to a cause. This year, Manuela spearheaded a collection effort for Venezuela, dedicating countless hours to bringing people together around a cause that mattered. As a board member of Key Largo Sunset Rotary, a monthly volunteer at Oasis serving the elderly, and an active contributor at Wesley House, the children's shelter and other organizations, she has built a volunteer life that touches nearly every corner of the community. Manuela is an enthusiastic BPW member, attending events, connecting with fellow members, and amplifying the organization's work through social media. She lifts up other women consistently and shows up for them fully, and without hesitation. See past Woman of the Year honorees > |
2026 Business of the Year: Amoray Divers |
Amoray Divers represents the best of the Upper Keys business community. Amoray introduces visitors to our extraordinary marine environment while promoting responsible diving and appreciation for our unique ecosystem. And under Cynthia Gneiser's leadership, it has become much more than a tourism business — it is a welcoming community where first-time divers and seasoned professionals alike feel safe, supported and included. Cynthia leads by example as a woman business owner in a historically male-dominated industry. She sets a tone of professionalism, kindness, and genuine encouragement that is felt by employees, customers, and neighbors alike. Supported by general manager and fellow BPW member Cate Rolland, Cynthia has built a workplace that empowers women every day – at Amoray, women are instructors, divemasters, crew members and leaders who are encouraged to learn, teach and advance. Amoray is also a generous supporter of the Upper Keys BPW mission and programs, donating dive trips for BPW fundraisers. This summer they hosted BPW's Women's Night Dive, bringing women together for adventure, friendship and encouragement. A past board member, Cynthia has personally hosted the monthly BPW virtual coffee chat with her signature warmth and empathy for the past six years. |
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Upper Keys Business and Professional Women's Club is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization.
P.O. Box 231, Tavernier, FL 33070