The Professional Women's Luncheon has set the standard for showcasing successful women in an environment that is inspiring and exciting.  At each lunch, a high profile woman shares her life story, giving attendees a look into the struggles and accomplishments of women throughout Central Florida.  Likewise, the luncheon is attended by successful business women who participate in special activities designed to facilitate introductions.

During this luncheon, a community leader will share her inspiring personal story and professional journey, which may include recollections of violent and/or traumatic events. We encourage all guests to prioritize their own wellbeing and consider their tolerance for these topics when deciding whether or not to attend.

SPEAKERS:
Karen Keene, founder and chief strategic advisor, ATHENA Orlando Women's Leadership, Inc.

Karen Keene is the Founder and Chief Strategic Advisor of ATHENA NextGen Orlando. Now in its 10th year, NextGen is the only leadership program of its kind empowering professional women to level up through a masterclass series facilitated by a faculty of top female executives. To date, 450 alumnae are advancing in their careers, starting their own businesses, and leading community boards.
Additionally, Karen and her fellow board members established the ATHENA endowed scholarship through the UCF Foundation. Annual scholarships are awarded to female graduate students from contributions totaling $140,000.
Karen’s professional experience spans over 28 years as the senior marketing executive and public policy expert for international and regional law firms. She has led multi-faceted teams in business development, strategic planning, branding, external affairs, and media relations.
Karen was recognized as Woman of the Year in 2024 and 2017 by Orange Appeal; 2024 Woman of the Year by Orlando Magazine; 2018 Business Leader of the Year by i4 Business; and the 2016 Summit Award Honoree by the Central Florida Women’s Resource Center. In addition, she was the 2019 Women United Co-Chair for the Heart of Florida United Way.
Karen is a graduate of Leadership Seminole. She has served on numerous community boards including: Habitat for Humanity, Orlando Economic Partnership Investor Relations, Boys & Girls Club Eatonville Branch, and the Rollins College Hamilton Holt School Board of Advisors. She’s past president of the Florida Public Relations Association and the Legal Marketing Association.
Karen grew up in Seminole County and graduated from Oviedo High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communications from Rollins College in 1993.
 
Description of  my story and remarks:
Karen Keene’s life was blown apart when she was nearly killed in a home invasion on March 8, 2020. But after 23 life-saving surgeries by Orlando Health’s Dr. Michael Cheatham, who leads the only Level One Trauma Center in Central Florida, Keene is well on her way to recovery, and is working to end gun violence in the United States.
Keene’s harrowing experience and the daily struggles she fought to keep moving forward thrust her into finding her true calling. Each of us experiences personal setbacks that can shatter our world and test our endurance. But these tragedies, while agonizing, can be our greatest teachers, the catalysts for transformation.
This keynote address is a heartfelt, empowering exploration of the human capacity to rise from the ashes of personal tragedy and find strength in adversity. It provides a comprehensive, actionable roadmap to navigating personal trials and emerging stronger, more resilient, and triumphant.


Thank you to our Sponsors!

Verizon
Florida Blue
Addition Financial
Sonata Senior Living
Orlando Magic
JPMorganChase
Fairvilla
Orlando Pride
One School of the Arts & Sciences

If you would like more info on this event, contact Erin Eble, Director Of Events at 407-708-4613 or eeble@seminolebusiness.org

*All Event tickets are non-refundable
Attendance at or participation in SCC meetings and events constitutes an agreement by the registrant to SCC's use and distribution (both now and in the future) of the registrant or attendee's image or voice in photographs, videotapes, electronic reproductions and audiotapes of all events and activities