BPW Connection 

March 2023

In this issue: 

President's Message  -- Events -- Opportunities --Member news!

President's Message

Happy Women’s History Month!

Since the 1980s, March has been designated as Women’s History Month by presidents here in the United States. Within the month itself, March 8 has been celebrated as International Women’s Day since 1911. And March 14 is Equal Pay Day this year: the date that symbolizes how far into the new year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year.

It’s a great time to look around and appreciate the choices made by working women in our own lives.

I think of my grandmother Agnes who taught in a one-room schoolhouse for many years in the 1950s. Sixty years ago, my neighbor Eleanor joined the Navy when she was in her early twenties. My mom Judy made a decision to further her education in nursing when my sisters and I were still in elementary school.

These women contributed to family, community and my own history through their work. What women’s work are you grateful for?

March is also a great time to commit to personal action that puts our own stamp on Women's History.

This might mean encouraging someone in your life who’s pursuing higher education or seeking new opportunities to further her career, and BPW is here to help:

• Our Women’s Scholarship Program will open for applications for the Spring award cycle on March 15.

• Our new Job Board has a range of available positions, with more being added regularly. See below!

If you know someone who could use a hand or benefit from our network of working women, please share these resources.

Or participate directly in the next chapter of women’s history here in the Upper Keys by getting more involved in our BPW.

Next week’s luncheon program will review our current priorities, dreams for the future and specific opportunities for everyone to get involved in our mission of empowering women.

However you celebrate Women’s History Month this year, I hope you know how much our community values you and your work!

Warm regards, 

Jill

Jill Kuehnert

Upper Keys BPW President

‪(305) 767-3928‬

Upcoming Events!

11:30 am -- Pilot House, Key Largo  

Our monthly luncheon program will be all about BPW, featuring some fun historical photos in honor of Women's History Month, an "Ask Me Anything" panel with BPW Board members and Open Mic for everyone who wants to talk about their work! 

Thank you to MarineLab for sponsoring this event.  

Registration closes at 9am on Monday, March 13

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8 am -- zoom 

Start your day by sharing something good with fellow BPW members and others in our community!

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And in case you missed it...

Thanks to everyone who came out for our February 15 Networking Night at the Angler House in Islamorada!

We had a great crowd of more than 40 members and guests enjoying the breezy tiki vibe, a drink or two and yummy snacks from Islaboards charcuterie. It was especially fun to connect with some of our newest members for the first time in person, as well as all the gal-pal-valentine guests that joined the fun.

Local author Tanya Hackney (pictured) was our special guest and gave an inspiring talk on partnership and the power of pursuing big dreams together. Lots of us related to her story about learning to drive the boat! 

📷 : Julie Johnson/Time Out magazine (click to see full album)

We did the Upper Keys Garden Walk together on February 18! After meeting up and perusing the vendors at the Garden Club, we split into carpool groups to visit all 5 gardens on the tour, including the lovely home of our member C Koconis.  Click the pic to see more photos of this super-fun day on Facebook.

Opportunities!

Discuss, Learn and Lead with BPW/FL 

BPW/FL is partnering with the Department of Labor's Women's Bureau to discuss the causes of pay inequity, the impacts and the remedies in a special "Equal Pay Day" zoom discussion at noon on March 14. Click here for more information. 

BPW/FL also offers virtual local organization leadership training sessions for anyone currently in a leadership role, considering one in the future or just interested in learning more. 

To watch recordings of past sessions on 1/10 and 2/8, or to register for the remaining session on 3/14 at 6:00-7:30 pm, please visit https://www.bpwfl.org/ and log in as a Member. 

And while you're there, check out plans for the BPW/FL State Conference in Ft Lauderdale in June!

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Check out openings on our new Community Job Board

The Upper Keys BPW Job Board is a new service to help match employers and employees in our community while raising funds for our Scholarship program and other activities. 

If you're a JOB-SEEKER, you can:

• Apply to open positions directly via the website

• Upload your resume for local employers to view any time

• Sign up for e-mail alerts and be the first to hear when new jobs are posted!

If you're an Upper Keys EMPLOYER, you can:

• Scan the resumes of local job-seekers

• Post job openings at very affordable rates, with discounted rates for BPW members (log in with your BPW website credentials)

• Use the code "SAVE50" for a limited-time 50% discount on the job posting fees!

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Email blast ads to locals.

Got a new location to promote? An event you want to get the word out? Reach our active mailing list of over 400 members and others in the Florida Keys. 

Our E-Blast prices are as follows:

$20.00 - Members

$35.00 - Non-Members

Complete this online form or send us an email to get the process started. 

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To learn more about these opportunities, send an email to BPWUpperKeys@gmail.com or contact one of our Board Members directly.

Member News 

We love celebrating our members' accomplishments!

• Capt. Lee Ann Holroyd completed her 40th year with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office — making her the longest-serving, full-time member with the agency!

• Ilja Chapman's boutique host travel agency, Travel Resources Group, won a 2023 Galaxy Award from Host Agency Reviews  

• Claire Montang received her first award as a Mortgage Loan Officer for increasing her production with Element Home Loans year over year by 243%

• Lauren Hoefert Dunn was selected as Coldwell Banker Schmitt's 2023 Rising Star.

Way to go!

~

Renewing & returning members

Glad you're still with us!

• Vivian Dodge, Chapters Health Hospice, member since 2021

• Lesly Quin (Quintanilla Lopez), Center for Independent Living of the Keys, member since 2018

• Debra Walker, Registered Professional Archaeologist, member since 2018

• Dennis Ward, State Attorney, 16th Judicial Circuit, member since 2016

• Sue Woltanski, Monroe County School Board, member since 2018

New members

Welcome, we can't wait to get to know you!

• Elizabeth Brown, Community Foundation of the Florida Keys 

• Nercy Radcliffe, Providence Healthcare Services

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Newsletter news!

Access past issues in our Upper Keys BPW Newsletter Archive.

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