Upper Keys BPW Connection March 2026 |
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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},
Were you there? Were you in the room?
I'm talking about EMPOWER YOU, our inaugural event for women that took place this past Saturday in Key Largo.
The entire day was such a treat - from the opening keynote by Olympic gold medalist Amanda Polk, to the announcement of Spark Tank LIVE winner Heather Morelli (Keys Re-Treats) at the closing reception, to the engaging speakers, varied exhibitors and wellness demonstrations in between.
For me, there was one moment when the spirit and purpose of the event shone through extra-brightly.
It happened during Spark Tank LIVE. The first competitor stood to give her pitch. Her voice shook a little. She admitted she was nervous.
Instantly, audience members shouted, "You got this!" and a roomful of women cheered her on. You could almost see the empowering energy flowing out from the crowd and directly to her. She lifted her arms, elbows bent and hands in fists of strength, and said, "Yeah! I got this!"
And then she delivered an impressive pitch with clarity and confidence.
THIS is what EMPOWER YOU was all about - women gathering in one space to learn from each other, be inspired by each other, and lift each other to new heights.
I noticed more special moments throughout the day, as I'm sure others did. If you were there, I'd love to hear about yours! Please send me your stories at bpwupperkeys@gmail.com. (I won't share them without permission.) |
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Members of the event team with our keynote sponsor and speaker. L to R: Deanna Duell, Victoria Leonard, Violet Wahba, Rose Littlejohn, Patricia Milian, Ilja Chapman, Bonnie Barnes, Bernice Dionne, sponsor Carolyn Wightman (Barefoot Possibilities Marketing Group), and keynote speaker Amanda Polk. See more moments from the day in our photo gallery here. If you were there, please add your photos! |
Reflecting back on the day, I have one regret.
In the whirlwind of it all, I neglected to properly recognize the individual women responsible for making EMPOWER YOU a success. So let me do it here.
- Bernice Dionne, our VP of Hospitality, first sparked the idea during our Board retreat last June with a simple statement: "I want to create a day for women." From that moment on, she drew support from every corner of the community like a magnet with her vision, passion and determination. Plain and simple, it wouldn't have happened without Bernice.
- Rose Littlejohn joined as Business Expo Chair and became so much more. She was there at every step and took on a multitude of tasks - from handling communications to ordering food to supporting our sponsors and even stepping onstage to deliver a compelling breakout session.
- Bonnie Barnes brought her deep event experience and commitment to the cause, reaching out to sponsors and speakers, designing banners and swag, promoting ticket sales, managing the silent auction, and coordinating with event photographer and sponsor Sandra Lee.
- Ilja Chapman was first to sign up for the Business Expo and helped shape a meaningful experience for our exhibitors while handling the financial responsibilities as our treasurer. Ilja was also a personal sounding board and cheerleader, offering support and encouragement all along the way.
- Nancy Hull took on the complex task of producing Spark Tank LIVE and ran with it. She designed the competition, wrote the press releases, recruited and coached the competitors, and led the session with professionalism and heart.
- Deanna Duell orchestrated the entire check-in process, from researching and ordering badges, ribbons and swag, to preparing the credentials. Together with Victoria Leonard, she ensured a smooth welcome for every attendee.
- Violet Wahba came through in the clutch, contacting potential sponsors, offering locations and hanging banners along US1, working with Cafe Moka on their generous coffee donation and representing BPW at the event table.
- Amy Young generously shared her planning expertise developed through years of involvement with the Good Health Clinic's Big Kahuna event. She then took charge of the food and beverage service (never a small job) and handled the inevitable challenges with her usual grace.
- Hulya Okur brought her boundless energy and positive attitude, filling gaps wherever she saw them - whether that meant sourcing supplies, arriving with coolers of ice, helping with lunch service, or directing student volunteers on what to do next.
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Lauren Zelt ran point for our breakout speakers, and she and Margie Smith each took charge of a classroom, welcoming and introducing the speakers.
- Cathy Brewer organized the student volunteers and Laura Rivera stepped up last minute to lend her professional bartending skills during the reception.
During her enthralling keynote, Amanda Polk shared many powerful lessons from her experience as an elite athlete. One lesson really resonated with me that day: Trust your team.
That's easy to do when you're working with an "A-team," which was my good fortune on Saturday.
My hat is off to all of you.
With gratitude, |
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Patricia Milian
President, Upper Keys BPW
bpwupperkeys@gmail.com
305.767.3928
P.S. Many thanks also to Rose Kelly and the entire team at the REEF Environmental Education Foundation campus. You won't find a more beautiful, well-equipped venue with a more supportive and professional staff anywhere in the Upper Keys! |
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Join us for lunch and guest speaker
Liz Young, Executive Director
Florida Keys Council of the Arts
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Wednesday, March 18
Holiday Inn Key Largo ~ MM 99.7 Oceanside
Doors open @ 11:30 a.m. for networking
Program starts at noon
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** Advance registration required ~ No walk-ins **
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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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Presented in partnership with
REEF Environmental Education Foundation FREE Networking Night at
REEF Ocean Exploration Center
Bring the kids!
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Tuesday, April 7 ~ 6-8pm
REEF Ocean Exploration Center
98380 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo
Adults will enjoy a fun facilitated networking session in the upstairs gallery while the REEF team leads kids in an engaging activity in the Science Discovery Classroom downstairs.
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This event is 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...
Olympian rower Amanda Polk shows off her gold medal during her keynote speach at the inaugural EMPOWER YOU on March 7. Amanda shared the lessons she learned as an elite athlete that translate to everyday life. She encouraged attendees to advocate for themselves, push their own boundaries, seek improvement over perfection and focus on enjoying the journey. 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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Looking to get more involved in BPW? Consider joining the Board of Directors
In just two months, at our May luncheon, Upper Keys BPW members will elect our next leaders for 2026-27. If you're seeking to strengthen your BPW connections, sharpen your leadership skills and contribute to our community, consider joining our Board of Directors. The Board meets once a month for 60-90 minutes. Each position has different responsibilities and time commitments. All Board members are expected to attend most of our events. No previous board experience is required and new members are welcome. To learn more about Board roles or to explore Board service, contact Nominations Chair Suzi Youngberg at suziyoungberg@gmail.com or 305.393.6830. |
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SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS:
Sponsor a BPW Event |
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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.
Bottom line: Sponsoring a BPW event will get your organization noticed! Check out our sponsor options, pricing and benefits here.
We have open sponsorship slots in April, June and July.
To reserve a date, send an email to bpwupperkeys@gmail.com.
Sponsorships 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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Once a year, BPW members from across the state gather for three days of educational sessions, networking, fun activities and state business. And each year, we set aside funds to help with registration and hotel costs for Upper Keys members who would like to attend.
For more information and to register (and explore sponsorship opportunities), CLICK HERE. If you decide to attend, please let us know by sending an email to bpwupperkeys@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!
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Now available: BPW Florida t-shirts, water bottles, mugs, stickers and more! Click here to shop. |
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Members: It's Time to Weigh In
on the BPW Public Policy Platform
Since its inception in 1919, BPW has advocated for policies that support equity for working women. The current BPW Florida Public Policy Platform covers three planks:
- Economic equity, opportunity and self-sufficiency
- Access to health care
- Voting rights and access
Each year at the BPW/FL State Conference, members vote to adopt the platform language for the coming year. Any member in attendance may move to revise the platform and the members present vote on the suggested changes. Updates can include edits to the existing planks or the addition or removal of entire planks.
This year's conference is scheduled for June 12-14. Even if you cannot be there in person, we want to make sure our members' voices are heard. If you have ideas to update the platform, let us know by the end of April. This will allow us time to gather consensus locally before the conference. Share your thoughts with us at bpwupperkeys@gmail.com.
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Your input is important! Please send questions or suggested topics for the Public Policy Corner to bpwupperkeys@gmail.com. |
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Atta Girls!
- Jill Kuehnert is serving as the District 5 representative on the Tourist Development Council's Dive and Ecotourism Advisory Committee. Atta girl, Jill!
- Erin Muir has joined the Southern Group as a lobbyist. Way to go, Erin!
- Suzi Youngberg has been inducted as a Key Largo Rotarian. Congratulations, Suzi!
Do you know of a BPW member who recently achieved a personal or professional goal or milestone? (Maybe it was you!) Let us know and we'll highlight it here. Send an email to bpwupperkeys@gmail.com. |
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Renewing Members in February 2026
Glad you're still with us! - Ilja Chapman, member since 2015
- Dennis Ward, member since 2016
- Sue Woltanski, member since 2016
New Members in February 2026 Welcome! - Marija Radovanovic, American Caribbean Real Estate
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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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