provided to The Santiva Chronicle
The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee hosted its Fourth Annual Level HER Up Women’s Conference on May 5, welcoming 300 attendees for a full day of professional development, inspiration, and connection. The conference was supported by Lee Health as the Presenting Sponsor and hosted by the Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Foundation.
Level HER Up is a one-day conference designed to empower and support women in business through impactful keynote speakers, informative health experts, professional workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities. This year’s sold-out event featured nearly 25 sponsors, a full Vendor Village, and a diverse agenda of breakout sessions covering leadership, wellness, ambition, communication, career growth, and financial confidence.
The event raised over $44,000 to benefit the Women in Business Scholarship Fund, part of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which supports nontraditional students at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW).
The conference began with networking and breakfast, followed by opening remarks and a keynote address from Melanie S. Griffin, Esq. Attendees also participated in a Women’s Health Panel led by Lee Health experts addressing key topics across women’s life stages, including menopause, mental health, family planning, and pelvic floor health.
Throughout the day, attendees selected from multiple breakout sessions led by regional professionals and thought leaders, along with a fireside chat featuring local community leaders and focused on hormone health.
A highlight of the afternoon included the announcement of the 2026 APEX Award nominees and finalists, recognizing exceptional women leaders across Southwest Florida with outstanding reputations for professionalism, philanthropy, and leadership.
2026 APEX Award Nominees:
· Alicia Shannon, Children’s Advocacy Center of SWFL
· Anjali Van Drie, Family Initiative
· Alyce Bochette, Dance Bochette
· Brittany Larrivee, Oar & Iron
· Gina Dengler, Collaboratory
· Janessa Weiland, Chapman Insurance Group
· Jennifer L. Fisher, Esq., J. Fisher Law
· Jennifer Nelson-Lastra, Dress for Success SWFL
· Kristen Vanselow, Florida Gulf Coast University
· Mary Bondurant, Bondurant Realty Group and San Cap Pink Project
· Trish Routte, SWFL Crime Stoppers
2026 APEX Award Finalists:
· Alicia Shannon, Children’s Advocacy Center of SWFL
· Anjali Van Drie, Family Initiative
· Gina Dengler, Collaboratory
Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in raffles throughout the day, including standout prizes such as a $600 certificate to Megan Dipiero Photography and a 16K teardrop diamond necklace from Dunkin’s Diamonds valued at $1,600.
“Seeing 300 Southwest Florida women come together for a day of learning, encouragement, and meaningful connection was truly inspiring,” said Kelly Thawley, Chair of the 2026 Level HER Up Committee and board member of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce. “I am deeply grateful to our sponsors, speakers, volunteers, attendees, and hard-working committee members who helped make this year’s Level HER Up Conference such a tremendous success. The energy in the room was a powerful reminder of what happens when women invest in one another’s growth and leadership in authentic ways.”
The Women in Business Committee looks forward to celebrating the milestone Fifth Annual Level HER Up Women’s Conference in 2027, continuing its commitment to advancing women through leadership development, education, and scholarship support.
To learn more about the Women in Business Committee or upcoming events, visit FortMyers.org.
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