Learn and share in the history of ABWA with guest speakers
The Sanibel Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) is delighted that Lynda Rubenstein and Sheila Bedwell will be presenting an intriguing discussion entitled, “Learn the History of ABWA and Sharing the ABWA Experience through Mentoring,” on Tuesday, April 8 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The history of the ABWA will be presented by Lynda Rubenstein. Her background led her to ABWA, which association she credits with changing her life. After Rubenstein graduated from Woodbury Technical College in Los Angeles, Calif., with a BS/BA degree in Fashion Design, Merchandising and Marketing, she quickly began designing children’s clothes and women’s sportswear for two large international companies.
She later advanced her career by moving to New York to open a wholesale business where she sold dresses, as well as bridesmaid and wedding dresses to buyers at department stores.
Rubenstein joined the Palms of Edisonia Chapter of ABWA in 2005, where from 2006-2008 she served as the chapter’s membership chairman. During that time, she started the chapter’s monthly social event “The Lunch of the Month.” In 2008 Lynda was the chapter’s “Woman of the Year.” She continued her service to the chapter as vice president from 2009-2011 and then as president from 2011-2013. In the fall of 2013, Rubenstein moved her primary membership to the Sanibel-Captiva Chapter. She believes that the incredible women she met in ABWA has impacted her life immensely. Through their mentoring and direction she was able to succeed as a leader and improve her public speaking.
Sharing the ABWA experience through mentoring will be presented by Sheila Bedwell. She is a long time resident of Fort Myers since moving from Jackson, Tenn., in 1981. Bedwell holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Middle Tennessee State University and has been employed for many years by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners in the Division of County Lands as a real estate title examiner.
Bedwell has had an extensive career with the ABWA. She began as a charter member of the Lehigh Society Chapter in Lehigh Acres, Fla., where she served as program chairman, education committee chairman, secretary, vice president and then as the charter chapter’s president. In 2003 she was elected as the charter chapter’s “Women of the Year.” She is currently with the Palms of Edisonia Chapter where she has served as The Standing Rules Committee chairman, secretary and the chapter’s president. In 2011 she was elected as the chapter’s “Woman of the Year.”
Bedwell has also been very active in the Southwest Florida Council of the ABWA where she has served as nominating committee chairman, communications officer, vice chair of council and chair of the council. Her inspiration and expertise in mentoring has helped guide many of her ABWA sisters.
Networking begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Sanibel Community House on 2173 Periwinkle Way. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Guests are welcome. If you are interested in attending, please contact Carol Schapiro, membership chair, at 466-1956 or email her at cshap00@yahoo.com. The cost for the evening, including dinner, is $22, payable by check or cash. Please come and enjoy this opportunity to gain insights and knowledge from two well respected business women.