BPW Connection 

July 2024

In this issue: 

President's Message  -- Events -- Opportunities -- Member News




 President's Message

I still chuckle when folks ask me when our 'busy season' is here in the Florida Keys.

Because it depends, depending on what business we're in. If our work revolves around snowbirds, we're probably up in the mountains right now. If we work with kids, July might not be too busy. Everyone working in tourism or hospitality has our busy seasons around school vacations; fall, year-end, spring break … and now!

As BPW, we’re also gearing up for a busy and exciting season with events to meet candidates running for local office, organized by our Public Policy Committee.

The Upper Keys BPW does not endorse or oppose any candidate or organization in connection with this or any other political campaign or election season.

But we host these programs every two years, during every election cycle since the 1980s.

Why?

Because whether you're new to the community or have been here your whole life -- or anything in between – we want you to be able to meet the candidates, learn more, ask questions and make educated voting decisions based on the issues that matter to you as a working woman.

It’s a privilege for BPW to host these events again in 2024, beginning with an August 13 evening opportunity to meet candidates for elected offices in the Upper Keys before the August 20 election. See below for more information and mark your calendars now to join us. 

Plans are also underway to co-host a Political Forum with candidates in October.

Beyond the Keys, our state organization BPW/Florida has a Public Policy Platform to guide its work toward respect, justice, and equality for working women. Health care is among 3 items specifically targeted for policy and legislation, with special emphasis on heart disease, stroke, lung and breast cancer, as well as reproductive choice and full access to all reproductive health education and services.

In the meantime -- no matter how busy we are --- let’s continue to connect and encourage each other to listen more, learn more (including at our upcoming election season events!) and always, always to vote!


Warm regards, 

Jill

Jill Kuehnert

Upper Keys BPW President

‪(305) 767-3928‬


Upcoming Events

12-1 pm @ Italian Food Company (Islamorada location)

"Estate Planning Essentials for Women"
presented by Stephanie Russo, Russo Law & Mediation

With a pay gap, higher caregiver expectations and responsibilities, and longer life expectancy, women have unique concerns when it comes to estate planning. Join us for this enlightening presentation by experienced estate and elder law attorney (and BPW member) Stephanie Russo.

    Advance online registration ONLY:
      • $26 per person / BPW members
      • $35 per person / non-members

      Register online here

      Thank you to our event sponsor: 

      8 am -- via Zoom 

      Start your day by sharing something good with fellow BPW members and others in our community! Register here.

      ~~~~~~~

      Tues, August 13 - "Meet the Candidates" Mixer

      6-8 pm - Crooked Palm Cabana, Tavernier

      Come meet the local candidates running for office before the primary election on August 20! Attendance is free. Register here.

      ~~~~~~~

      Save the Date:
      Wed, August 21 - Evening Networking

      6-8 pm - Location to come

      Grow your personal and professional network and support working women in our community. Watch your email for an invitation and registration details coming soon.

      ~~~~~~~

      Save the Date:
      Thurs, October 10 - Upper Keys Candidate Forum

      5:30-8:30 pm - Murray Nelson Government Center

      Be an informed voter! Join Upper Keys BPW and various other community organizations as we join together to host the 2024 Upper Keys Candidates Forum. In preparation for the general election on November 5, local candidates running for office will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and answer candidate-specific questions prepared by the event committee. Watch your email for details to come.

      ~~~~~~~

      In case you missed it...

      Members and guests had a wonderful time 'mixing and mingling' at our June event, held at Crooked Palm Cabana in Tavernier! 

      BPW mixer

      Click here to see more photos!

      Opportunities!

      Help rebuild the Domestic Abuse Shelter

      In 2007, the DAS emergency shelter serving the Middle and Upper Keys was destroyed by Hurricane Irma, leaving just one small shelter in the Lower Keys to serve all of Monroe County. Since then, DAS has been on a mission to rebuild... and they need the help of our entire community to make it happen!

      That's why Upper Keys BPW recently launched "Give Hope a Home," a campaign to raise $10,000 to sponsor the Business Center at the new shelter. The Business Center will provide workspace, computers, internet access and essential supplies to help domestic abuse survivors from our community find jobs, housing and more.

      Amount raised to date: $6,925

      Amount needed to reach goal: $3,075

      Click here to donate

      ~~~~~~~~~

      New to BPW?
      Join a committee and see what we're all about!

      If you would like to get more involved with Upper Keys BPW, consider joining a committee. 

      It's a wonderful way to meet other members, contribute to the community and make the most of your membership. 

      Click here to learn more about BPW committees, including responsibilities and time commitments. 

      And if you would like to learn more about what we do and how we do it before jumping in, consider attending an upcoming Board meeting. For a board meeting schedule, send us an email at bpwupperkeys@gmail.com.

      ~~~~~~~~~

      Send an email blast to 400+ local residents

      Got a business or product to promote? An event you want to get the word out about? Reach our active mailing list of over 400 BPW members and supporters in the Upper Keys. 

      E-blast prices are as follows:

      $20 - Members

      $35 - Non-members

      $50 - Political candidates (limited dates available - act now)

      Purchase your ad in our online store to get the process started. 

      ~~~~~~~~~

      To learn more about any of these opportunities, send an email to BPWUpperKeys@gmail.com or contact one of our Board Members directly.

      Member News 

      Atta Girls!


      Bonnie Barnes was named 2023/24 Rotarian of the Year by Key Largo Rotary!

      Mary Houston and Violet Wahba are both 2024 Kahuna contestants, raising funds for the Good Health Clinic!

      ~~~~~~~~


      Renewing Members in June 2024

      Glad you're still with us!

      • Cathy Brewer, member since 2016
      • Adriana Cuomo, member since 2021
      • Deanna Duell, member since 2023
      • Kellie Farrell, member since 2022
      • Kari Ann Fonte, member since 2023
      • Autumn Hager, member since 2023
      • Victoria Leonard, member since 2019
      • Kimberly Rock, member since 2019

      New & Returning Members in June 2024

      Welcome, we can't wait to get to know you!

      • Lori Bailey, First State Bank of the Florida Keys

      • Perry Hodies, Perry H. Hodies Photography

      • Debra Walker, Registered Professional Archaeologist

      ~~~~~~~~


      Newsletter Archive

      Access past issues in our Upper Keys BPW Newsletter Archive.


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