01 Feb LO Spotlight: BPW/Hernando County
Local Organization:
Established (chartered) in:
Number of members:
BPW/Hernando County
1978
45
What’s interesting or unique about your location for working women?
We are proud to say that 80% of our members have retained their membership on a yearly basis. Our members span a range of ages from high school seniors to retired individuals. Some have been members since the 80’s. We are made up of Business Women, Small Business Owners, Nonprofits, Corporate Administration, Educators, Healthcare workers, Students, and Restaurateurs.
What are your meetings and networking activities like?
We meet on the fourth Tuesday of the month at The Bistro, 10 S. Main St, Brooksville, FL 34601. Meetings start at 5:30 pm with an informal networking reception. Dinner is served at 6:00 pm with an introduction and welcome by the president. The monthly speaker begins at 6:45 pm and our program is adjourned by 7:45 pm.
The Bistro is a female owned BPW member business. The monthly meetings allow members to share ideas, meet new people and find ways to help women.
What was your most popular or best-attended event in the past year? Do you have special events every year?
We have two main fundraisers each year.
First is the Breast Cancer Awareness event, where we partner with local businesses and healthcare providers, to raise funds and awareness during the month of October. Some funds are provided to BPW/FL and others remain locally for disbursements to men and women who are undergoing diagnostic testing, are being treated for breast cancer or are surviving breast cancer.
Second is a Fashion Show, which raises funds for high school seniors and women returning to school to further their educations. In 2020, we were able to provide $9,000 in scholarships.
We also typically hold two field trips a year to places such as historical Chinsegut Hill.
How does your organization participate in community-wide events?
BPW/Hernando County members believe in acting together to promote the advancement of working women through career development, networking, educational scholarships and legislation. We are making things happen in our careers, in our communities and in our personal lives.
What does your organization do to promote political awareness?
During election years we hold a candidate forum to give our members the opportunity to ask the hard hitting questions to help them better make their decision at the polls.
What opportunities for personal and professional development do you offer?
Our monthly speakers address many topics of interest to working women such as personal health, financial wealth, and advocacy in the workplace. Leadership and committee opportunities allow members to develop a range of skills such as communication, planning, budgeting, to name a few.
How do you support scholarships locally?
BPW/Hernando County has its own scholarship, which is awarded to high school seniors and women returning to school to further their education. Each year, several scholarships are awarded.
How do you reach potential new members in your community?
Announcements appear on our website and our social media presence.
Social media links
Facebook: @BPWHernando
