 |
| Suzi Youngberg |
Suzi Youngberg
UKBPW President 2021-22
305-393-6830
Memorial Day Was Unofficially Started by Women
Before the Civil War ended, women’s groups got together to decorate the graves of the soldiers who had passed away. On April 12, 1886, the Columbus Ladies Memorial Association in Columbus, Georgia, announced they would dedicate one day a year to decorating graves as a way to remember fallen soldiers. This was one of many events put on by local Ladies Memorial Associations that eventually led to the federal holiday.
It Was Originally Called Decoration Day
The holiday wasn’t called Memorial Day until 1971. Before that, it was known as Decoration Day. It was re-named in 1971, which is also when it became a national holiday.
Newly Freed Slaves Held One of the First Memorial Day Celebrations
One of the very first Memorial Day celebrations on record was held by newly freed slaves in Charleston, South Carolina.
Memorial Day includes a National Moment of Remembrance
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the National Moment of Remembrance Act, which was signed by President Bill Clinton in 2000. The act asks all Americans to observe a national moment of remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time on the afternoon of Memorial Day.
Flags Are to be Flown at Half-Mast Until Noon
You might think that the American flag should be flown at half-mast all day, but the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs states that the flag should be flown at half-staff “from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset, in honor of the nation’s battle heroes.”
Poppies Are a Symbol of Memorial Day
Poppies have long been used to remember fallen soldiers after the bright red flowers began to bloom on World War I battlefields following the end of the war.
"Tell Me Something Good!"
Let's start our day by sharing something good that is happening, has happened or will happen. Can be personal and/or professional related as long it is positive. Zoom link provided after RSVP.
June 2, 2021
8:00 AM - 9:15 AM
Coffee Talk with the Upper Keys BPW, first Wednesday of every month.
June Evening Social Event
June 16th, 6:00-8:00 PM
Mark your calendars!
(More info coming real soon!)
 |
| Pictured left to right: Gina Boilini, Patricia Milian, Brittany Parker, Suzi Youngberg, Mary Houston, Jill Kuehnert and Victoria Leonard |
Board of Directors
2021- 2022
Suzi YoungbergPresident Shall be the principal officer of the local organization
Suzi is a 24 year resident of the Florida Keys. She has been a member of Upper Keys BPW since 2015 and on the Board since 2016. She served as President in 2020-2021 and will be serving her second term this year.
Suzi currently works for Keys Life Magazine as a Sales Executive and the History of Diving Museum as Community Outreach Specialist. In addition to her commitment to Upper Keys BPW, she also serves on the Technology Committee for BPW/FL and is looking to expand her involvement at the state level.
Her other volunteer endeavors include being a Charter Member of the Upper Keys Advisory Council for the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys and she still supports and fundraises for American Cancer Society. Suzi is very passionate about BPW, supporting the community and empowering local women to become better leaders.
Treasurer Responsible for all monies of the local organization and shall report thereon at all meetings.
Victoria is originally from Houston, Texas. She moved to the Florida Keys 20 years ago and made this beautiful place her home. She married her high school sweetheart, and they have a four-year-old son who is playing t-ball for the first time this year, and a baby girl on the way.
Victoria started working at Florida Keys Electric Cooperative in 2006 in the mailroom. In 2008 she transferred to the accounting department, and became the Accounts Payable Specialist in 2017. Her work in the accounting department at FKEC will be beneficial for the role of Treasurer. She has been shadowing the outgoing Treasurer, Theresa Sutter, for the last eight months.
Soon after Victoria joined Upper Keys BPW she served on the Board of Directors as the VP of Hospitality since 2019.
Victoria wants to see the Upper Keys BPW grow and continue to be the most significant LO in Florida. She desires that BPW continue being known for its scholarship opportunities so that the community knows we are here to help support our local women in furthering their education and careers.
Jill Kuehnert Secretary Responsible for all correspondence of the Upper Keys BPW organization and for keeping records of meetings of the Board of Directors and other BPW activities.
Jill is a science communications and outreach consultant and the co-owner/operator of a private scuba charter.
Jill has spent more than two decades in science communications, working with farmers, plant scientists, agribusiness leaders and policy makers around the world. She currently supports a project to develop disease-resistant cassava in Africa.
Five years ago, Jill and her husband Glenn Wright moved to South Florida and in 2018 they launched Lucky Fish Scuba in Key Largo. On the boat, Jill often serves as First Mate and she is a PADI-certified Divemaster. On shore, she coordinates guest bookings, trip planning and provisioning, accounting and marketing.
Jill sees the Upper Keys BPW as a community where working women can connect with each other, further their professional development, and contribute broadly to society. Having previously served as chair of the Marketing Committee, Jill began service on the Board in 2021 as Secretary. Her organizational experience from work inside corporations and not-for-profit organizations and her marketing and communications skills are a great asset to Upper Keys BPW.
Gina BoiliniVice President of Development Responsible for recognizing and developing member-programs to enhance the membership value
Gina is the owner and Manager of Doc’s Diner. She was born and raised in Key Largo, and graduated from FSU. She returned back to Key Largo in 2009 and began working at the family Diner and she has been a partner in the business since 2014.
Her biggest joy is raising 2 young boys, in her hometown, operating her business, and of course BPW.
Gina has been a member of BPW since 2009 and served as the organization’s President for several years. She is SO EXCITED to possibly serve on the Board again. To work together for the betterment of our members and the women we represent!
Gina wishes for Upper Keys BPW to continue to be present in the community, educating our membership on tools that will enhance their business and personal growth. Celebrate women! Together we are stronger!
We know from experience that Gina will get stuff done, she is a team player and leader and will put Upper Keys BPW and its members first.
Vice President of Membership Responsible for growing and maintaining membership. Contact new and existing members, prepare new membership certificates and prepare them for installation, reconcile the states membership list with our list monthly, prepare member list for newsletters, install new members.
Mary has 19 years of experience in the insurance industry and just recently opened her own insurance agency. This has always been a dream of hers that is now coming true and her Business Degree will serve her well in this position.
Mary has experience in the membership area with another board she served at for over 7 years. She also will bring knowledge from previous membership duties for the PKS PTA Membership. Her interest is to see how her expertise and knowledge can be of great help to grow the Upper Keys BPW in the membership area.
Mary’s vision is to see each one of us empower each other and uplift one another.
Brittany ParkerVice President of Hospitality Responsible for finding and arranging for locations and speakers for regular monthly and special meetings.
Brittany moved to Key Largo in 2014 with a degree in Marine Science. She obtained a 50 ton Boat Captain, and PADI Dive Master certification. She worked for MarineLab and REEF until she made the switch into the health field. She is now the Program and Development Manager at the Good Health Clinic.
Brittany still captains for MarineLab and works as Dive Master for other charter companies on the weekends. She also teaches Paint & Sip classes at Baker’s Cay along with selling and commissioning her own work.
Brittany is comfortable with public speaking, organizing events, and reaching out to individuals for donations/sponsorships. She has connections with diving companies, conservation businesses, and an understanding of how non-profits function.
She will engrain herself further in the community and is looking to help expand the membership for younger members here in the keys. BPW is a wonderful group to be a part of and she would like to help more women who may not be aware of the membership opportunities.
Her positive attitude, ability to work alone and in a group, and love for the Florida Keys Community makes her a driven candidate for the Board of Directors.
Patricia MilianDirector Supporting any of the Vice Presidents in their role throughout the year
Patricia is the Director of Product Development and Brand Management at ComplyRight, Inc. (headquartered in Pompano Beach, FL) – previously Senior Vice President of Marketing.
Patricia is originally from northern New Jersey, she moved to South Florida with her family at the age of 16. After graduating from Lehigh University (PA) in 1985, she lived and worked in Broward County for 30 years. In 2001, she purchased a home in Key Largo as a second home. In 2015, she relocated with her husband to Key Largo and now lives here full time.
Patricia was excited to find a vibrant organization for professional women in the Upper Keys! For her it is an invaluable resource for women who aspire to be successful professionals, business owners and community leaders, offering support, education, coaching/mentoring, networking and friendship with women who have similar values, challenges and aspirations.
It is her vision that the organization continues to grow and thrive, and expand its reach and impact in our community as more professionals move to the Florida Keys.
Although Patricia continues to work for the Broward-based employer of 17 years she does have a bit of extra time on her hands, as she recently reduced her work schedule to four days a week and no longer has to commute weekly to Broward County. She is a strong supporter of the BPW mission to achieve equity for women in the workplace.
 |
| Pictured left to right: Suzi Youngberg, UKBPW President; Jenn Cappadona, UKBPW Scholarship Committee Member; Chelsea Trawick, 2021 Scholarship Recipient; Jackie Patterson, 2021 Scholarship Recipient; Annie Hagen, Holly Given Fund Representative; Gina Boilini, UKBPW Scholarship Committee Chair. (Not pictured: Lauren Sanchez.) |
