Lori Bailey, a senior vice president at First State Bank of the Florida Keys, was named 2025 Woman of the Year by the Upper Keys Business and Professional Women (BPW). Beyond the Barre Fitness was selected as 2025 Business of the Year.
The awards came on Oct. 15, at the BPW “Celebration of Working Women” at Pilot House Restaurant in Key Largo.
Bailey was recognized for her leadership, positive impact and service to the community, which includes involvement in local chambers of commerce, the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club and the Good Health Clinic board of directors. Bailey also serves on the BPW Florida Education Foundation board of directors.
Beyond the Barre was recognized for its fun and flexible fitness offerings, support of Upper Keys BPW and broader charitable efforts. In addition to serving on the Upper Keys BPW board, owner Bernice Dionne and her business partner, Natalie Shea, were recently crowned the 2025 Big Kahunas for raising a record-breaking $67,000 for the Good Health Clinic.
“Lori and Bernice embody the true spirit of BPW by illustrating what it is to be an empowered woman and by supporting other women in all facets of their lives on a daily basis,” said Patricia Milian, Upper Keys BPW president. “We congratulate Lori, Bernice and all of our nominees on their well-deserved recognition,” Millian continued.
The other nominees for 2025 Woman of the Year were Elizabeth Brown, Adriana Cuomo and Bernice Dionne. Also nominated for 2025 Business of the Year were Cirque Salon Studios and SouthState Bank.
Women’s scholarships awarded
At the same event, a total of $3,500 in scholarships were awarded to Kara Biery, Kristin Szpak and Jennifer Dutton.
The Upper Keys BPW Adult Women’s Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to working women who reside in the Upper Keys and are seeking to advance their career goals through education and training. Scholarships are awarded twice a year, in May and October.
“We are thrilled to support the continuing education of these hard-working Upper Keys women,” said Milian. “We thank the entire BPW community and the organizations that support us through sponsorships and donations that make it possible to present these scholarships.”
The Oct. 15 event and the 2025 Woman of the Year and Business of the Year awards were sponsored by South State Bank.
More information is at upperkeysbpw.org.
