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Woman of the Year &
Business of the Year Awards
Recognizing our accomplished members |
Each October, Upper Keys Business and Professional Women (BPW) celebrates National Business Women’s Week by naming a Woman of the Year and a Business of the Year. These awards recognize individual Upper Keys BPW members and member-run businesses that have positively impacted our organization, shown support for working women and made meaningful contributions to the broader community. Nominations may be submitted during the annual nomination period (in September) by any Upper Keys BPW member in good standing. Members may submit more than one nomination for each award. Once the nomination window closes, all members will be invited to vote on the nominees as part of the final selection process. Awards are announced at our annual "Celebration of Working Women" event in October. | About National National Business Women's Week was created in 1928 by the National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs to recognize the important contributions made by working women. In 1938, it became an officially recognized annual event. Today, National Business Women's Week is celebrated nationwide during the third week of October each year. |
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2025 Woman of the Year: Lori Bailey
| Lori exemplifies the qualities of a true leader. She is generous with her time and knowledge, and exhibits dedication and resilience in every aspect of her life. Her lasting impact inspires others to strive for excellence — and you always get a really great smile from her! Lori serves as a role model and mentor, empowering women and future leaders to realize their potential. Her influence is far-reaching, and her legacy of service, innovation and advocacy is both distinguished and enduring. An active BPW member. Lori regularly sponsors BPW events in support of our scholarship recipients. She also serves at the state level on the BPW/FL Educational Foundation Board of Directors. She is a dedicated participant in countless community events, consistently showing up to support local initiatives and causes while encouraging others to volunteer alongside her. In addition to BPW, Lori is involved in several other community organizations, including the Upper Keys Chamber of Commerce, the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce, the Ocean Reef Chamber of Commerce, the Key Largo Rotary Club and the Board of the Good Health Clinic. She is widely recognized for her strategic insight, ensuring her work benefits both individuals and the broader community. From her long-standing nonprofit service to her support of multiple organizations, Lori makes a powerful difference in the Upper Keys. She is someone you can always count on. |
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2025 Business of the Year: Beyond the Barre Fitness |
Bernice Dionne, Owner Beyond the Barre is everywhere these days! Through her business, Bernice helps people physically become their best selves through yoga, Pilates, strength and cardio classes. Beyond the Barre offers consistent, fun and flexible class schedules with participation options at all levels — for women and, of course, men too. The community is seeing just how charitable Beyond the Barre is with its time and ENERGY. The business isn’t afraid to help where needed. Currently, Bernice is serving on the BPW board while also raising funds for the Good Health Clinic. |
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Upper Keys Business and Professional Women's Club is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization.
P.O. Box 231, Tavernier, FL 33070