Upper Keys BPW Connection April 2026 |
|
|
Our mission is to achieve equity for all working women through advocacy, education and connections.
|
|
|
Hi {Contact_First_Name},
I’ve been thinking a lot about transitions lately - those liminal periods between “what was” and “what’s next.” Probably because I’m about to face a big one.
In just a few months, I will step away from a 40-year corporate career, closing a chapter that has defined much of my adult life.
This is a transition I’ve chosen. I’ve thought long and hard about it. Planned for it financially and emotionally. Waited for the right time. I’ve even eased into it by reducing my hours and responsibilities, softening the shock to my work-centered identity.
As exciting and welcome as it is, I know this transition will bring challenges and surprises. Because even the transitions we choose rarely unfold exactly as we imagined.
And then there are the ones we don’t plan.
A job ends unexpectedly. A parent needs care. A relationship shifts. An industry pivots. Forces beyond our control — health, technology, economics, personal loss — quietly or suddenly reshape the landscape of our lives.
So many women I know are navigating a version of this right now. Most find it easier if they don't try to do it alone. They lean on community. They seek out resources. They cultivate their connections and expand their networks. They stretch beyond their comfort zones to find new paths forward.
That is why our Adult Women’s Scholarship Program matters so deeply.
It’s one of the most meaningful ways we help women prepare for what’s next. The program provides essential support for working women pursuing specialized training, certifications or degrees. Whether their goal is to advance within their current profession, pivot to a new career or return to the workforce after time away, these women stand at the edge of transition. Receiving a BPW scholarship sends an empowering message: other women are on their side, rooting for their success.
If you know a local woman preparing for a career shift, encourage her to apply for a BPW scholarship. The application window is open for one more week, until April 15, and recipients will be announced in May. Even a modest financial boost, delivered at the right time, can change the trajectory of a woman’s life.
As I prepare for my own transition, I’m thinking less about what I am stepping away from and more about what I’m stepping toward. That mindset shift is powerful. It reminds me that transitions — planned or not — present opportunities for learning and growth, often in ways we can’t anticipate.
Whatever transition you may be facing, know this: you don’t have to navigate it alone. Upper Keys BPW exists to support and empower women through advocacy, education and connections at every phase of a woman’s life. We’re here for you, not just during the easy seasons, but especially during the in-between ones. With gratitude, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Drop in for an evening of
CASUAL NETWORKING
~ ~ ~
Wednesday, April 15
6-8 p.m.
Key Largo Fisheries ~ Backyard Cafe
1313 Ocean Bay Drive, Key Largo
NO REGISTRATION FEE ~ CASH BAR
Registration requested.
|
|
|
|
|
SAVE THE DATE for a FREE
Lionfish Jewelry Making Workshop
at REEF Ocean Exploration Center
~ ~ ~
Tuesday, May 5 ~ 6-8pm
Watch your email for details coming soon! |
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
Join us for an afternoon of
RECOGNITION, CELEBRATION
& CONNECTION!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Wednesday, May 20
11:30 am - 1 pm
Playa Largo Resort ~ Key Largo
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Annual Report
Adult Women's Scholarship Awards
2025/26 Board of Directors Installation
Announcements, new member inductions, and more!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Save your spot at this popular BPW event.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In case you missed it...
Olympian rower Amanda Polk shows off her gold medal during her keynote speech at the inaugural EMPOWER YOU on March 7. Amanda shared the lessons she learned as an elite athlete and how they translate to everyday life. She encouraged attendees to advocate for themselves, push their own boundaries, seek improvement over perfection and enjoy the journey.. |
|
|
|
|
Follow us on your favorite social media platform for the latest
news and event updates from Upper Keys BPW: |
|
|
|
|
Apply for a BPW Scholarship |
|
|
Upper Keys BPW offers scholarships of up to $1500 to local working women pursuing career education and training. Applications are due by April 15 and the recipients will be announced in May.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Step into leadership:
Join the 2026-27
Upper Keys BPW Board
Next month, at our May luncheon, Upper Keys BPW members will elect the leaders who will shape our upcoming year. If you're a BPW member who's ready to deepen your connections, expand your community impact and help guide the future of our organization, this is your opportunity. Serving on the Board is a meaningful way to hone your leadership and collaboration skills while advancing our goal of empowering women. You'll work side-by-side with accomplished and passionate women, lend your voice to important decisions, and play a direct role in bringing our programs and priorities to life. Board members meet once a month for 60-90 minutes. Roles vary in responsibilities and time commitment, so there's room to contribute in a way that aligns with your strengths and schedule. Board members are expected to support our Public Policy Platform and attend most events. No prior board experience is required - new members and fresh perspectives are welcome! If you're interested or have questions, reach out to Nominations Chair Suzi Youngberg at suziyoungberg@gmail.com or 305.393.6830 to explore the possibilities. |
|
|
|
|
SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS
by Sponsoring a BPW Event |
|
|
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 starting in June.
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. |
|
|
|
|
Send an email blast
to 450+ local residents |
|
|
Got a business or product to promote? An event you want to announce? Reach our active mailing list of over 450 BPW members and supporters in the Upper Keys with an email blast. (You provide the message, we send it to our list.)
BPW Members - $25
Non-Members - $40
CLICK HERE TO ORDER
(Log in to your member account for the discounted price.)
Questions? Send us an email at bpwupperkeys@gmail.com. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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, 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!
|
|
|
|
|
Now available: BPW Florida t-shirts, water bottles, mugs, stickers and more! Click here to shop. |
|
|
BPW seeks members to join the
Candidate Forum Committee
Every election year, Upper Keys BPW hosts a widely attended public forum to help voters make informed decisions about the candidates seeking to represent us at the local, state and federal levels. It's one of our most visible and impactful community events - and it doesn't happen by accident. Soon we will assemble the team that will bring this October's forum to life. Committee members help plan the program, coordinate candidate outreach, craft thoughtful questions, and ensure the event reflects our nonpartisan approach to supporting working women. Serving on the Candidate Forum Committee is a great way to contribute not just to our organization, but to our entire Upper Keys community. You don't need to be a political expert to participate - just engaged, curious and willing to pitch in where you're able. If you're interested or would like to know more, please reach out to Patricia Milian at bpwupperkeys@gmail.com.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Your input is important. Please send questions or suggested topics for the Public Policy Corner to bpwupperkeys@gmail.com. You can read about our Public Policy Platform here. |
|
|
|
|
Atta Girls!
- Adriana Cuomo was named the Keys Weekly "Neighbor of the Week" in the March 26 issue. Congratulations, Adriana!
- Barbara Overton was named the Keys Weekly "Neighbor of the Week" in the April 2 issue. Atta girl, Barbara!
- Sue Woltanski helped lead a public school advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., in March as the founding chair of the federal subcommittee for the Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards. Way to go, Sue!
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. |
|
|
Renewing Members in March 2026
Glad you're still with us!
- Kiriane Johnson, member since 2025
- Rose Littlejohn, member since 2025
- Theresa Sutter, member since 2013
- Lauren Zelt, member since 2024
New Members in March 2026
Welcome!
- Rima Cole, EXP Realty
- Ann Helmers
- Annie Martinie, Liminal Collaboration
- Judy Miller
- Jackie Murphy, Mary Kay Cosmetics
- Lorraine Nesensohn, Lnesensohn.com
- Cindy Petersen, Edge HR Strategy
- Kasha Smith, KandleS by PerfectionKS
- Donna Stark, Major County Sheriffs of America
|
|
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This message was sent to you by {Organization_Name}
P.O. Box 231, Tavernier, FL 33037
(305) 767-3928 ~ {Organization_URL}
If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe at any time.
|
|
|
|
|
