Upper Keys BPW

Connection

September 2026

Our mission is to achieve equity for all working women through advocacy, education and connections.

President's Message  ~ Local Events  ~ Opportunities ~ 
 BPW/FL Happenings ~ 
 Public Policy Corner ~  Member News

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Welcome to September!

Hi {Contact_First_Name}, 

Is it ever going to cool down? The upside of these warm days is that the weather has been kind to us this year, with few storms and plenty of beautiful days. It's exactly why we treasure our September Swim Party — a relaxed chance for members to unwind and get to know one another a little better. If you're a member, I hope you'll join us! Bring something to share, and let's enjoy the (slightly) cooler September air here in the Keys. And the best news of all? "Florida fall" is right around the corner.

You know what else is good news? Here at Upper Keys BPW, we're busy preparing for an exciting season of events and programs to engage, empower, and celebrate our members and the community.

Here's what else is on deck for the coming weeks:

  • Cutting Through the AI Noise (next Wed, Sept. 16) — Close the gap between "AI hype" and "AI that actually works." Register today to secure your seat.

  • Fall Scholarships for Adult Women — We're accepting applications from local working women who need help covering the cost of career-related education. Applications are due Tuesday, 9/15, with awards announced in October —spread the word!
  • Upper Keys BPW 5K Breast Cancer Walk (Sat, 10/3 kickoff) — We're raising money for the BPW Florida Breast Cancer Fund, which provides financial grants to Floridians facing breast cancer. Walk with us on Saturday, October 3, or complete your 5K on your own—we make it easy! Sign up here.
  • Virtual Coffee Chats — Start your day with us on the first Wednesday of each month via Zoom. Registration is now open for October 7.

And that's just a taste of what our dedicated volunteers are up to! Keep reading below for more news and opportunities and watch for event announcements in your email and on social media (see links to our channels below).

Looking forward to seeing you soon! In the meantime, feel free to reach out anytime at bpwupperkeys@gmail.com.

Best,

Bonnie Barnes

President, Upper Keys BPW
bpwupperkeys@gmail.com

‪305.767.3928‬

LOCAL EVENTS

Cutting Through the AI Noise:
An AI 101 Guide

Presented by Becky Wagner
Senior Manager, AI and Analytics, Oracle Corporation

~  ~  ~

Join us for an Educational Luncheon

Wednesday, September 16
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Holiday Inn ~ Key Largo ~ MM 99.7

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*ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED*

Register Here


Join us for an exclusive,


MEMBERS-ONLY POOL PARTY


SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 ~ 11am-1pm

Safe Harbor Angler House Marina, Islamorada

(MM 80.5 Bayside)

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Let’s celebrate National Women’s Friendship Day with our fourth annual Brunch & Splash Pool Party at the beautiful Safe Harbor Angler House Tiki Bar & Marina!

  • In exchange for access to this private club, please consider patronizing the tiki bar once it opens at noon.

  • You may bring outdoor-friendly, "brunch-y" snacks to share. (There is no food service at the club.)

  • For safety reasons, this is a child-free event.

  • We'll be there, RAIN or SHINE!
~  ~  ~

      Open to all members in good standing.

      Please register to let us know you're coming!
      (You must log into your member account to register.)

      Register Here


      BUST OUT YOUR PINK!

      for our 2026

      5K Breast Cancer Walk

      ~ Walk with us or on your own

      ~ All at once or a little at a time

      ~ Any time in October

      Join us in walking to raise money for the BPW Florida Breast Cancer Fund, which offers support to individuals personally affected by breast cancer. All registered walkers will receive a special gift as a thank you for participating. 

      __________________________

      Participation tiers:

      Supporter (BPW members only) - $35

      Advocate - $50

      Champion - $75

      Warrior - $100


      Sign Up Here

      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 favorite morning beverage. (Come as you are, even if that means pajamas and wet hair... this is a no-judgment zone!)


        REGISTRATION IS OPEN
        for our annual

        Celebration of Working Women

        on Wednesday, October 21, at 6:30 p.m.

        Don't miss the announcement of our

        2026 Woman of the Year, Business of the Year

        and fall scholarship recipients!

        Register Here

        In case you missed it... what a great turnout we had for our August drop-in networking event at the fun and vibrant Bar Victor in Key Largo! Big thanks to the Bar Victor team for the complimentary appetizers, lively music and gracious hospitality. Click here for more photos.

        Follow us on your favorite social media platform for the latest
        news and event updates from Upper Keys BPW:

        OPPORTUNITIES

        Six days left to apply!

        Up to $1500 per recipient, awarded in October
        Click here for criteria and application link

        Small Business Sponsorship Option
        Just $100 for members/$150 for non-members

        Upper Keys BPW event sponsorships offer an incredible opportunity to expand awareness of your business or organization while supporting the BPW mission and programs. Our events attract a diverse group of members and local residents.

        For small businesses, we offer a limited number of multi-sponsor opportunities that feature up to three sponsors per event. Co-sponsorships are available for our evening "Meet, Mix & Mingle" events on February 17 and April 21. 

        Each sponsor receives:

        • Prominent logo placement in all event announcements sent to our email list of 450+ members and Upper Keys residents
        • Sponsor recognition in the monthly BPW newsletter that goes out prior to the event and in BPW social media event pages and posts promoting the event
        • One dedicated e-mail promotion to our list (per sponsor)
        • Opportunity to provide samples or handouts on a shared display table at the event
        • Opportunity to briefly address attendees at the event 

        Questions? Ready to claim your spot? Either way, send an email to bpwupperkeys@gmail.com.

        Sponsorships support our Adult Women's Scholarships and other BPW programs designed to empower local working women.

        Promote your business, event or campaign to our email list of 450+

        Would you like us to send an email to more than 450 local residents on behalf of your business, event or political campaign? It's EASY! You provide the message, and we prepare and send it directly to our contact list. Proceeds support our Adult Women's Scholarships and other BPW programs for working women.

        CLICK HERE TO ORDER A PROMOTIONAL MESSAGE

        $25 for BPW members, $40 for non-members
        (Log in to your member account for the discounted price.)

        CLICK HERE TO ORDER A CAMPAIGN AD
        $100 per email, up to five emails per candidate for November races.

        Questions? Send us an email: bpwupperkeys@gmail.com.

        BPW FLORIDA HAPPENINGS

        Members Only Book Club

        Next selection:

        The Only Woman in the Room

        by Marie Benedict

        A historical-fiction novel based on the incredible story of glamour icon, screen star and Nazi-fighting scientist Hedy Lamarr.

        Members will meet to discuss the book (and select the next book) on Wednesday, September 23, 6-7pm.

        REGISTER HERE


        Here's your chance to meet and chat with members from across the state. Click to register and get the Zoom link:

        Tuesday, September 22, 6 p.m.

        Wednesday, October 28, 6 p.m.


        Now available: 

        BPW Florida t-shirts, water bottles, mugs, stickers and more! Click here to shop.

        PUBLIC POLICY CORNER

        The Essential Role of Poll Workers in Our Election Process

        Serving as a poll worker is one of the most direct and meaningful ways an ordinary citizen can contribute to a smooth, accurate and fair election process. 

        On the surface, the work may appear less-than-glamorous — managing queues, confirming voters are at the correct precinct, verifying registrations, handing out ballots, answering procedural questions. But the role that poll workers play in safeguarding our voting rights and preserving election integrity cannot be overstated. Without dedicated poll workers to make sure everything runs as it should, there is no election.

        Positions and responsibilities vary, from deputies who maintain order at the polling place, to ballot tabulator clerks who oversee the equipment, inspectors who verify voter identification, and precinct clerks and assistant clerks responsible for the overall operation of each precinct. All positions are paid, and include mandatory paid training before Election Day.

        Have you considered working the polls in November? The commitment is small, the need is big and the impact is enormous.

        To learn more or submit an application, visit the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections website. 

        Democracy works best when all citizens engage fully and enthusiastically in the election process. We'll see you at the polls!

         ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


        Ensuring fair voting rights and poll access is a main plank of the BPW/FL Public Policy Platform. Read our full platform here.


        Your input is important. Please send questions or suggested topics for the Public Policy Corner to bpwupperkeys@gmail.com.

        MEMBER NEWS

        Atta Girls!

        • Cathy Brewer has been appointed to the Upper Keys BPW Board of Directors, and was also recently named Keys Weekly "Neighbor of the Week." Congratulations, Cathy, and thank you for serving our organization!
        • Ilja Chapman has earned the prestigious Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE) designation through the Travel Institute. Way to go, Ilja!
        • Jennifer DeBoisbriand, Rose Littlejohn and Manuela Mobley have been selected to join Leadership Monroe Class XXXIV. Very impressive, ladies!
        •  Sue Woltanski was reelected to her seat on the Monroe County School Board. Atta girl, 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 August 2026

          Glad you're still with us!

          • Gina Boilini, member since 2009
          • Autumn Hager, member since 2023
          • Tami Marano, member since 2025


          Members:

          Do you need a BPW name badge?

          You can easily order a name badge for $18 via the link below. Orders are placed once a month, at the beginning of each month.

          ORDER A BPW NAME BADGE

          Newsletter Archive

          Access past issues in our Upper Keys BPW Newsletter Archive.

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