Many have fled deprivation and persecution in search of a better life. They hold tight to their American Dream. They’re vital to Southwest Florida’s economy. They are the undocumented immigrants...
Strengths and vulnerabilities across and within systems are magnified during times like these. Our systems – healthcare, education, and the economy - are struggling under the weight of a virus...
Our world has changed, collectively and individually. Last week I was walking around Collaboratory and missing the energy of people meeting and connecting in the building. If I am honest,...
This column is difficult for me to write as it hits close to home. My birth year of 1963 places me on the cusp of the baby boomer generation, and...
Fresh starts, clean slates, new beginnings, and turning the page are all sentiments attached to New Year resolutions. The beginning of a new year provides a calendar driven opportunity to...
Recently I heard the Mayor of Pittsburgh, Bill Peduto, speak on the culture of collaboration in his City. Pittsburgh is a big-time sports town, so he used a striking sports...
Last week a teammate placed a hand-crafted sign on her desk that read, “this is my year” and I believe her. She is talented, committed and has some big goals. January...
It has been four years since I sent a family holiday card. Around October my expectations and intentions reach a pinnacle and I believe that a festive greeting and a...
No doubt many of you are recovering from the recent Easter egg hunting season. Spring is in the air and for weeks leading up to the Easter Bunny’s annual pilgrimage...
There was something very special about Mary. She lived to be 96 and during her lifetime she was educated, married a wonderful man, was well-traveled, had children and grandchildren she...
In just a few short weeks Southwest Floridians will be gathering around Thanksgiving tables with friends and family. I am in the gratitude business so you can imagine that Thanksgiving is...
Brace yourselves for the onslaught of back to school promotions. For those of you who grew up when school started after Labor Day the abundance of ads for all things...
by Anne M. Chernin, MBA, MSW, Director of Client Services JFCS of Southwest Florida Last month I had the opportunity to travel to the University of Florida in Gainesville to participate in...
How are you going to change the world? It was an innocent enough question that I asked each of the young professionals who visited our office last week. These six young...
The Women’s Legacy Fund hosted its Spring luncheon on Thursday, May 12 at Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club exclusively for its WLF contributors and Prima Donors....
I am wondering what your reaction is when you read the headline to this week’s column. Some of you might be thinking, “Are you kidding me, season in Southwest...
The next generation of philanthropists, those who fit into “Gen X” (born 1964-1980) or “Gen Y/Millennial” (born 1981-2000), will wield more philanthropic power than any previous generation, according to Nextgendonors.org....
Most everyone enjoys a beautiful love story. Whether it’s a best selling romance novel or watching an unexpected marriage proposal in a public venue we seem to be inspired by...
I am generally a glass half full type of person. I am a delusional optimist about most everything including my work. A new year caters to this type of thinking,...
There is no doubt that a New Year gives us plenty of chances to count things down. It seems to begin right around the week before Christmas when we become...
