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2022 WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Each October, Upper Keys Business and Professional Women (BPW) celebrates National Business Women’s Week by naming a Woman of the Year and Business of the Year.
Please join us in congratulating Margie Smith, our Upper Keys BPW Woman of the Year for 2022, in recognition of professional and personal accomplishments, contributions to our organization and support for working women!!
Through her work at the Florida Small Business Development Center at FIU and many other local organizations, Margie is a 'master connector.'
As one of our member-nominators put it, "The first time you meet her, you can see her wheels turning as she asks a few key questions to help her quickly home in on how she can help you solve a challenge - whether it be about local schools and kids' activities, entrepreneurial resources or introductions to fellow BPW members."
She's on our Upper Keys BPW Board and took a very active role in putting together and moderating last night's Political Forum, where the award was announced.
Atta girl, Margie!
And thank you to SouthState Bank for their sponsorship of our 2022 Woman of the Year award!
Meet all the Nominees:
These are the individual members who have inspired us and made particularly positive impacts on our organization and the broader community over the past 12 months, as described by the members who nominated them.
Patricia Milian
MEMBERS: Please review the nominations below and click here to place your vote no later than October 12 [closed]. You must be logged into your membership profile to vote.
Awards will be presented during our Political Forum / Celebrating Women in Business event on October 19.
KATE BANICK
Why are you nominating this woman?
She is the Executive Director of Good Health Clinic which is the only free charitable care clinic in the Florida Keys. She is also involved in several groups and boards. A very active member in this community!
How do you describe this woman’s leadership style?
She is a pacesetter and a visionary!
What is inspiring about this woman?
She is goal oriented and will find a way to reach it. She is an amazing team leader who handles her staff and community with grace.
How she impacted Upper Keys BPW or the community?
She has taken Good Health Clinic to an entire new level in the community and works with other boards and groups to get their mission statements out there.
Anything else you'd like to add?
She is an incredible woman!
COURTNEY DORCHAK
Why are you nominating this woman?
She’s an amazing dietitian and entrepreneur!
How do you describe this woman’s leadership style?
Strong
What is inspiring about this woman?
Great fund of knowledge but also communicates really well with people
How she impacted Upper Keys BPW or the community?
Support by women for women
PATRICIA MILIAN
Why are you nominating this woman?
She grabbed an opportunity for our organization to support working women in our community. She led the charge opening an endowment fund. She continues to push toward the goal of 40k, creating a buzz at every meeting!
How do you describe this woman’s leadership style?
Patricia leads with a smile. She welcomes members as the membership chair along with her committee. They created new member packets and updated the installation ceremony for new members.
What is inspiring about this woman?
Her ability to put together a spreadsheet. Plus her love to assist BPW/FL to expanding their brand and what we as an organization see as the future of our organization.
How she impacted Upper Keys BPW or the community?
She will always be the person who took the chance to present the endowment opportunity to the BPW Board. She presented it with so much data and information, she took the time she had passion and it showed.
MARGIE SMITH
Why are you nominating this woman?
Margie is one of the most “community minded” people I know. She is always involved in helping businesses and individuals in the Florida Keys, and has been for many years.
Margie is a "master connector" in our community. She constantly looks for ways to connect people who can help each other, both inside and outside of BPW. As a business consultant for the Small Business Development Center at FIU, she is in the perfect role to help our local business owners thrive - but she goes far beyond what her job requires. The first time you meet her, you can see her wheels turning as she asks a few key questions to help her quickly home in on how she can help you solve a challenge - whether it be about local schools and kids' activities, entrepreneurial resources or introductions to fellow BPW members.
She helped me establish my business in the Florida Keys, has been incredibly resourceful, helpful supportive and inspirational.
How do you describe this woman’s leadership style?
She is a natural leader, leading by example and inspiring other women to be more empowered, to be involved, and to help our community.
Margie is all about tapping into every available resource and exploring creative ways to solve problems. She asks lots of questions, listens carefully, offers ideas and then listens AGAIN. She seeks to understand all aspects of an issue and continually refines her ideas to push through objections and obstacles.
Extra-ordinary, she takes charge with no hesitation
What is inspiring about this woman?
Margie is an inspiration because she just never stops. Even when she’s not in the spotlight, you can be sure she is still quietly working to help people and businesses in the Keys.
Her endless energy and genuine desire to bring value to everyone she meets. She is also a passionate and vocal supporter of women's rights.
Her drive to help her community and to help small businesses succeed
How she impacted Upper Keys BPW or the community?
Margie has been involved with BPW for many years. She has held multiple positions on the Upper Keys BPW board through the years, and is currently serving as Board Director, serves on the Public Policy Committee, and is currently Membership Chair for BPW/FL.
Her impact on the Florida Keys community is measurable, including her time with United Way. She has been actively involved with all 3 Upper Keys Chambers. Her work currently with SBDC is making such an impact on our local small businesses.
This year Margie joined the BPW board (again - she has served several times in the past) and has been very active on the Public Policy committee as they plan election-year events. Her knowledge of local issues and political players and dynamics has been invaluable. Margie also serves as Chair of the Membership Committee for BPW Florida. All of this, on top of being a mom to teenaged children, a fundraiser for worthy causes and a volunteer on other local boards.
Leading new ideas, supporting new and local business owners lead a successful business
Anything else you'd like to add?
Margie is very deserving of this award!
She has a wonderful personality too! So grateful for Margie!
MELINDA VAN FLEET
Why are you nominating this woman?
She supports Keys women personally and professionally in many ways.
How do you describe this woman’s leadership style?
Thoughtful, present, motivating, enthusiastic, creative
What is inspiring about this woman?
She works incredibly hard on her own coaching business, yet always takes time to support others.
How she impacted Upper Keys BPW or the community?
She has interviewed many women in our community for features in the local newspaper, taking the time to hear our stories and make sure they get the attention they deserve. She's been a BPW lunch speaker, workshop organizer and actively supports BPW communication activities.
SUE WOLTANSKI
Why are you nominating this woman?
Sue has worked and continues to work to improve and protect our public schools whilst keeping parents informed. She has been doing a tremendous job, especially all throughout the pandemic 2020-2021.
How do you describe this woman’s leadership style?
Sue leads by example but is not afraid to lay down the facts when she needs to.
What is inspiring about this woman?
Her dedication to service
How she impacted Upper Keys BPW or the community?
Sue Woltanski is a steady voice of reason and cares deeply for our county children and teachers, all whom benefit from her leadership.
MEMBERS: Please review nominations for Business of the Year or click here to place your vote no later than October 12 [closed]. You must be logged into your membership profile to vote.
Thanks to our 2022 Awards Sponsor:
