Fort Myers, FL (June 6, 2019) —  Women from across Southwest Florida participated in a free community conversation as part of the Voices of Florida Women project at the City Pier. Dr. Cindy Banyai, Evaluation and Design Advisor to the Southwest Florida Community Foundation and Principal, Banyai Evaluation & Consulting, moderated the event attended by more than 50 women and included Randall Henderson, Jr., Mayor of the City of Fort Myers.

“We are excited to host our first Community Conversation of 2019 here in Southwest Florida,” said Project Chair Commissioner Jenna Persons. “We look forward to talking with women bout the issues that are important to them and continuing that dialogue in the future in our locale and across the State.”

The year-long Voices project, sponsored by the Florida Commission on the Status of Women (FCSW), is intended to help gain a comprehensive understanding of issues impacting Florida women and their families. A report with the findings and recommendations will be released in January 2020.

“The Florida Commission on the Status of Women hopes to gain the best possible understanding of Florida women’s concerns,” said Commission Chair Lady Dhyana Ziegler, DCJ, Ph.D. “We are encouraging women from across Florida to talk to us about the challenges they encounter in their everyday lives so we may share their concerns at the local, state, and national levels. Providing this data to key decision makers and leaders will help make positive changes for all women and families.”

Free community conversations will be held throughout the state during the Fall, allowing women from diverse backgrounds and locales to gather and express their concerns and ideas. A comprehensive online survey will also be available to those unable to attend a live session. For questions about this event and the Voices of Florida Women project, contact Kelly Sciba, Executive Director at ksciba@fcsw.net.