Upper Keys BPW Connection June 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},
I'll be honest — when I was asked to step into this role, my first thought was about the women who've held it before me. Patricia set a high bar, and I'm grateful for everything she built on top of the foundation set by Jill, Suzi, Ilja and all those who came before them. I'm also genuinely excited about what comes next.
So why BPW? For me, it's always come down to one thing: the people. Not networking in the transactional sense, but the kind of connection where someone remembers what you're going through, checks in without being asked, and celebrates your wins like they're her own. That's what I've experienced here, and that's what I want more women in the Upper Keys to find.
This year I want to focus on three things.
First, deepening the friendships we already have and making sure every new member feels that warmth quickly — not after six months of showing up, but right away.
Second, keeping BPW personal as we grow. A bigger membership is only a win if it still feels like a community, not a crowd.
Third, building on the momentum of EMPOWER YOU. Last year's launch exceeded expectations, and I think we've only scratched the surface of what that event can become for women across our area.
On the practlcal side, here's how we stay connected:
- Networking Nights and Special Events — Watch for announcements via email and on social media. These are worth making time for.
Show up when life lets you. Reach out when you need something. And if you think we're missing an opportunity or could do something better, tell me directly — I mean that.
Thank you for the trust that comes with this role. I don't take it lightly.
With gratitude, |
Bonnie Barnes
President, Upper Keys BPW
bpwupperkeys@gmail.com
305.767.3928
P.S. what do you hope to give or get through BPW this year? I'd genuinely love to hear from you. |
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JOIN US
for an evening of
CASUAL NETWORKING
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Wednesday, June 17
6-8 p.m.
Pilot House Restaurant, Key Largo
Advance registration required.
BPW Members: $28
Non-Members: $34
Includes one drink plus a selection of hors d'oeuvres. |
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Join us for a Virtual Coffee Chat
Wednesday, July 1
8 a.m.-9:15 a.m. via Zoom |
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Join us for an
EDUCATIONAL LUNCHEON
Featuring a panel discussion on
"Therapy, Coaching and Mental Health"
with panelists
Beatriz Martinez-Penalver, LMHC, & Stephanie Snyder, LCSW
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Wednesday, July 15
Captain Craig's Restaurant
MM90 ~ Tavernier ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ |
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In case you missed it... On May 20, Upper Keys BPW awarded a total of $4,500 in scholarships to five deserving local women. Pictured left to right are: Bonnie Barnes (Upper Keys BPW president), Emma Haydocy (recipient), Airiana Lindback (recipient), Kristen Szpak (recipient), Alanna Dixon (recipient), Sophia Costa (recipient), Patricia Milian (Upper Keys BPW immediate past president and secretary) and Rose Littlejohn (Upper Keys BPW VP of membership and scholarship chair). Click here to see 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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New BPW year, new opportunities to SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS!
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Whether or not you're a BPW member, our event sponsorships offer an incredible opportunity to expand awareness of your business or organization while supporting the BPW mission and programs.
We're currently seeking a sponsor for our July 15 luncheon, and have other openings as well.
Our events attract a diverse group of local residents, from business owners and bankers, to nonprofit leaders and public servants, to working moms and retirees, and beyond. Our marketing efforts reach far beyond the event itself, to include social media messaging on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and a multi-touch email campaign to more than 450 BPW members and supporters.
Bottom line: Sponsoring a BPW event
gets your organization noticed! Check out our sponsor options, pricing and benefits here.
To reserve a date, send an email to bpwupperkeys@gmail.com.
Sponsorships support our Adult Women's Scholarships and other BPW programs designed to empower local working women. |
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Send an email to our list of 450+ local residents |
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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
Political candidate option coming in July!
CLICK HERE TO ORDER
(Log in to your member account for the discounted price.)
Questions? Send us an email at bpwupperkeys@gmail.com. |
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Now available: BPW Florida t-shirts, water bottles, mugs, stickers and more! Click here to shop. |
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2026 Election: Important Dates
Candidate Qualifying Deadline: Friday, June 12 @ noon
Friday is the last day candidates may file with the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections to qualify for Monroe County Commission, School Board and special district seats. Emergency Rule 1SER26-2 requires candidates to use updated qualifying forms; older versions will not be accepted. Voter Registration Deadline: Monday, July 20
July 20 is the last day Monroe County residents may register to vote or change their party affiliations for the Primary Election on August 18. You can register or update your voter information through the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections. Vote-by-Mail Ballot Request Deadlines - Thursday, August 6 for the Primary Election
- Thursday, October 22 for the General Election
Vote-by-mail ballots may be requested online, by phone, by mail or in person through the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections. A single request covers both the 2026 Primary and General Elections.
Questions? Contact the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections at votemonroeflkeys.gov or 305.292.3416.
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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. |
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Atta Girls!
- Kate Banick was named "Neighbor of the Week" in the June 4 edition of Upper Keys Weekly. Atta girl, Kate!
- And a DOUBLE "atta girl" to Ginette Hughes, who was recently named "Rotarian of the Year" by Key Largo Rotary. Ginette is also featured on the June cover of Keys Life magazine, and in the accompanying lead story about MarineLab and the Jules' Undersea Lab. Way to go, Ginette!
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 May 2026
Glad you're still with us!
- Jennifer Cappadona, member since 2015
- Christine Lauterborn, member since 2016
- Pam Martin, member since 1981
- Holly Merrill Raschein, member since 2004
- Mardella Wheaton, member since 1991
- Carolyn Wightman, member since 2024
New Members in May 2026
Welcome!
- Carli Flounders, a.i. STaRR - Marketing & Automations
- Nicky Laak, Laak and Son Inc.
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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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(305) 767-3928 ~ {Organization_URL}
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