Show notes Barbara is the mother of three children Amanda, Alyssa, and Hailey. Dr. Sharief has six degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, and an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner Degree from Florida International University. Commissioner Sharief is one of the youngest people to have passed the RN board exam in the State of Florida. Dr. Sharief received her Doctor of Nursing Practice on October 13, 2017. As a business owner and active parent, her commitment to her community led her to public service. Commissioner Sharief was Commissioner and Vice-Mayor for the City of Miramar from 2009 to 2010. In 2010, she was elected to the Broward County Commission, District 8 which serves the culturally diverse population of Hallandale Beach, Miramar, Pembroke Park, Pembroke Pines, and West Park. In 2013, Commissioner Sharief was selected as the first African American Mayor of Broward County and in 2016, was selected once again as Broward County’s Mayor. During her tenure, she has advocated for affordable healthcare, mortgage and foreclosure relief, solutions for homelessness, and for entrepreneurial/small business assistance and mentoring programs. Commissioner Sharief will continue representing her constituents on a state and national level to advocate for economic stability through job creation, small business support, advocating for COVID 19 financial assistance, affordable healthcare, equal access to care, fair wages, neighborhood revitalization, education, equal rights for all and quality care for the elderly, veterans, and children. As of November 2022, Commissioner Sharief will term out as the Broward County Commissioner for District 8 and she has her sights set on running for Congress in 2022. Commissioner Sharief is registered as a candidate to run for US Congressional District 20 and will be on the ballot for the special Primary election scheduled for November 2, 2021. Business Owner & Elected official Healthcare COVID-19 and getting vaccinated Gun Violence Rent Assistance Voting Rights US Congressional District 20 race Giveaway offer Two (2) signed copies of ”No Glory Without a Story! Stepping out on Faith to Birth the Business within You!” by Dr. Mia Merritt (Editor) and written by a collective group of entrepreneurs, including Commissioner Sharief. No Glory Without a Story is a MUST READ for anyone thinking about starting their own business. The authors in this book have shared their stories of how they took leaps of faith to pursue their dreams of becoming entrepreneurs. They share the good, the bad and the ugly. They talk about trials and triumphs, failures and successes and how they persevered in spite of what it looked like. Some days, they felt like giving up, but they pressed forward in their businesses and eventually, they reaped the benefits of the seeds that they had sown into their business. If you are thinking about starting your own business, this book is for you! Contact Information www.friendsofbarbarashariefforcongress.com https://www.facebook.com/barbarashariefforcongress

Dr. Elizabeth King's full bio: Elizabeth King, EdD, LCSW, CHt, better known as “The Holistic Psychotherapist” is an internationally recognized wellness expert, motivational speaker, hypnotherapist, radio-TV personality, success coach, author, social entrepreneur and philanthropist. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University. She is regarded by her peers as a thought leader and a visionary. Dr. King, who walks the talk of health, empowerment, and leadership. Her relentless pursuit to spread hope everywhere she goes, has led her life’s work or as she affectionately likes to refer to it as her “love walk”. Dr. King has over 25 years of experience in education, program development, consumer membership acquisition and large-scale event production. In particular, the national success of Suits, Stilettos, and Lipstick, a movement and annual conference that has engaged and retained thousands of women and earned more than a million dollars in cash and in-kind sponsorship. Dr. King is also the founder of the Lipstick Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower women and children through education, advocacy and charitable giving. Dr. King has been honored for her philanthropy with many prestigious awards such as the 2016 President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2017 American Business Women Association (ABWA) Wonder Woman Award, Hispanic Woman Distinction Award, 100 Outstanding Women of Broward County Award, PR Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Award and the National Association of Women Business Owner (NAWBO) Bravo Award Finalist. Dr. King has grown Suits, Stilettos and Lipstick into a national women’s movement and annual conference that has engaged and retained thousands of women and earned more than a million dollars in cash and in-kind sponsorship. Currently, there are 7 SSL chapters opened across the US, with 10-15 chapters projected to launch in the next 2 years. Suits, Stilettos and Lipstick has over 30,000 social media followers and has garnered over 50 million social media impressions since its inception in 2012. As a speaker, Dr. King captivates her audiences. Her personal stories, combined with her knowledge, always leave her audiences motivated, empowered and inspired. She has delivered countless keynote speeches and presentations to Fortune 500 companies and top government agencies on health, leadership and business creation. Dr. King’s favorite quote and one that she wholeheartedly lives by is “Be the change you wish to see in the world”. Ghandi You can contact Dr. Elizabeth King at DrKing@SSLWomen.org

See Rita's full bio: Rita Case is the President and CEO of The Rick Case Automotive Group. She owns and operates the Rick Case dealership group which produces over $1 Billion in annual sales and ranks among largest dealer groups nationally. The 14 dealerships are located in South Florida and Atlanta, Georgia offering many franchises and recognized for setting national volume sale records. Rita worked at her parent’s Honda motorcycle and car dealership, which was the first Honda dealership in the U.S., throughout grade school. After graduating from the University of California with an Economics’ degree she followed her passion back to her parents dealership, where she was determined to prove that a woman could be a successful car dealer. While managing the dealership she met Rick at a Honda car meeting in 1977, they married in 1980 and together built the Rick Case Auto Group. Rita has received national recognition for her contribution to the auto industry. A few significant awards: “National Dealers of the Year” by USA Today; Automotive News “Outstanding Women in the Auto Industry”; Northwood University’s Dealer Education and Distinguished Woman of the Year; Women’s Automobile Association’s Spirit of Leadership award. She has been recognized for her business leadership; Nova Southeastern University inducted Rita into their Entrepreneur Hall of Fame. In the award’s 35-year history, she was only the 4th women inducted. Some other awards “Business Leader of the Year” from South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Junior Achievement, Northwood University, Leadership Broward and Rotary International. Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce’s “Woman Entrepreneur of the Year”; Ernst and Young “Entrepreneur of the Year”. Rita together with Rick are known for developing and leading events for non-profit groups which to date have raise over 100 million dollars: a few are Boys & Girls, Habitat for Humanity, the American Heart Association, hospitals; Cleveland Clinic, Holy Cross, Joe DiMaggio Children’s, Broward Partnership for the Homeless, American Cancer Society, Humane Society. They founded 38 years ago the “Rick Case Bikes for Kids” which has donated over 120,000 bicycles to undeserved children during the holiday season. Rita loves balancing her day with her career responsibilities, multiple community projects, piloting her Honda jet between the dealerships and their children and grandchildren.

In this special episode Dr. Elizabeth King and Yvonne Haase are sharing a clip from their Lead Out Loud...Women Empowering Women Virtual Summit! This event was to celebrate International Women's Month in March.  Be inspired by this amazing panel of professional women as they share their journeys of overcoming struggles, tips on work-life balance and the secrets to their success! Meet the panelists: Alena Capra, Award-winning Interior Designer and Host of SoFlo Home Project (WPLG) Catherine Cole- Vice President, Global Customer Research and Solutions American Express Ginger Martin, CEO of American National Bank Marianita Lopez, Attorney, President of American Civil Liberties Union-Hawaii Melissa Mark-Viverito, Equity-centered Activist and Intersectional Sectional Social Justice Champion   To learn more about SSL and our events, please visit us at SSLWomen.org. If you like what you heard and want to support this podcast and our future programs, please text  SSLwomen to 44321   

Some stats and facts: Mental Health America reports “that even before COVID-19, the prevalence of mental illness among adults was increasing. In 2017-2018, 19% of adults experienced a mental illness The number of people looking for help with anxiety and depression has increased tremendously since the pandemic. Now the trigger is going back into the world after being isolated for so long. More people are reporting frequent thoughts of suicide and self-harm than have ever been. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began to spread rapidly in March 2020, over 178,000 people have reported frequent suicidal ideation. Rates of suicidal ideation are highest among youth, especially LGBTQ+ youth.” Tips to protect your mental health Learn how to cope with stress: We all experience stress, but we do not need to be debilitated by stress. Practice being mindful by journaling, going for a walk, watching funny movies and learning to see the humor in some situations. Indulge in Self-care: Learn to treat yourself the same way you would encourage your best friend to take care of themselves. Limit your negative self talk, make time on your calendar just for you, start a hobby and be sure to take care of yourself physically by: Eat nutritious meals (get rid of your COVID junk food stash) Avoid smoking and vaping Hydrate with water Exercise - a simple walk will do if you are just beginning. Yoga is also great for reducing stress. Catch plenty of Zzzzs. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh and genuinely care about you: To quote Dr. Elizabeth King, “Social distance does NOT mean social isolation!” We feel better when we surround ourselves with positive people. Be sure to avoid the naysayers. Lend a hand to someone in need: Studies show that volunteering and giving of yourself and time helps to reduce negative thinking. It also allows you to meet new like-minded people. Need a place to volunteer? Check out SSLwomen.org (Yes, shameless plug!) Practice mindfulness: Practice yoga, spend time outside in nature, take a break from devices, disconnect from social media for a bit. Find things that allow you to experience some calm and give yourself a break from over thinking. Set realistic goals: Taking on a new goal is a great motivator, just be careful not to set unrealistic goals for yourself. This leads to disappointment and increase in negative self talk. Shake up your routine: Do something different! Try a new activity, take the long way home, find a new walking path, get a pet...look for something that you have not done or tried before and challenge yourself. Structure is great, but we do need a break for creative play. Avoid alcohol and other drugs: This one is a “no brainer” but needs to be said. When we are depressed or anxious, self medicating is NEVER the answer. There was a huge increase during the pandemic in substance abuse as people were struggling to cope. Give yourself a sober break. When in doubt, find professional help: If you feel that you have tried everything and still are not feeling your best, find a professional therapist in your area that can help you. Getting therapy is even easier now with the support of tele-health. Most importantly, remember that you are not alone. There is always help available. If you like what you heard and want to support this podcast and our future programs, please text SSLwomen to 44321

RESOURCES: (Happy Home sign up:) Pinkhardhat.com Emerge-Movement.org (non profit) TamaraChase.com GIVEAWAY/OFFER LINK: A free 1 hour business consultation with the first woman business owner who contacts Tamara. Can be virtual Text 954.401.7680 Contact: Tamarachase.com https://www.facebook.com/tamarachase Show Notes: Running a male dominated company as a woman Events that happened along path in business that were learning lessons Importance of visions and teams Knowing your numbers Husband's fight with cancer Involvement in the community Full Bio: She started in the roofing business with no roofing or formal business experience and is successful by sheer stubbornness mixed with a vision like no other! Some would say she not only succeeded, she exploded Chase Roofing bringing revenue growth of 550% where they grew from 1.5 million to over 8 million in 8 years. She also owns Shine of Fort Lauderdale, which provides services like window washing, pressure washing, gutter cleaning and holiday lighting. She also has an online jewelry company called Charmed XO where she makes custom jewelry of crystals and stones. Running several businesses is not her only passion. Tamara also is also founder of Emerge!, a nonprofit organization designed to support young ladies in making a positive global impact, encouraging them to dream big and show them how to make their wildest ambitions a reality! Everyone that has worked with Tamara knows her vision, “Be the CEO your parents always told you to marry”. Her love for her employees and her community are contagious and she is beyond proud of the teams she has created. Her mantra is kindness and she loves to light up the room with a smile and her pink hair. As seen on Designing Spaces Dolphins Cancer Challenge Team Cancer Fighting Contractors Raised over $100k Kickball championship winner 2015 Founder of Non Profit Emerge Movement Certified Roofing contractor and Glass and Glazing Contractor licenses Owen's Corning National Pinnacle Community Award Platinum Contractor Multiple year recipient of the Owens Corning Service Excellence and Product Excellence Award NSU graduate at 32 Loves scuba diving, motorcycles and skydiving Married to her high-school sweetheart for over 30 years. Has two grown children and a granddaughter If you like what you heard and want to support this podcast and our future programs, please text SSLwomen to 44321

Show notes: The five most important stories to capture, connect and convert your prospects and Designing Your Life.... Turning a loss of job (when the large company that I worked for announced they were closing in 2009), into the start of a new business (the beginning of my company "Alena Capra Designs") Every accomplishment, no matter how big or small-- should be celebrated along your career journey Think and dream as big as you want! Everything is possible when you are persistent, and work towards it....just don't worry about putting a time limit on it. Education in your respective field is very important-- getting the right credentials allows you to brand yourself as an expert. Connect, and build good relationships with others in your industry, and always give 100% when asked to do something Branch out into other avenues of what your respective career is when you have opportunities to... it's great to try out different ways to still do what you love. For example, I also enjoy being an industry spokesperson, TV host, and guest speaker, in addition to being an interior designer. Lending your talents to charities and organizations is important.... even when starting out, and you may not be able to give monetarily.... giving your time is just as valuable. "Do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life" (favorite quote) What's next? Always dream about your future career journey and goals. Resources: https://www.alenacapradesigns.com Contact Information alena@alenacapradesigns.com https://www.facebook.com/alenacapradesign/ If you like what you heard and want to support this podcast and our future programs, please text SSLwomen to 44321 and donate today!

Andy is known as the “Master Storyteller” and founder of the Master Storyteller Academy, is a business storytelling coach, keynote speaker and author of the game changing book, Show Up For Your Life. A sought-after speaker, Andy has been featured in the Huffington Post, Black Enterprise, Entrepreneur Magazine and has made several national television appearances. Some of his past clients include Office Depot Foundation, Accenture, Pratt & Whitney, NASA, Bacardi and Google to name a few. Andy was also brave enough to participate in Suits, Stilettos and Lipstick Foundation’s famous Men in the Hot Seat Panel! Show notes The five most important stories to capture, connect and convert your prospects and audience The ONE story you need to instantly overcome objections and drive sales A simple hack for making your content 22-times more memorable and unique Resources: www.storytellerquiz.com http://www.masterstorytelleracademy.com/ Giveaway offer Did you know that there are 5 different storyteller styles? And knowing your natural storytelling style is the first step to you becoming a better communicator. Take the 1 minute storyteller quiz to discover your storyteller style and to get Free access to the Story Finder Method Training which helps you to discover your signature story. Take the Quiz here: www.storytellerquiz.com Or text Story to 954-278-3701 Contact Information http://www.masterstorytelleracademy.com/ andy@andyhenriquez.com If you like what you heard and want to support this podcast and our future programs, please text SSLwomen to 44321

Show notes: Where there is a will, there is a way to save your ASSets. You don’t have to wait until your demise to pass your assets tax-free A prenuptial may discuss what happens upon one of two spouses passing, but it is NOT a substitute for a will. It is healthy to update your estate plans at least every seven years. Resources: www.ScottJbrookpa.com www.getmentalwellness.com Giveaway offer: If you contact 954-757-5551 within 7 days of this podcast, mention 5* (star) to Amanda, you will save $150 off our regular consultation fee. Contact Information: Scott@scottjbrookpa.com

Aista Phillips loves what she does at Penderyn and values the opportunity to build on the legacy from Dr.Swan, and to continue his passion for whisky creation. Everyone at Penderyn shares a passion for creating Welsh spirit. It inspires her when their customers enjoy their work and when their whiskies receive good reviews and win awards. They have more than 12,000 casks of maturing whisky now and they all have to be assessed by Aista and her team so it’s a busy job. Shona Traynor - works as a Brand Ambassador for Penderyn Distillery. From starting as a Tour Guide of the distillery, she has developed a great understanding of the unique production process that takes place at Penderyn Distillery as well as knowing the range in-depth. She now splits her time between overseeing the accounts of some of Penderyn Distillery’s European export partners as well as hosting events and leading tasting sessions overseas. Show notes: *woman in industry *whisky *Penderyn Contact Information: Website: penderyn.wales

Her career has been defined by a series of firsts including being the first person of Latino heritage, first person of color, and first Puerto Rican woman to serve as Speaker of New York City Council where she presided over 51 Council Members and negotiated a $72 billion annual budget. During her 12-year tenure as New York City Council Member and 4-year tenure as Speaker, Melissa delivered landmark legislative, policy, and civic engagement victories that included enacting the Unaccompanied Minors Initiative and driving the groundbreaking criminal justice reform initiative to close Rikers Island. Additional successes span organizational leadership, coalition building, stakeholder engagement and political strategy across key issue areas such as criminal justice reform, gender equity, LGBTQ+ rights, workers’ rights, housing, and immigration issues. Melissa has also initiated, championed and co-founded a number of coalitions, task forces and organizations including 21 for 21, Power 4 Puerto Rico, the Young Women’s Initiative and East Harlem/El Barrio/Bronx LGBTQ Task Force. Prior to her political career, Melissa worked with several nonprofits including ASPIRA where she served as Deputy Director. Melissa recently served as interim president for Latino Victory. For more than 20 years, she has fought tirelessly for justice for Puerto Rican people with a passion and tenacity that was inspired by her mother. Melissa is broadly known and respected for progressive and compassionate decision making, challenging entrenched systems, and doing what is right as opposed to what’s most politically astute. Show notes: Striving to empower women and make government more representative, I founded 21 in 21 to address this issue Working to build a more just and equitable society, my work as an elected official centered on making NYC a more just and equitable city so it can serve as a model across the country. Contact Information: 21in21.org http://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-mark-viverito https://www.facebook.com/mmarkviverito/

Show notes: Big Idea - we all only have 24 hours in the day - we can't manage time - we can only manage priorities Stephen Covey's 4 Quadrants of time management - Important and Urgent, Important and Not Urgent, Urgent and Not important, Not important and Not Urgent Pareto Principal - 80/20 Rule 3 R's to determine the top 20% - 1) What is required of me? 2) What gives the greatest return? 3) What is rewarding in my life? Goal of setting priorities is productivity and margin - white space 2 False thoughts about margin - 1) I'll have margin when I get caught up on my work? 2) People need me Value of margin -1) time to think, be creative and strategic 2) Provides time to renew and refresh Resources: Book - 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey Book - Developing the Leader Within You 2. - John Maxwell Contact Information: Gmartin@americannationalbank.com http://www.americannationalbank.com 954-298-7408

Show notes: Trauma Sacred partnership Relationships Trigger management Conscious communication Growth over a lifetime Resources SacredLifePartners.com Giveaway offer https://relationshiprevolutionaries.com/thrive-now-couples-ebook Contact Information https://www.facebook.com/eva.brown.96 Couplesseekingsolutions@yahoo.com

Show notes: Why Generosity? How have your experiences influenced your work today? Stephan and networking Living all over the world and travel Stephan is Rev Billy Graham's oldest Grandson, he traveled with him on some of his crusades Associate Pastor at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale Stephan is a storyteller Resources: https://www.ncfgiving.com/southflorida/ https://www.goodnewsfl.org/author/stephan-tchividjian/ Contact Information: snt@ncfgiving.com https://www.facebook.com/NationalChristianFoundationSouthFlorida/

Show notes - You are the creator of your own life - Out of breakdown, comes breakthrough - Become who you are meant to become - Just begin - Create a strong sense of vision and values and watch your own miracles unfold Resources: http://www.bigsexystables.com/ http://www.kandeeg.com/ Giveaway offer Free Gift Download: Personal Success We are not born with or without a success gene. It is a learned behavior. Through the Personal Success audio series you will be able to learn the habits and traits of success. This audio set is the equivalent of a two day instructor led course, which is designed specifically to enhance your competitive mind. http://www.kandeeg.com/free-gift-download/ Sign up for Gnotes- Your Daily Gift to Greatness http://www.kandeeg.com/gnote-sign-up-form/ Contact Information kandeeg@kandeeg.com

Dr. Jessica Vera or affectionately known as Dr. J inspires and equips people to be their best selves in the worst situations. Show notes - What does it take to turn your setbacks into setups in life. - What's the importance of your story. - What is the one key ingredient to a successful writing journey. - Why choose Elite Foundation Publisher. Resources: https://bit.ly/Elitebookprogram Giveaway offer Click-through https://bit.ly/Elitebookprogram and gain access to our award-winning mini 5-step course to go from concept to paper. Sassy sister or sassy cats Contact Information https://www.facebook.com/EliteFundsFreedom drjvera@elitefundsfreedom.org

Reasons for the blues: Covid-not being able to be with family Stress: Shopping, cooking and planning family events when you’re already overworked and tired can be overwhelming. Finances. Not enough money or the fear of not having enough to buy gifts leads to sadness and guilt. The loss of jobs during COVID has created a great deal of stress and guilt this season. Loneliness. Currently 43 percent of Americans are single, and 27 percent of Americans live alone. Age, mobility and illness may also create loneliness. Grief. Grief and loss, especially during COVID is large contributor of the holiday blues Divorce. If you’re newly divorced, the holidays may remind you of happier times and accentuate your grief. It’s especially difficult for adult children of divorce who have to balance seeing two sets of parents. Estrangement. Separation from a family member or friend can create feelings of guilt, sadness, resentment and discomfort when deciding to attend an event. Pleasing. Trying to please all of your relatives – deciding what to get, whom to see, and what to do – can make you feel guilty and like you’re not doing enough, which leads to depression. Mental health issues: preexisting depression, anxiety, unresolved grief, OCD, SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and other issues may exacerbate the holiday blues. Depression-The signs of depression are feelings of sadness, worthlessness or guilt, crying, loss of interest in usual activities, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, social withdrawal, and changes in sleep, weight, or appetite. If these symptoms are severe or continue for a few weeks, more than the holidays may be the cause. Some measures you can take to cope with the holiday blues include: Embrace your imperfections: Don’t allow perfectionism to wear you down. Remember it’s being together and goodwill that matters. Make plans in advance, so you know how and with whom your holidays will be spent. Uncertainty and putting off decision-making add enormous stress. During Covid- plan virtual gatherings with different people, and if you're comfortable, plan outdoor activities if where you live the weather allows for it. Ask for help from your family and children. Women tend to think they have to do everything, when a team effort can be more fun. Pay it forward: Self-care: Make time to rest and rejuvenate even amid the pressure of getting things done. Limit alcohol intake Exercise Watch your carbs and sugar intake Be honest: Shame prevents people from being open about gift-giving when they can’t afford it. Instead of struggling to buy a gift, let your loved ones know how much you care and would like to, but can’t afford it. That intimate moment will relieve your stress and nourish you both. Don’t isolate. Reach out to others who also may be lonely. If you don’t have someone to be with, volunteer to help those in need. It can be very uplifting and gratifying. Seek professional help. Suicide hotline number 800-273-8255 Show Notes: If you would like to attend the 19th Annual John and Elizabeth Toy Drive, virtually or you would like to donate as mentioned in the show: Donate online https://sslwomen.org/donate/ Purchase online raffle tickets- https://sslwomen.org/event/raffle/ You DO NOT need to be present to win. Drawing will be done on Dec 9th. $25-buys toys for 2 kids $$50-buys toys for 5 kids and $100-buys toys for 10 kids. Purchase a ticket for the 19th Annual John & Elizabeth's Toy Drive and Virtual Fundraiser event (happy hour, comedy show and live music) on Dec. 9th from 6:30pm-9pm. Check back in a few days on the website to register SSLwomen.org Write a check to Suits, Stilettos and Lipstick Foundation and mail it to 1007 N. Federal Hwy #237, Fort Lauderdale, Fl. 33304. Write on the note "CBA- donation for toy drive"

Show notes - Love and attraction are very different - Men and women fall in love differently - Falling in love and being in love are very different and you don't have to fall in love to be in love - Love is temporary insanity to the brain - You can tell if a man is committed by his testosterone level Resources: Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/dawn.maslar twitter link: https://twitter.com/DawnMaslar Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/dawnmaslar/?hl=en

Stay in touch with Jennifer http://www.PraDa.Law Any podcast listener that gives the code "SASSYLIFE" when hiring PraDa Law firm will receive the Friends & Family hourly discount.

Show Notes: The Pygmalion effect! Children are our futures and if we want our futures to be bright we need to brighten the lives of our kids. Kids need advocates, cheerleaders and guides. They are full of ideas, energy and potential. They can't vote, so the only way for their voices to be heard is for adults to listen. Before COVID over 80,000 kids in Broward lived at or below poverty. Now, more kids than ever need us in more ways than ever. It starts with being there for them and seeing them for who they can be at their best Resources: http://www.bgcbc.org https://www.unitedforalice.org/state-overview/florida https://www.amazon.com/Cradles-Eminence-Childhoods-Famous-Women/dp/091070757X Contact Information kedwards@bgcbc.org