Upper Keys BPW Connection December 2025 |
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Our mission is to achieve equity for all working women through advocacy, education and connections.
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Hi {Contact_First_Name},
For many of us, the holiday season evokes a rollercoaster of
emotions. We often find ourselves navigating between moments of joy, hope, wonder, celebration and
heartwarming nostalgia … and moments of anxiety, fatigue, overwhelm and even
sadness or grief.
Wherever you are in the busy swirl of it all, I hope you’re
finding opportunities to slow down, connect with the people who matter to you, and carve out
a little breathing room just for yourself. Know that you are seen and appreciated for who
you are, and not just for everything you manage to get done (which is a lot!).
As I take that same pause, I’m deeply grateful for our BPW community
and for all of you who support this organization and its mission. Over these past
few months, it's been rewarding to see our programs grow, our
partnerships expand, and our shared commitment to empowering women remain strong. Our organization has also been strengthened with the addition of 27 new members since May – 19 just in the past two months!
Looking ahead to 2026, fresh collaborations and exciting
programs are already taking shape, setting the stage for another standout year for
Upper Keys BPW. It’s inspiring to see what we’re building together and the
momentum we’re carrying forward.
Whether you’re a BPW member or a supporter, thank you for
being part of this community — for showing up for each other and for helping to create spaces where women can connect, learn, lead, advocate for, and
support one another. I’m grateful to be part of this vibrant organization.
Wishing you many moments of peace, rest and good company in
the days and weeks ahead.
With gratitude, always, |
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Join us for a premier event designed to connect, inspire and empower Upper Keys women!
- Inspiring keynote address
- Breakout sessions on 3 tracks
- Women's Business Expo
- Health and wellness activities
- Spark Tank LIVE competition
- Networking reception
EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE NOW |
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SHOWCASE YOUR BRAND: BECOME A SPONSOR Commit now, pay in January!
Get immediate brand exposure. |
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MEMBERS ONLY:
JOIN THE BUSINESS EXPO
Promote your business onsite
to 100+ event attendees. |
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6:30pm-8:30pm
Marine Lab ~ Key Largo
Join us for this casual, BYOB, potluck event.
In keeping with BPW tradition, please bring
a dish to share and a wrapped tacky ornament
for the white elephant gift exchange.
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Thank you to our event sponsor:
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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
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Noon-1 p.m.
Holiday Inn ~ Key Largo
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"Running a Successful Business
in the Keys: Lessons Learned"
Join us as Whitney MacEachern, owner of Cirque Salon Studios and BPW member, shares her unique perspective and best advice on what it takes to build and sustain a thriving local business.
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SAVE THE DATES
for these FREE 2026 events
presented in partnership with
REEF Environmental Education Foundation
- Saturday, February 7, 1:00-1:30 p.m. - Private Artist's Reception for BPW members and guests with mosaic artist Sonata (followed by public reception from 1:30-4 p.m.).
- Tuesday, April 7, 6-8 p.m. - Parents' Networking Night - Bring the kids (ages 7-16) to explore the new REEF center - guided by REEF staff - while you connect with BPW members and guests separately.
- Tuesday, May 5, 6-8 p.m. - Lionfish Jewelry Making Workshop - Drop in for a BPW meetup and try your hand at jewelry making while learning about the invasive lionfish.
All events will take place at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center in Key Largo. Watch your email inbox for details to come.
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These events are sponsored in part by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and private donations.
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In case you missed it...
Sixty members and guests joined us last month for our Friendsgiving luncheon, where everyone was invited to share what we are grateful for this year. We also heard from the many BPW members who lead local nonprofit organizations about their missions, programs and latest projects. Click here to see more photos from the event. |
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Follow us on your favorite social media platform for the latest
news and event updates from Upper Keys BPW: |
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Watch for registration details in the BPW/FL
December e-newsletter on 12/19.
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Now available: BPW Florida t-shirts, water bottles, mugs, stickers and more! Click here to shop. |
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SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS:
Sponsor a BPW Event |
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Are you looking to reach Upper Keys "movers & shakers"? Our monthly luncheons and networking events attract a diverse group of local business owners, solopreneurs, bankers, financial advisors, real estate agents, healthcare professionals, nonprofit leaders, educators, public servants and more.
Sponsoring a BPW event will get your organization noticed! Check out our sponsor options, pricing and benefits here.
We have open sponsorship slots for January 21 (luncheon), February 18 (networking night) and April 15 (networking night).
To reserve a date, send an email to bpwupperkeys@gmail.com.
Sponsorship fees support our Adult Women's Scholarship Fund and other BPW programs designed to empower local working women. |
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Send an email blast
to 450+ local residents |
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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:
$25 - Members
$40 - Non-members
Purchase your ad in our online store to get the process started.
Questions? Send us an email at bpwupperkeys@gmail.com. |
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The 2026 Florida Legislative
Session Begins Soon
The 2026 Florida Legislative Session will kick off on January 13, 2026, and is scheduled to run for 60 days. The legislature's main duty is to agree to a state budget. After years of robust expansion, state economists are predicting a slowdown in revenue growth, spurring legislative calls to cut spending. Tax relief will be a major theme, and numerous proposals to eliminate property taxes have been put forward. If the legislature agrees on a property tax package, voters will vote on it on the 2025 general election ballot. Property insurance, health care and education will also likely be addressed. See the Monroe County state legislative priorities here. To let your elected officials know what you think about the issues being debated, contact: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
About the BPW/FL Public Policy Platform Since its inception in 1919, BPW has advocated for policies that support equity for working women. Our 2025-26 Public Policy Platform, adopted annually at the BPW/FL State Conference each June, covers economic equity, opportunity and self-sufficiency; access to health care; and voting rights and access.
Your input is important! Please send questions or suggested topics to bpwupperkeys@gmail.com. |
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Atta Girls!
- Ruth Schrader-Grace was recognized for eight years of devoted service on the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors - atta girl, Ruth!
- Jackie Harder recently launched SheRises Network, a free program supporting women transitioning from school to career, returning to the workforce, or simply seeking clarity and community. The program helps women gain confidence, life skills and professional readiness through small-group Career Success Circles and one-on-one support. Way to go, Jackie! (Contact Jackie via email or call/text 305-942-3591 for more info.)
Huge congratulations to our many BPW members who received top honors in the Keys Weekly "Best of Upper Keys":
- Best Bank - Adriana Cuomo, Monica Hane & Team/ SouthState Bank
- Best Realtor/Team - Lauren Hoefert Dunn/Coldwell Banker Schmitt
- Best Jewelry Store - Carolyn DePaula/DePaula Jewelers
- Best Elected Official - Holly Merrill Raschein
- Best Insurance Agency - Holly Redding & Team/Regan Roth Insurance Agency
- Best Pet Service - Sarah Taylor/Keys Pet Nanny
- Best Gift Boutique - Julia Waterman/Shell World
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. |
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Renewing Members in November 2025
Glad you're still with us!
- Lauren Dunn, member since 2008
- Audra Hill, member since 2006
- Jill Kuehnert, member since 2017
- Patricia Milian, member since 2020
- Antonia Shusta, member since 2021
- Margie Smith, member since 2008
- Violet Wahba, member since 2022
New Members Welcome! - Jennifer DeBoisbriand, Islamorada, Village of Islands
- Katie Cleek, Mote Marine Laboratory
- Carrie Grant, Hippiekit Green Products
- Jennifer Jordan, Mariners Club
- Stephanie Snyder, Stephanie's Services
- Madison Young, Salt and Skin Esthetics
- Tiffany Zepeda, Key Largo School
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Members: Do you need a BPW name badge? If your BPW name badge is MIA or has seen better days -- or you chose not to order one when you first joined -- we have good news! You can easily order a name badge for $18 via the link below (or from the "Contact" page on the website). Orders are placed once a month, at the beginning of each month. |
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This message was sent to you by {Organization_Name}
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