Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Council Hosts Inaugural Leadership Luncheon "Real Talk: Lakeland Women Who Lead" Featuring Keynote Speaker, Alisha Martin

Something incredible happens when women come together to empower one another, and that energy was palpable at this inaugural event. Hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Business Council, Real Talk: Lived Experiences, Local Voices. Presented by Lyndsay Health, the event gathered women from across Lakeland for conversations about leadership that were honest and deeply grounding.

Started in 2023, the Women’s Business Council exists to cultivate a community in Lakeland where women in business are united by a shared purpose: to excel, uplift, and leave a lasting impact. Through mentorship, collaborative networking, and intentional skill‑building, the council works to empower women to navigate the business world with confidence and connection.

Master of Ceremonies, Emcee Patricia Uiterwyk (Venue Salon)

Chair of the Women’s Business Council, Sylvia Blackmon Roberts (Southeastern University)

The Chair of the Women’s Business Council, Sylvia Blackmon‑Roberts (Southeastern University), welcomed guests and offered a powerful invocation, setting the tone for an afternoon rooted in purpose and possibility.

​The sun smiled through the windows of the Junior League of Greater Lakeland building as the doorways embraced attendees who gathered in a space where so many women have gathered before. Constructed in 1927, the Building has long been a place where Lakeland women have organized, learned, and led. When the event began, the space itself seemed to listen.

Lived Experience, Local Voices Panel (Left to Right) Moderator, Amy Wiggins, Pamela Mutz, Deidra Joseph, Kay Fields, The Honorable Judge Brenda Ramirez, Michelle Netwal, Beatrice Dela Pena

Call it chit chat if you want, but when women gather and speak openly, it becomes something much greater. It becomes Real Talk. Our panelists included: Moderator, Amy Wiggins (Lakeland Chamber), Pamela Mutz (Dozen Family LLC.), Deidra Joseph (City of Lakeland), Kay Fields (Girls Inc. / Polk County School Board Member), The Honorable Judge Brenda Ramirez (Florida's 10th Judicial Circuit Court), Michelle Netwal (Bank of Central Florida), and Beatrice Dela Pena (GEICO). They spoke candidly about the fears, challenges, and successes that have defined their leadership journeys. Through sharing their stories, their successes all circled back to the importance of mentorship from others who believed in them, opened doors, and offered them opportunities at just the right moment. They reminded women unsure of themselves that leadership is not about perfection, it’s about honesty, resilience, and showing up.

From Bankruptcy to Boardroom: Keynote Speaker: Alisha Martin

Following the panel discussion, Alisha Martin of Suncoast Credit Union took the stage with her keynote, “From Bankruptcy to the Boardroom.” Her story captivated the room and echoed the same themes of vulnerability and grit. She spoke about difficult topics with humorous clarity like choosing courage, rebuilding herself, again and again, and about the unexpected places strength can come from. Her inspiring message complemented the panel’s discussion and significantly deepened it. All of it, from the stories, the candor, the laughter, and the quiet nods of recognition, felt right at home in a building that has held generations of women learning from one another. As the luncheon drew to a close, a simple truth lingered; none of these women got where they are today alone. Someone believed in them, encouraged them, and helped them grow.
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It seems that whether guiding an individual or supporting local business, growth often starts with one investing in another’s potential. That same spirit continues to shape Lakeland today, and The Chamber’s investment in the business community, while not mentorship in the traditional sense, believes in providing resources and opportunities to help businesses succeed.

Attendees with panelist Pamela Mutz and keynote speaker Alisha Martin

Thank you to our Master of Ceremonies, Patricia Uiterwyk, owner and operator of Venue Salon  and member of the Women’s Business Council, for her voice and commitment.

Thank you to our generous sponsors -
Presenting Sponsor - Lyndsay Health
Lunch Sponsor - Bank of Central Florida
Goody Bag Sponsor - SUN ‘n FUN | Aerospace Center for Excellence
Giveaway Sponsor - Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital
In-Kind Sponsors: Strong Souls - Venue Salon - Your CBD Store | SunMed - Healing Glow Juices

We kindly thank the volunteers from the Women’s Business Council for their time and dedication in supporting this inaugural event.

Thank you to the event's photographer, CatDave Productions.
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About the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce serves as the Catalyst for business success, Convener of leaders and influencers, and Champion for our thriving community. Its vision is to be the premier catalyst for the advancement of Lakeland’s economic growth and enhancement of quality of life.

About the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Council
The Women's Business Council was established to cultivate a community in Lakeland, Florida, where women in business are united by a shared purpose: to excel, uplift, and leave a lasting impact. Through mentorship, collaborative networking, and targeted skill enhancement, this council aims to empower women to navigate the business world confidently. By fostering a culture of resilience, innovation, and positive change, this council seeks to create a legacy of influential women who drive economic growth, inspire progress, and lead with purpose in the Lakeland community.

For more information on the Women’s Business Council, reach out to Dr. Takiyah Dixon, Director of Business Resources, at [email protected].