Empowering the Next Generation

The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women’s constitutional right to vote. The passage marked the largest expansion of democracy in the history of our country. To mark this momentous anniversary, Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation (EWPBF) in partnership with the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County and The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County, will host a community panel discussion titled “Empowering the Next Generation” on March 11, 2020 at 11:45 a.m. at The Ben located at 251 N. Narcissus Ave, West Palm Beach.

Moderated by Sophia E. Eccleston, Florida Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission and FPL External Affairs Manager, the panel will include Rita Craig, Chair, Florida Commission on the Status of Women; Verdenia Baker, Palm Beach County Administrator, Board of County Commissioners; and Karen Wilkerson, Director, League of Women Voters of Florida & President, League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County.

“This historic centennial offers an unparalleled opportunity to commemorate a milestone of democracy and to explore its relevance to the issues of equal rights today,” said Trixy Walker, EWPBF board president. “This dynamic panel of women will also discuss how the issues at the state level impact the residents of Palm Beach County now and the future and will also provide insights on the future of the League of Women Voters and how you can get involved in women’s issues on a local level.”

Event sponsors include Florida Power & Light, Cushman Wakefield, Crown Roofing and media partner The Palm Beach Post.

Tickets are $75 per person and $65 for Members of EWPBF and Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County and The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County. Tickets will be $85 after March 3. For tickets or more information about EWPBF please visit www.ewpb.org or call (561) 868-7070 or register online at https://www.ewpb.org/events/.

About The Ben:
The Ben West Palm, an Autograph Collection Hotel, channels the spirit of one of West Palm Beach’s original homes and interprets it for a modern traveler. The name honors the Byrd Spillman Dewey, an accomplished author who, in 1892, named her Victorian home Ben Trovato, literally meaning “well invented” or “well found.” As an early pioneer, she entertained luminaries Henry Phipps Jr., Woodrow Wilson, and the Vanderbilts at her home. Much like the Ben Trovoato Estate, The Ben is an unconventional hotel and a unique venue for socialization, lively conversation, enjoyment, and enrichment. To learn more visit https://www.thebenwestpalm.com/.

Byrd Spillman Dewey: As a writer, conservationist and early pioneer, she witnessed Florida’s development from 1881 until her passing in 1942 and was a frequent contributor to such magazines as Good Housekeeping, Vogue and the Christian Union. As a trailblazer for women journalists in South Florida, she became the first columnist for The Tropical Sun, the earliest South Florida newspaper. She also began investing in land near Lake Worth in 1892 that was eventually platted by her and her husband in 1898 as the Town of Boynton, making her the only woman to plat and found a town in the to-be Palm Beach County.

About Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation:
Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation, Inc. was founded by senior professional and executive women in Palm Beach County, Florida, to support and advance women in business and community leadership. Today, EWPBF’s membership includes leaders in arts & culture, banking, business, construction, education, finance, government, healthcare, law, marketing, non-profit management, publishing, real estate, utilities, and many other business endeavors in Palm Beach County. Since 1983, the foundation has contributed to growing the status of and opportunities for girls and women in Palm Beach County. The organization has awarded over 300 scholarships to deserving young women and 20 significant grants to local nonprofit programs that amount to more than $750,000. EWPBF is dedicated to inspiring women personally and professionally for the betterment of business and the community. For more information about the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation, please visit www.ewpb.org.