ABWA Sunset Chapter in Sarasota, Florida
ABWA Sunset Chapter – located in Sarasota, Florida, 34230 began in May 1992 with over 35 members. We provide much needed scholarships to women in our community to help them achieve a better education than would otherwise be available to them. We are proud to announce that in our 30 years as a charter, we have raised over $300,000 in scholarship monies which has been distributed to women in our community. Our goal is to continue to provide these scholarships.
ABWA Mission
The Mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together business women of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition.
Sunset Chapter Vision
With the image of a tree in mind. . .
Focus on stability by deepening our roots through member connection and community activities so that our foundation is strong enough to then branch out with new member recruitment and further blossom with member development, setting us up for a future of unlimited potential.
Next Meeting: Thursday, February 19th, 2025 6:00pm to 8:00pm (EST)
TOPIC: Business Love Languages
Business love languages adapt Dr. Gary Chapman’s concept to the workplace, identifying five ways employees feel valued: Words of Affirmation (praise), Acts of Service (helping with tasks), Receiving Gifts (tokens of appreciation, time off), Quality Time (focused attention, meetings), and Appropriate Physical Touch (handshakes, fist bumps), helping leaders build stronger teams by recognizing individual needs for appreciation beyond just salary.
The Five Business Love Languages:
- Words of Affirmation: Verbal or written praise, specific compliments, thank-you notes, or public recognition for good work.
- Acts of Service: Practical help, such as assisting with a tough project, providing resources, or offering guidance, reducing employee burdens.
- Receiving Gifts: Thoughtful tokens like bonuses, gift cards, company swag, or even the gift of time (flex time, extra PTO) that show personal care.
- Quality Time: Undivided attention through one-on-one meetings, team-building, or meaningful conversations, signaling respect and presence.
- Appropriate Physical Touch: Non-intrusive contact like handshakes, high-fives, or pats on the back, always respecting cultural norms and consent.
Why They Matter in Business:
Builds Connection: Helps leaders understand what truly motivates and makes individuals feel seen.
Boosts Morale: Makes employees feel valued beyond their paycheck, creating a positive culture.
Strengthens Teams: Improves communication, empathy, and leadership effectiveness.
Resolves Conflict: Understanding different preferences can prevent misunderstandings.
Here is a link with more information https://www.simplypsychology.org/what-is-your-workplace-love-language.html
Monthly Meeting
The Mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together business women of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition.
The ABWA Sunset Chapter meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month in Sarasota. Our meeting is a hybrid event; you may choose to attend in person or virtually via the Zoom meeting option. Guests are always welcome as we encourage our members to invite guests to attend as well. Visitors are always welcome.
Changing women’s lives. . . one woman at a time.
THE AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
About ABWA Sunset
We are dedicated to helping women achieve the highest levels of professional development by providing informative programs, networking opportunities and celebrating one another’s successes.
Scholarships
We are proud to announce in the 29 years the ABWA has been chartered. We have raised over $300,000 in scholarship monies all distributed to women in our community. Our goal is to continue to provide these scholarships.
Membership to ABWA
The American Business Women’s Association is the place to be for working women and women business owners who want to connect, learn and grow. Join ABWA today with an annual investment of $115.
Meet Our Sunset Executive Board
If you need to contact one of our executive members, please click their images to e-mail directly.
Marcia Savage
President
Donna Cupicha
Vice President
Anne Miller
Treasurer
Carole Rodgers
Recording Secretary
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Recording Secretary
President
I have been a member of ABWA for many years. Initially I joined in the early 70’s and retained my membership until I moved out of the Sarasota area in 1983. I returned to Sarasota and ABWA in 1992 and I am still here.
I had a degree in Accounting from the University of South Florida. I realized that for my professional growth to continue I would need to become a CPA.
My ABWA sisters encouraged me to go for it which meant going back to school for an additional 30 credits and taking the CPA exam. Lo and behold one course at a time and working 2 to 3 jobs and 10 years later my goal was accomplished. With the business and life skills learned through ABWA enhancing my portfolio I was quickly in a CFO position at a local manufacturing firm and kept on growing and improving my positions.
I am now Semi-Retired but still learning and growing with ABWA. Staying relevant to the marketplace is essential and ABWA has made that happen.
Vice President
Hi! I am Donna Cupicha. I have only been a member of ABWA for less than 2 years but I have attended several meetings over the past 5 years. I’m really glad I joined! It’s a great group of ladies with interesting professions. We all learn so much from each other.
I have been a Piano Coach; teaching piano for over 40 years. It is my Passion! I’m really excited that I have my own studio. I’ve run it for over 30 years! It’s just awesome to be able to watch people grow and learn in something as specific as piano lessons! I am VERY BLESSED!
Treasurer
I have been a member of ABWA since 2015 when I received a scholarship from the Ringling Chapter to complete my BAS in International Business and Trade from State College of Florida. I went on to receive a second BAS in Technology Management from SCF, a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Florida and a Doctor of Strategic Leadership from Southeastern University.
I am the Programs Director for Operation ECO Vets, a local non-profit that works with Veterans, helping them learn gardening and sustainability skills while providing comradery in an agricultural setting that promotes wellness and healing. I want to help career changers, transitioning military veterans, and others learn the skills necessary to grow healthy, nutritious food in a way that builds soil health, the local economy, and the community. My Doctoral Research Project was a replicable business plan so that other communities and non-profits can establish similar programs.
My husband and I live on a 5 acre farm in Desoto county that serves as a demonstration farm for the new farmer training program. We currently raise ducks, chickens, Kunekune pigs and rabbits. We will be adding Florida Cracker Sheep in the fall.
I am the mother of 4 grown boys, 2 of them currently serving on US Navy submarines. We have 7 grandkids and love it when they visit the farm.
Recording Secretary
Carole Rodgers has been a Sarasota resident for the last 35 years. She has been an active member of the ABWA since 2016 and has worked as an office manager for a small commercial patio furniture company since its inception and has helped to grow the company to a multi-million dollar company.
