BPW Connection 

March 2025

In this issue: 

President's Message ~ Local Events ~ BPW/FL EventsOpportunities ~ Member News




 President's Message

{Contact_First_Name}, 

There’s so much on Netflix that you might never scroll down to the documentary section, but let me encourage you to seek out one in particular: Join or Die.

This powerful film follows social scientist Robert Putnam’s decades-long research into the decline of civic engagement in America. His groundbreaking book, Bowling Alone, revealed that club memberships—once a pillar of American life—have steadily declined since the 1950s, taking with them the social and health benefits that come from being part of a strong community. Join or Die explores why this matters, showing that people who actively participate in clubs and organizations are not only happier but also live longer, healthier lives. The film makes a compelling case for rekindling our commitment to community connections.

This is something we in the Florida Keys already understand. Our community thrives on clubs—Rotary (in all its sunrise and sunset versions), Elks, the Garden Club, walking groups, book clubs, and, of course, our own Business and Professional Women (BPW).

In fact among local BPW organizations across the state, our Upper Keys chapter has remained the largest and continues to grow. Why? It’s because of the vibrant culture of civic engagement in the Keys and the dedication of our members. BPW is more than meetings and events—it’s a support system, a network of professionals invested in each other’s success. The friendships and connections formed here can be both professionally valuable and personally fulfilling.

As we look to the future, we need new leaders to step up and help guide BPW forward. We’re currently seeking nominations for our next slate of board members—will you join us?

Another great way to engage is by attending the BPW-Florida State Conference, happening June 20-22 in Palm Beach Gardens. This annual gathering brings together BPW members from across Florida for three days of educational sessions, networking, fun activities, and state business. Each year, we set aside funds to cover registration and hotel costs for Upper Keys members who want to attend. If you’re interested, let us know! 

Whether through leadership, membership, or attending the State Conference, we invite you to stay involved. Together, we keep our community—and ourselves—strong.

Warm regards, 

Jill

Jill Kuehnert

Upper Keys BPW President

‪(305) 767-3928‬

Upcoming Local Events

Let's Do Lunch...
with Sheriff Rick Ramsay!

12-1 p.m. ~ Pilot House Restaurant ~ Key Largo

REGISTER NOW


Thank you to our event sponsor:

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Drop-In Event
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. ~ Dive Bar on the Bay

You're invited to 'drop in' on this casual get-together in recognition of National Equal Pay Day - the day in 2025 when women finally finish earning the equivalent of what men earned in 2024.

Join us on the sand for a drink,
a snack or just a quick hello...
 

    Let us know you're coming

    Registration is not required, but if you register,
    we'll send you a reminder email and know to look for you!

    ~~~~~~~

    8 a.m. via Zoom

    Start your day by sharing something good - and catch up on the latest news from BPW members and friends - while sipping your morning coffee. (Come as you are, even if that means pajamas and wet hair... this is a no-judgment zone!)

      Sign up here

      ~~~~~~~

      In case you missed it...

      On February 19, we enjoyed an evening of networking on the beach at the lovely Islander Resort. Sheryl Schwab (pictured below, center), CEO of Domestic Abuse Shelter of the Florida Keys (DAS), shared an exciting update about the organization's plans to create an emergency shelter to serve the Middle and Upper Keys (keep scrolling for more details!). Click here to see more photos from the event.

      At our monthly event on February 19, Sheryl Schwab, CEO of Domestic Abuse Shelter of the Florida Keys (DAS), announced that the organization is under contract to purchase an existing building to serve as the new emergency shelter for the Middle and Upper Keys. The facility will undergo extensive renovations over the coming months, and will ultimately provide 15 beds for local women and families escaping abusive environments. 

      This means the $10,000 raised by BPW last year under the "Give Hope a Home" campaign will be put to use very soon! 

      You can read the full announcement here.

      Once again, a huge THANK YOU to all who donated!

      BPW Florida Events

      Register here for upcoming Virtual Lounge dates:

      March 27 @ 8:00 a.m.

      April 7 @ Noon

      May 20 @ 6 p.m.

      June 12 @ 8 a.m.


      ~~~~~~~

      And check out these other upcoming state events:

      Equal Pay Day Presentation - March 25 @ Noon
      featuring Professor Tara Newsom

      Members-Only Book Club - April 29 @ 6 p.m.
      featured book: The Librarian of Burned Books 

      Click here for the complete BPW Florida event calendar.

      ~~~~~~~

      Opportunities

      Calling all Upper Keys BPW members!

      Before you know it -- at our May luncheon -- Upper Keys BPW members will elect our next leaders for 2025-2026. If you're looking to strengthen your BPW connections and sharpen your leadership skills while contributing to our community, we hope you'll give serious consideration to joining our Board of Directors! No previous board service is required and newcomers are welcome. The Board meets once a month for 60-90 minutes and each position has different responsibilities and time commitments. To learn more about Board roles, reach out via email at bpwupperkeys@gmail.com.

      And if you're not quite ready for Board service, please consider joining a volunteer committee. Click here to learn more about BPW committees, including responsibilities and time commitments. We'd love to have you!

      New to BPW? To learn more about the work we do behind the scenes, consider attending a Board meeting - attendance is open to  all members. For upcoming meeting dates, send us an email at bpwupperkeys@gmail.com.

      ~~~~~~~~~

      Send an email blast to 450+ 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 450 BPW members and supporters in the Upper Keys. 

      E-blast prices are as follows:

      $20 - Members 

      $35 - Non-members

      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!

      Do you know of a BPW member who recently achieved a personal or professional goal or milestone? (Maybe it was you!) We'd love to know about it so we can highlight it here. Send an email to bpwupperkeys@gmail.com.

      ~~~~~~~~


      Renewing Members in February 2025

      Glad you're still with us!

      • Ilja Chapmanmember since 2015
      • Randy Klein-Gross, member since 2024
      • Yvette Talbott, member since 2024
      • Sue Woltanski, member since 2018

      Welcome New Members!

      • Samantha Zeher, KeyZ Charters

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      Members:

      Do you need a BPW name badge?

      If your BPW name badge has seen better days -- or it's nowhere to be found -- we have good news! You can now easily order a replacement name badge for $18 via our website. You can find the link on the "Contact" page or click the button below. Orders are placed once a month, at the beginning of each month.

      ORDER A BPW NAME BADGE

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      Newsletter Archive

      Access past issues in our Upper Keys BPW Newsletter Archive.


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