Wednesday Meeting

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 [...]

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 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 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 31st Meeting: W. Brent Cox, Jr CFE Former FBI Agent and Private Investigator SA Cox entered duty with the FBI on 8/2/1998. After graduation, he reported to the San Antonio Division, McAllen RA, where he worked on drugs and public corruption matters until 9/11/2001. He transferred to the National Security Branch and was a full-time bureau pilot with the Special Operations Group. In 2004, SA Cox transferred to the Tampa Division, Fort Myers, RA, where he started the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). In 2009, SA Cox was assigned to the Intelligence Division, and in 2010, he was transferred to the Cyber Division, where he expanded the Innocent Images Task Force and battled child pornography. In 2014, he was transferred to white-collar crimes working public corruption, healthcare fraud, and financial crimes. SA Cox completed a tour of duty in Iraq on behalf of the FBI in 2005. [...]