Featured Speaker for August 24th Meeting: Vickie Gelardi Author & Medicinal Food Consultant Vickie Gelardi has been helping people reverse disease and live healthier lives since the late 1970s. Initially, she worked with children on the autism spectrum. Vickie broadened her consulting work to adults with various diseases. In 1976, Vickie founded the Feingold Association of New York. At that time, food labeling was not clear. Vickie testified before congress concerning proper labeling as most children with learning and behavior issues cannot tolerate artificial coloring and flavoring in foods. Our labeling today is significantly more transparent as a result of her efforts. Her rich background in food and psychology contributes to her work in holistic healing. As a Medicinal Food Consultant at Lotus Blossom Clinic in Fort Myers, Vickie works with clients dealing with various health issues such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, auto immune diseases, etc. Vickie is one of the founders [...]

Featured Speaker for August 17th Meeting: Kelly Thawley College/Career Specialist, Lee County School District Kelly Thawley, College and Career Specialist for The School District of Lee County, oversees work-based learning, career exploration, and business partnerships from kindergarten through 12th grade within the Career and Technical Education Department. She is dedicated to helping students discover their passions and connecting those students to the local workforce in Southwest Florida, encouraging them on the pathway to a successful career. Kelly is also deeply committed to inspiring young women to follow their dreams and fulfill their true potential by serving on the Planning Committee for the LEAD Like a Girl program, on the Board of Directors for Our Mother’s Home, and as the Chair of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Committee. She graduated summa cum laude from Muskingum University, Ohio, with a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a minor in Psychology. Kelly [...]

Featured Speaker for August 10th Meeting: Susana Mapu FBI Special Agent, Tampa Division Ms. Mapu joined the FBI in 2004 and has worked in McAllen, Texas and Tampa. During her career, she has investigated health care fraud, bank fraud, mortgage fraud, bankruptcy fraud, investment fraud, money laundering, and public corruption. Currently Ms. Mapu is the Tampa Division Field Office primary Civil Rights representative. Prior to joining the FBI, Ms. Mapu was enlisted in United States Navy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Tarleton State University and is fluent in Spanish. WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING Join us on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops 13051 Bell Tower Drive, FL, 33907 Can't Make it? Join our Zoom Meeting - 3 Ways to Join ONE Click on the link to our ZOOM ROOM below. With this [...]

Featured Speaker for August 3rd Meeting: Sam Lewis Intersection of Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy A Southwest Florida native, Sam Lewis, attended the University of Florida where he studied business and psychology. Whether it has been through business or a medical field, Sam always knew he had a calling for helping others. This ultimately transpired into his discovery and passion for social entrepreneurship, and later his “WTF (Wear The Fund) epiphany”. WTF is a Fort Myers-based company that specializes in screen-printing, embroidery and promotional items. Wear The Fund donates 3 percent of every purchase to the clients’ specified charity or non-profit choice, which is significantly higher than Amazon’s program at .5 percent of sales and Patagonia's at 1 percent. In his seventh year of operation, Lewis’ company has given diverse causes close to $200,000. That includes amongst many others: LARC (Lee County Association for Remarkable Citizens), Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Keep Lee County Beautiful, Human [...]

Brendan Sloan Roads & Roads: A Day in the Life of a Civil Engineer Featured Speaker for July 27th Meeting: A Southwest Florida native, Brendan Sloan attended Bishop Verot High School before graduating from Florida State University with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. He has been a licensed professional engineer in the state of Florida for more than a decade, helping to complete the Reitz Student Union redesign in Gainesville, residential communities at Ave Maria, University Village near FGCU, and Hope Healthcare's Lehigh Acres campus. Mr. Sloan is now one of the owners of Avalon Engineering, a Cape Coral-based firm that has served the tri-county area for more than 40 years. As the Vice President and Director of Engineering, he manages a growing team of professionals that specialize in the planning, design, and permitting of residential, commercial, and industrial projects of all sizes. Mr. Sloan is an active member of the [...]

Norm Lutz A Travelogue Through the Pictures on Norm's iPad (Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid.) Featured Speaker for July 20th Meeting: Norman Lutz grew up in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, where he graduated from Pequea Valley High School. After a 20-year career as a paramedic and 10 years in the insurance industry, Norm and Michele moved to Fort Myers, FL. Currently, Norm is the CEO of Iron Ridge Insurance Services. Iron Ridge Insurance is a boutique independent insurance agency with a focus on insurance solutions for architects & engineers, physician practices, residential associations, and religious organizations. While not operating the company, Norm spends much of his time volunteering with the Rotary Club of Fort Myers – Sunrise and the Strasburg Cemetery Association. Norm’s hobbies include woodworking, genealogy, and the occasional round of golf. Norman believes he is not a member of a tribe and often quotes, “It is better to be wisely self-daring than unwisely [...]

Lt. Angelo Vaughn The Lee County's Sheriffs Department Featured Speaker for July 13th Meeting: Lt. Angelo Vaughn is a distinguished Lee County Sheriff Deputy who grew up in Northeast Ohio and moved to Lee County in 1987. Lt. Vaughn served for 4 years in the United States Marine Corps before joining the Lee County Sheriff’s department in 1994. Throughout his extensive career, Lt. Vaughn has not only protected and served the community with his work as a deputy sheriff but he also participates in various community outreach programs. Lt. Vaughn has been closely involved in coaching youth football, high school swimming, and wrestling programs. Along with his time spent coaching, Lt. Vaughn has immersed himself in the community by becoming a Rotary Club member, NAMI board member, and is on the board of directors for the ACT. WEEKLY SUNRISE MEETING Join us on Wednesday at the [...]