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Nominees for 2026
Woman of the Year & Business of the Year
Each October, Upper Keys Business and Professional Women (BPW) celebrates National Business Women’s Week by naming a Business of the Year and Woman of the Year.
Scroll down to read about the nominated members and member-run businesses that have impressed and inspired us with the positive impacts they've made on our organization and our community. And then...
Voting closes at midnight on Friday, October 2.
Awards will be presented at our "Celebration of Working Women" on Wednesday, October 21.
We're grateful to long-time supporter SouthState Bank for sponsoring the awards and the event this year!
Nominees for 2026 Woman of the Year
Submissions have been edited for clarity and consistency. In cases of
multiple nominations, submissions have been combined and condensed.
Kate Banick
Member since 2015
Kate Banick exemplifies BPW values through her leadership, integrity, compassion, and commitment to serving others. As executive director of the Good Health Clinic, she brings professionalism, accountability, and a strong sense of purpose to an organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the community. She takes responsibility, builds relationships, and advocates for those in need, reflecting the highest standards of a professional leader.
What distinguishes Kate is the example she sets through her actions and character. Kate demonstrates that women in business can be both strong leaders and compassionate advocates. She approaches challenges with determination, treats others with respect, and consistently puts the mission ahead of personal reward. Her ability to bring together healthcare professionals, community partners, businesses, volunteers and supporters around a common purpose has meaningfully improved the health and quality of life of the people in our community.
As a BPW member, Kate brings that same commitment to supporting women and giving back. She is a valued contributor and a strong example of leading with purpose and integrity.
Ginette Hughes
Member since 2018
Ginette Hughes is a role model for Upper Keys women professionally, personally, and politically. She leads a premier marine education nonprofit, maintains a web of close family and neighbor ties, and stays involved in local issues.
As CEO of MarineLab, Ginette brings a level-headed, can-do approach to everything she does (which is a lot) and consistently delivers on what she says she will. Her work team includes a number of early- and mid-career women whom she actively mentors for professional development and advancement.
Ginette developed her exceptional leadership skills on the job, and applied them to many civic and volunteer organizations. She was instrumental in founding the Upper Keys chapter of the League of Women Voters — an organization that informs the community about elections and voter referendums and organizes candidate forums — and she remains an active member. She also serves as a poll worker, ensuring that local elections run safely, securely and conveniently.
Ginette is a long-standing BPW member and an avid supporter of the organization. She has served on the Public Policy Committee and participated in multiple state conferences, actively contributing her vast nonprofit experience and bringing the learnings back home. Over the past few years, she has generously offered MarineLab's facilities to host the annual BPW holiday party and board retreats, and often encourages community members to join the organization.
Jill Kuehnert
Member since 2017
Jill Kuehnert is kind, calm, professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the Upper Keys — qualities that make her both an effective leader and the kind of person others naturally turn to for support and friendship.
Jill is a hard worker and a dedicated member of our community. Through her leadership role at REEF, a local ocean conservation nonprofit, Jill has become a trusted voice for marine awareness in our community. A former business owner, Jill demonstrates leadership in every aspect of her life and is a great source of knowledge and experience here in the Keys.
Jill leads by example and has a gift for inspiring others, whether speaking at an event or simply showing up for the people and causes she cares about. Her name is strongly associated with BPW — her contributions as a past board member and president consistently went above and beyond, and she continues to reflect the organization's values every day. She is a rockstar!
Dr. Rose Littlejohn
Member since 2025
Dr. Rose Littlejohn brings leadership, integrity, and passion for helping others to everything she does as a current Upper Keys BPW board member, a community volunteer, and an advocate for women. She is an extraordinarily talented individual who leads by example and knows how to get important things done.
Rose is a consistent supporter and advocate for women, always looking for ways to make a positive impact. Her presentation on negotiation skills for women at BPW’s EMPOWER YOU event resonated with attendees, motivating them in ways that stuck well beyond the event itself.
Rose’s many contributions to Upper Keys BPW and the broader community reflect someone who generously devotes her time and talent to causes that matter. In addition to serving as membership VP, Rose currently chairs the scholarship committee with passion and genuine care. By modeling hard work and determination as well as kindness, Rose consistently earns the respect of those who work alongside her.
Manuela Mobley
Member since 2025
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.
Natalie Shea
Member since 2026
Natalie Shea embodies what it means to be a successful, independent woman who leads with kindness and a giving heart. As the owner of Shen Health & Wellness, she has earned respect through her hard work, compassion, integrity and genuine love for others.
A true go-getter who built and operates her own business, Natalie inspires women by showing that success and kindness can go hand-in-hand. She supports, encourages and celebrates other women, and reminds those around her that true success is not only about what you accomplish, but also about how you help others rise with you.
Natalie believes in using her success to make a difference in the lives of others, never expecting recognition in return. From supporting the Good Health Clinic to backing the local high school football team, Natalie continually gives back to the community personally and through her business. She inspires others with her generosity and can always be counted on to show up when help is needed.
Natalie represents BPW’s values through her leadership, entrepreneurship and commitment to supporting other women. Her ability to combine professional success with humility and compassion makes her a special leader in our community.
Dr. Sue Woltanski
Member since 2018
Dr. Sue Woltanski has spent years as a passionate defender of public education in Monroe County. She brings that commitment to her role on the school board, offering representation that is well-grounded in our community's needs.
A former pediatrician with deep roots in the Florida Keys, Sue advocates tirelessly to improve opportunities for our students and solve real problems for our school district. Her depth of knowledge — from the state level down to individual schools — is second to none, and she is always available to hear concerns and take responsible action.
Sue serves as a reliable source of clarity on public policy and state legislative activity, helping the community understand the complex issues that directly affect our schools and our students. Her commitment to staying informed and educating community members reflects a leader who takes her responsibility seriously.
Sue is a model of civic engagement and purposeful leadership. As a BPW member, she brings that same commitment to the organization and serves as a reminder that engaged, informed leadership can make all the difference.
Nominees for 2026 Business of the Year
Submissions have been edited for clarity and consistency. In cases of
multiple nominations, submissions have been combined and condensed.
Amoray Divers
Cynthia Gneiser, member since 2018
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.
Barefoot Possibilities
Carolyn Wightman, member since 2025
Barefoot Possibilities stands out for its focus on education and empowerment rather than simply selling a product. Carolyn fosters personal relationships, offers wellness guidance to our community, and is passionate about helping others on their health and wellness journeys.
Through her business, Carolyn creates opportunities for women by offering flexibility, mentorship, personal growth and encouragement to develop their own leadership skills. She models leadership and innovation in how she runs her business and how she shows up in the community.
Earlier this year, Barefoot Possibilities created an impactful impression on our community by sponsoring the keynote speaker for BPW’s EMPOWER YOU conference — a female Olympic Gold medalist and rower who shared her inspiring story of dedication, perseverance, leadership and determination to achieve the highest level of athletic goals. It was a true gift to our community!
Carolyn is a strong supporter of BPW's cause and participates in many BPW events. We are fortunate to have her as a member.
First State Bank
Lori Bailey, member since 2023
First State Bank has been a valued member of the community for more than 70 years, building a reputation for exceptional service and for giving back. Through thoughtful leadership, innovation and a consistent focus on quality, the bank has earned the confidence and loyalty of those it serves.
First State Bank is known for its commitment to its employees and the community. They proudly support nonprofit organizations and community initiatives not just with financial contributions, but also by encouraging employees to volunteer their time and participate in community events.
Most First State Bank employees are women, and women are strongly represented in its leadership. This reflects the organization's commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for women to grow, lead and build successful careers. The bank fosters a positive culture built on teamwork, respect and shared purpose. Employees take pride in being part of an organization that values their contributions.
First State Bank supports Upper Keys BPW through sponsorships and contributions to the scholarship program. Lori Bailey has also served as a volunteer board member for the BPW Florida Education Foundation.
Regan Roth Insurance
Joe Roth, member since 2026
Regan Roth Insurance has been a cornerstone of the Upper Keys since 1958, and is now in its fourth generation of family leadership. With 21 of its 22 employees being women, the agency emphasizes a supportive and collaborative environment that ensures its team can seamlessly service their clients, fulfill their professional goals, meet their family commitments and serve the community.
Regan Roth offers its employees flexibility, mentorship and professional development opportunities that empower them to pursue continuing education, leadership roles and upward advancement. They foster a culture of volunteerism, and staff are not just supported, but encouraged to invest in the community and give their time to causes that matter to them personally. Employees typically attend community events and nonprofit fundraisers as a team, often rolling up their sleeves as volunteers. Five staff members are Rotarians, and company leaders and staff members serve on numerous community boards.
Regan Roth's relationship with Upper Keys BPW spans decades as members, supporters and sponsors. A member since 2021, Holly Redding has served on the board and currently serves on the scholarship committee. Joe Roth also became a BPW member in 2026.
Shen Health & Wellness
Natalie Shea, member since 2026
Shen Health & Wellness has a reputation for helping to heal others.With a focus on personal connection and accessibility, the business is a team effort by a group of women offering a comprehensive approach to better health and a more balanced life.
Natalie and her team believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. They take time to listen and create personalized care that addresses physical, mental and emotional well-being. Natalie often fills her schedule with 10-hour days, six days a week, working hard to help everyone in our community feel well.
Shen Health & Wellness regularly sponsors and donates to local causes, and Natalie provides her staff with opportunities to better themselves through community involvement. She offers community service hours to young women from Coral Shores High School and fosters dogs at the office through Marrvelous Pets. Last year Natalie and her stretch therapist raised $67,000 (the most ever raised) for the Good Health Clinic's “Big Kahuna” fundraiser. Shen Health & Wellness also sponsored BPW’s EMPOWER YOU conference, providing gift certificates, hosting a booth with complimentary B-12 shots, and leading wellness workshops for attendees.
Upper Keys Business and Professional Women's Club is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization.
P.O. Box 231, Tavernier, FL 33070