May 2022

 











BPW Connection | NEWSLETTER
May 2022


Suzi Youngberg
 


Greetings Upper Keys Business & Professional Women
This is my final President's Message! In just a few days, I will have the pleasure of installing a new Board of Directors for Upper Keys BPW.  It's going to be a fun and meaningful ceremony, I hope many of you will be there to support the outgoing and incoming leadership. You can see the Slate of officers below in this newsletter. Wow, what a list of amazing women! I am so proud to have served as your President for two years, and feel even more pride that the women I've served with are stepping up and continuing to lead us into the future of our organization! We have come so far in the last decade and I can't wait to see where we go from here.
Since this is my last message, I would like to share some of my history with BPW.  I joined in September of 2015, after making a major career change. I joined BPW for networking connections but discovered so much more. I found a tribe. In June 2016 I was asked to join the Board as VP of Hospitality and I served in that position for 3 years. In May 2019, I accepted the position of President Elect and in 2020 became President.  In 2021, I also accepted the position with BPW/FL as Delegate to the Council of Presidents. 
My two year term as UKBPW President took us through the pandemic, virtual events, online fundraising, followed by cautious social distanced events, slowly getting back to normal in the last 6-8 months. I like to think I was the right person at the right time and I'm proud that we were able to continue doing business, that our events switched seamlessly to virtual and back, and neither our Membership nor our Scholarship fund ever suffered. 
It has been my extreme pleasure to serve on your Board for these last 6 years, and I want to thank you for all you have given me! I have learned so much from this organization and hope I have become a better leader as a result. You have awarded me with the prestigious Woman of the Year Award twice, in 2018 and 2021 and I am beyond proud of those awards! 
My reasons for sharing my BPW journey is in the hope of inspiring you to step up and get more involved in this amazing organization. There are Committee positions, including Chairs, available now and that's a great place to start. Get more from your membership, receive leadership training, become more involved in the community - all of these are benefits of BPW!  
You will continue to see me at our events and involved in supporting our local and the state BPW platforms. Please attend the luncheon Wednesday, members and non-members welcome, as we award the Adult Scholarship winners! See the new Board installed and don't miss the BIG announcement regarding the Scholarship Fund!  Registration closes at 9:00 AM TODAY! REGISTER HERE.
With love and gratitude,

Suzi Youngberg
UKBPW President 2021-22
305-393-6830





Join us on Wednesday, May 18th

for our Annual Meeting & Luncheon!


Program includes 

  • Annual Report
  • Board Election and Installation
  • Spring Scholarship Awards
  • Plus a special announcement about our Scholarship Program

  • Check-in & Networking starts at 11:00
  • Program 11:30am - 1:00pm

Admission is ONLINE IN ADVANCE ONLY

 $25 for Members

$30 for Non-Members

Register before 9:00 AM on Monday, May 16th
to secure your spot!


Donations will be collected for our Spotlight Charity:

BPW/FL Education Foundation

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Thank You to our Sponsor - Coral Restoration Foundation




"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 1st

8:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Coffee Talk with the Upper Keys BPW, first Wednesday of every month.


MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

May 19-22 BPW/FL State Conference
June 15 Evening Event - Location TBA


Professional Development Series | Upcoming Sessions


Stay tuned for more Professional Development workshops coming soon. 



CLICK HERE to watch a slideshow of the Spring Member Expo!
Some photos courtesy of Time Out Magazine (Julie Johnson)



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  Jill Kuehnert 

President  Shall be the principal officer of the local organization 

Jill is a consultant serving agriculture technology projects internationally, as well as the co-owner of a private scuba and snorkel charter boat in the Florida Keys.

For more than two decades, Jill’s consulting practice Seed Stories has focused on science communications and project support, working with farmers, researchers, philanthropies and businesses around the world. Most recently she worked with a team developing disease-resistant cassava in Africa.

Five years ago, Jill and her husband Glenn Wright moved from Singapore 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, 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. In 2020, she was named Upper Keys BPW Woman of the Year.


 Gina Boilini

Vice 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 her 3 children, 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 5 years. She is SO EXCITED to 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.  


  Patricia Milian

Vice President of Membership Responsible for growing and maintaining membership and installing new members.

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. 


 Brittany Marie Parker

Vice 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. 


   Victoria Leonard 

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 two beautiful children, Elijah and Avery, and three rescue pups.

In 2006 Victoria started working at Florida Keys Electric Cooperative. She has been in the accounting department since 2008 and is currently an Accounting Specialist. Her many years working in the accounting department at FKEC will be beneficial for the role of Treasurer.

Victoria joined Upper Keys BPW in 2019 and began serving on the Board of Directors shortly after joining. Victoria enjoys the connections and cherishes the relationships she has made since joining BPW. She wants to see the Upper Keys BPW grow and continue to be the most significant LO in Florida.  It's her desire that BPW continues being known for its scholarship opportunities that way the community knows BPW is here to help support local women in furthering their education and careers.


  Mary Houston 

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.

Mary has 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, and she owns her own agency- Houston Insurance Agency in Tavernier, Fl. 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 secretary position with another board she served at for over 7 years.  She also will bring knowledge from previous secretary duties for the PKS PTA. Her interest is to see how her expertise and knowledge can be of great help to grow the Upper Keys BPW.

Mary’s vision is to see each one of us empower each other and uplift one another.


 Margie Smith

Director 1 Supporting any of the Vice Presidents in their role throughout the year

Margie Smith is a business consultant with the Florida SBDC at FIU, assisting businesses in the Keys. You may have worked with her during the pandemic accessing disaster loans or help to grow your business.

She had a 14-year career in aviation from aircraft mechanic to airport manager in Chicago to work with the FAA in D.C. on national projects from airspace design to organizational reform after serving as a U.S. Congressional staffer.  She lastly represented the nation's public airports before the federal government as Dir. of Regulatory Affairs for the American Assoc. of Airport Executives.

In Monroe County, Margie served as CEO of United Way of the Florida Keys, a business development officer for both CenterState Bank and Islamorada Investment Management. Active in business groups Keyswide since 2010, she is Immediate Past President of the Ocean Reef Chamber of Commerce, BPW FL Board Member and Membership Chair, serves on advisory boards for Monroe County Parks and Recreation and Mote Marine Lab, and is your Tourist Development Council at-large Representative for DAC IV. Margie has a B.S. in Aviation Mgmt and MPA from Southern Illinois University. An Honorary Conch for countywide public service and White House Fellowship Finalist, Margie can often be found poolside at swim meets with her husband Cale and two teen daughters. 


 Annamarie (Amy) Young

Director 2  Supporting any of the Vice Presidents in their role throughout the year

Growth in the nonprofit sector is my passion and I am thrilled to contribute to such an empowering organization like the Upper Keys BPW. I am currently earning the Sunshine Certificate in Nonprofit Management with Nova Southeastern University and Broward College. I also serve on the fundraising committees for both Ocean Studies Charter School and Good Health Clinic's annual Luau. My wish is to facilitate the needs of local nonprofits to further strengthen our community.

Previously, I have worked for over a decade in medical office management and have also spent many years in the hospitality business. In 2019, I founded and coordinated Barracuda Fest, a day long music festival celebrating local musicians.  

I am happily married with 2 boys ages 6 and 9, and as a Keys resident for almost 2 decades, I still couldn't be more enthralled with this community. I absolutely love painting and musical arts.




NEW AND RENEWING MEMBERS


New Members -  

Vianey Diaz, Simply IOA 
Becky Washam, Sandbar Books 
Mary Woods, Mary Woods MD 

Renewing Members -

Cathy Brewer

Jennifer Cappadona, Electric Cooling & Illumination, Inc.

Adriana Cuomo, SouthState Bank

Christine Lauterborn, Keystroke Media LLC 

Pam Martin, SHINE, Alzheimer's Assoc., AARP 

Mardella Wheaton, Wheaton's Tire Center 





Ask about the benefits of being a member!  bpwupperkeys@gmail.com




Member Spotlight | Meet Courtney Dorchak

Courtney Smith Dorchak, MS, RD, LDN, CDCES
Registered Dietitian and Founder of The Keys to Nutrition
Nutrition Counseling and Consulting Services based in the Florida Keys




Greetings and Happy National Nutrition Month!

I am a Registered Dietitian (RD) and Founder of The Keys to Nutrition, a nutrition counseling and consulting practice based in the Florida Keys. I provide virtual and office individual consultations. I am able to practice across Florida and many other states via telehealth. My main practice areas include diabetes, sports nutrition, plant-based eating patterns, weight management, gastrointestinal conditions, and cardiovascular health. I am a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) and accept Medicare, which covers nutrition counseling for diabetes.

I was born and raised in the Florida Keys. My interest in nutrition stemmed from my competitive nature while running cross country and track in high school. During this time, I realized the role of diet in athletic performance and went to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, to pursue a degree in Nutritional Sciences. I ran Division I cross country and track for the first two years of college. I then pivoted my focus to volunteering in a food marketing research lab, consulting for Cornell Dining, and serving in leadership roles for the undergraduate dietetic association.

Upon graduation, I completed my dietetic internship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Through my clinical rotations, I solidified my interest in diabetes and completed focused rotations at Eskind Diabetes Clinic at Vanderbilt. In 2012, I returned to the Keys and started practicing as a dietitian. I founded The Keys to Nutrition and began taking clients privately while working in other roles with the dream of transitioning to full-time private practice.

I have since worked in a diverse range of practice areas and patient populations including long term care and community nutrition with the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Ryan White (HIV) programs for the Florida Department of Health. For more than seven years, I served as the sole Clinical Dietitian for Mariners Hospital of Baptist Health South Florida. I provided the inpatient nutritional care and worked with various outpatient programs including diabetes, cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, and oncology. During this time, I pursued an MS in Clinical Nutrition from The University of Alabama. I also dove into the world of triathlon and worked my way up the ladder to ultimately complete Ironman Arizona with my husband in 2017.

Recognizing the increased need and utilization of telehealth with the pandemic, I saw an opportunity to build my practice virtually. After almost 10 years of practice, I am happy to report that I transitioned The Keys to Nutrition to full-time in January 2022.

Aside from training for a race, I can be found tending to my plants including my butterfly and aromatic garden and trying to keep up with my banana trees. I joined BPW/Upper Keys in 2021.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/the keys to nutrition


  Emily Haydocy           
Public Policy Chair        



Florida Legislature Action Alert


Call your legislators to express your opinion.  All 160 Florida legislators are up for reelection this year; they need to hear from their voters now!

Representative Jimmie Mooney 850-717-5120

Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez 850-487-5039

 

I’m sure you have heard of the Supreme Court’s possible decision to overturn Roe V. Wade. This decision is going to affect many lives from various demographics and cultures.  As stated in the Healthcare plank of the BPW/FL Legislative Platform, we support legislation that ensures reproductive choice and full access to all reproductive health education and services, including prescriptions. 

What happens if Roe V. Wade is overturned? Women living in about half of all US states could soon lose access to abortion.  A leaked Supreme Court document, a draft opinion from Justice Samuel Alito, said the majority of the court's judges favored overturning the ruling which in 1973 established a woman's right to an abortion. 

The prospect that nearly 50 years later this nationwide protection could be eliminated is dismaying to say the least. Congress is already considering a federal ban on abortion, and access to birth control has even been put into play. What's next? Did you know that less than 50 years ago a woman could not have a credit card in her own name? 

This ruling is about so much more than abortion and we need to be aware and make our voices heard.  Women’s organizations around the country -- and right here in Florida – are making our voices heard in many ways. For example our sister organization, BPW/St. Petersburg – Pinellas has formed a coalition in their community, the Women’s Advocacy Group of Pinellas (W.A.M.P.) and marched together this past weekend. 

We welcome ideas from our membership as to how we can stay informed of these important developments and speak up for women’s rights in our own community.


 UPPER KEYS BPW PUBLIC POLICY PLATFORM PLANKS:

1. Economic Equity, Opportunity, and Self-Sufficiency

2. Environment

3. Healthcare

4.Safe Workplace

5. Equality for All

*UKBPW Platform Planks mirror BPW/FL's Public Policy Platform, but are in order of importance to Upper Keys Members, based on a recent survey of membership.





Committee Chairs and Members also needed for 2022-23.
Consider one of the following:
Membership Committee
Marketing Committee
Public Policy Committee 
Scholarship Committee 







Atta Girl to Courtney Dorchak!
BPW Member Courtney Dorchak won first place title at the Key Largo Sprint Triathlon last weekend!
Great joy Courtney!



Atta Girl to Claire Montang!
BPW Member Claire Montang on her nice article in the Keys Weekly this past week.
Way to go Claire!

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW DESERVES AN ATTA GIRL, PLEASE SEND US THE INFORMATION AND WE'LL MAKE SURE YOU/THEY ARE RECOGNIZED!   bpwupperkeys@gmail.com