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2023 Nominees
Woman of the Year
Business of the Year
Each October, Upper Keys Business and Professional Women (BPW) celebrates National Business Women’s Week by naming a Business of the Year and Woman of the Year.
Congratulations!
2023 Woman of the Year Patricia Milian
2023 Business of the Year Voyage Blue Travel/Ilja Chapman
Keep scrolling to read about all of the women and businesses that were nominated for the 2023 awards: individual members and member-owned businesses that have inspired us and made particularly positive impacts on our organization and the broader community over the past 12 months.
Awards were presented at our Celebration of Working Women event on October 18, 2023. We're grateful to long-time supporters SouthState Bank for sponsoring both the awards and the event this year!
BPW WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2023
Nominees:
Cathy Brewer
Why are you nominating this woman?*
Cathy retired from the business community a few years ago, but has remained heavily involved in our community and delved head first into assisting with Marvelous Pet Rescue, not just volunteering on the board, but engaging in the activities of the nonprofit as well. She is a true inspiration to contributing her time and talents to help better our community.
How do you describe this woman’s leadership style?*
She is a servant leader, who is behind the scenes and not attracting the limelight, yet she is a powerhouse in assisting when needed and being there to support the growth and expansions of Marvelous Pet Rescue.
What is inspiring about this woman? *
Her energy and commitment to helping in our community, in an area that is continuously affected by disasters in other areas that require them to bring in abandoned and neglected animals and find them homes.
How has she impacted Upper Keys BPW?*
She attends BPW regularly and is involved in so many ways, always volunteering where needed.
How has she impacted the community?*
By helping our nonprofits which need committed individuals who are willing to step in and make a difference.
Anything else you'd like to add?
She is so dedicated, yet so unpretentious. She's great!
Carolyn De Paula
Why are you nominating this woman?*
Carolyn does so much for the community and is so humble about it. She is incredibly professional and a strong leader. Carolyn has been a leader in supporting upper keys mothers with small children through her role with WIC and assisting new mothers as a Certified Lactation Consultant. This is indeed a service to Keys new moms that is critical and there is only one other CLC in the area.
How do you describe this woman’s leadership style?*
She leads by example and is always helping others. Carolyn does so much for the community and is so humble about it. She is incredibly professional and a strong leader.
What is inspiring about this woman? *
In addition to her work with WIC, she and her family business De Paula Jewelers donate jewelry and art to a number of local non-profits and they have been giving solidly for well over a decade to these events in support of our local community.
How has she impacted Upper Keys BPW?*
Carolyn does so much for the community and is so humble about it. She is incredibly professional and a strong leader.
How has she impacted the community?*
Carolyn can always be counted on for a warm welcome to the community for those who have just arrived too.
Patricia Milian
Why are you nominating this woman?*
Patricia has done so much for BPW, both Upper Keys and at the state level. Her dedication, unwavering commitment, and exceptional contributions to our organization make her a standout candidate. Patricia embodies the true spirit of service and leadership within BPW. Her tireless efforts and continuous support in various capacities have left a mark on our organization.
How do you describe this woman’s leadership style?*
Patricia's leadership qualities are strong but friendly. She demonstrates an innate ability to lead by example, consistently stepping up to take on important roles and responsibilities within our organization. Patricia not only leads, but she also inspires others to contribute their best, encouraging and fostering collaboration.
What is inspiring about this woman? *
One of Patricia's most inspiring qualities is her inclusive and welcoming nature. She makes every member feel valued, appreciated, and a vital part of our organization. Patricia's warm and engaging personality creates an environment where everyone feels comfortable and inspired to participate actively.
How has she impacted Upper Keys BPW?*
Patricia's multifaceted skills and talents have significantly enriched Upper Keys BPW. Her expertise in marketing, branding, training, and professional development have been invaluable assets to our organization. Patricia generously shares her extensive knowledge and experience. She was also primarily responsible for the creation of the BPW Scholarship Endowment fund with CFFK and spearheaded the endeavor.
How has she impacted the community?*
Patricia's efforts with BPW have impact the community by helping bring more women into the organization offering valuable programs and networking opportunities, as well as increasing the scholarship fund to help more women in the community.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I wholeheartedly recommend Patricia Milian for the Upper Keys BPW Woman of the Year award, and I am confident that her selection would be a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding contributions and leadership within BPW and our community.
Elizabeth Moscynski
Why are you nominating this woman?*
Elizabeth is a tireless champion for all the Upper Keys businesses. She is quick to answer questions, offer assistance and promote both long-time and new businesses in the Upper Keys.
How do you describe this woman’s leadership style?*
Elizabeth is truly selfless in her leadership of the Chamber of Commerce. She does not look for accolades but is very much deserving of our appreciation.
What is inspiring about this woman? *
Elizabeth has been a constant support for businesses in the Upper Keys through both good times and difficult times. She helps businesses connect with each other and shares opportunities and information to help the entire business community.
How has she impacted Upper Keys BPW?*
She has helped BPW members connect with other Chamber members which greatly increases the reach of our BPW members (without even having to join the chamber!)
How has she impacted the community?*
She regularly promotes both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations throughout the Upper Keys. She is Key Largo's greatest champion.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Elizabeth is always helpful and looks for ways to help Upper Keys businesses connect and grow.
Sue Woltanski
Why are you nominating this woman?*
Sue is a fountain of correct information and thoughtful perspectives for everyone around her, and I have relied on her for advice many times over the years I have known her.
How do you describe this woman’s leadership style?*
She spends time researching stats and policy on complex topics but breaks it down clearly as to how for example education policy might affect your family. Candid and direct, but she understands the political implications of legislative mandates and other would be directives so she boil it down to what matters to you.
What is inspiring about this woman? *
Her extreme intellectual curiosity, and her continued efforts to advocate for Keys families and keep us informed.
How has she impacted Upper Keys BPW?*
Her expertise has informed our public policy discussions and she has been a member supporting our other members from scholarship donations to advocacy for years.
How has she impacted the community?*
She has a larger impact on the community at large through all her work to inform and represent Keys families than individual BPW members so her work is as strong or more important outside UKBPW. Common sense advocacy in the public interest and I’ve asked her curriculum questions regarding regarding college prep.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Sue is uniquely qualified to do the things she does on behalf of our community because she has been listening to residents and building expertise for many years.
BPW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2023
Nominees:
Houston Insurance Agency Inc. / Mary Houston
Why are you nominating this business?*
Great Business Ethic, Women ran, Does a lot to support our community, Takes pride in everything they do, Great People with Great Service.
Is this a woman-owned business and what is the title of the business’s highest-ranking woman?*
Yes, Mary Houston, President
How did this business demonstrate its commitment to workplace equality?*
Mary offers work to young women and men in the community and allows them to grow with her agency.
In what way did this business positively impact our community in the last year?*
Showing support to our local schools, helping fight for Fair Insurance Rates in Monroe Co., donates her time to non-profits and much more.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Houston Insurance Agency has only been in business for just over 3 years and has shown to be a HUGE supporter of the community.
Jellyfish Daydreams Tattoo / Cassandra Clark
Why are you nominating this business?*
It's been a rocky road for Cassandra in opening and keeping her business open, but she had done it and with great success.
Is this a woman-owned business and what is the title of the business’s highest-ranking woman?*
Woman owned - Yes, Cassandra is the owner and lead tattoo artist
How did this business demonstrate its commitment to workplace equality?*
Cassandra does not turn away anyone. She wears her heart on her sleeve and gives everyone, male or female, equal opportunity.
In what way did this business positively impact our community in the last year?*
Cassandra marketed her business in many different ways... Vendor events, social media, open house/ribbon cutting. There are not many events or orgnizations that she is not a part of.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Cassandra has built and continues to build Jellyfish Daydreams into a wonderful art gallery as well as a tattoo shop. She is an amazing artist, on whatever type of canvas she uses.
MountainTop Financial (Florida Keys Office) /
Alissa Reckard
Why are you nominating this business?*
Alissa is a relatively new business owner in our community, but yet, I have witnessed her involvement, engagement, and self-improvement progress throughout her time here. She recently has moved into her own office, which is the ultimate advancement in owning your own business. She constantly markets her business, bringing people together for everything from dinner at a nice restaurant, painting coconuts in a small group, and whatever means it takes to grow and establish herself as an authority in our community for financial success. She is a member of the local Toastmasters, continuously striving to improve her public speaking and make a difference, and she balances her work with raising three children and a husband that has joined our local sheriff's office. The entire family has embraced the Florida Keys and is making a difference every day.
Is this a woman-owned business and what is the title of the business’s highest-ranking woman?*
Alissa is established and runs the Mountaintop Financial office in the Upper Keys.
How did this business demonstrate its commitment to workplace equality?*
She always exemplifies the highest ethics and exposes her daughters to opportunities to volunteer and mentors them to become strong members of our community, helping them understand they can be part of a more equitable workplace.
In what way did this business positively impact our community in the last year?*
Alissa has become involved in the community, her entire family scubas and volunteers offshore assisting with our coral and reef protections. She is a member of Rotary, BPW and most of the local chambers. She gives back and contributes regularly.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Alissa is going to become a strong presence in our community. She is a natural-born leader that is not afraid to go for it.
Voyage Blue Travel / Ilja Chapman
Why are you nominating this business?*
Voyage Blue Travel is a perfect example of women entrepreneurship. Ilja Chapman started the business on her own and has grown it into a thriving business with employees. With such a strong work ethic and attention to detail, Voyage Blue Travel gives their clients exceptional service and care.
Is this a woman-owned business and what is the title of the business’s highest-ranking woman?*
It is a woman owned business. Ilja Chapman is the owner and president.
How did this business demonstrate its commitment to workplace equality?*
The owner is a woman as is her administrative assistant. She has mentored and encouraged a female agent who now works for her. Ilja is a strong advocate for working women.
In what way did this business positively impact our community in the last year?*
They have helped a lot of people in our community enjoy hassle free vacations! Voyage Blue is generous and involved in the community. They sponsor a BPW event at least annually and support the scholarship program. They are involved with the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I nominate Voyage Blue Travel because it represents exactly what BPW is all about!