PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Our 2026 Annual Speaker’s Forum takes place on February 26, and I am incredibly proud of JWN for leaning into a topic that is both difficult and far closer to home than many of us may realize. This will not be a traditional Forum, nor should it be. The more I learn about the realities of human trafficking happening right here in Northeast Florida, the more committed I am to ensuring that the awareness generated through this event ripples far beyond a single evening.

Human trafficking is not just something you see on the news or that happens far away. It is occurring in our own communities here in Northeast Florida. Florida consistently ranks among the top three states in the United States for reported human trafficking cases. Local law enforcement and task forces have identified more than 1,600 human trafficking and child exploitation cases across the region, underscoring that this crime affects people in our neighborhoods, including vulnerable children and adults. When we are informed, when we recognize the signs, and when we understand the realities of human trafficking, we can influence awareness, policy, prevention, and support for survivors.

I would like to personally thank Ann Sabbag, who has thoughtfully coordinated more than two dozen (and counting) Community Changemakers, with one seated at each table to share personal insight over dinner. These individuals are working on the front lines of anti–human trafficking efforts as government employees, law enforcement officials, nonprofit leaders, survivors and more. Their presence will bring depth, honesty, and local context to this important conversation.

I’m especially proud to share that four of the Community Changemaker seats will be filled by leaders from our own JWN membership and alumnae ranks, including:

A special shout-out goes to the entire Forum Committee, led by Dea Sims, who are going above and beyond to ensure the success of this year’s event. Their commitment behind the scenes is what brings our vision to life.

Finally, my sincere thanks to Sheila Collier, Penny Zuber, Debbie Buckland, Georgia Reed, Tanya Foreman, Robin Wahby, Kimberly Cook, Alberta Hipps, and others who have stepped forward as sponsors and supporters of this year’s Forum. Your commitment to JWN and to our Annual Speaker’s Forum makes this event possible.

I hope you’ll join me and your fellow JWN members for this important and timely conversation at the 2026 Speaker’s Forum.

With gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead,

Angela Timberlake, President
Jacksonville Women’s Network

Here’s a look at what’s happening across JWN this month—from new Crossroads Conversations and growing Forum momentum to fresh programming plans. See what’s launching, what’s ahead, and how you can plug in, participate, and connect!

Crossroads Conversations Launching February 20

This new JWN offering through the Culture Care Committee is designed for honest, member-led dialogue around pivotal moments in members' lives—both personal and professional. February’s focus, Career Crossroads, will be led and facilitated by Marilyn Feldstein (JWN 2023).

Members will gather at the Jim Moran Institute Training Room on Salisbury Road over a working lunch to explore questions such as: Are you staying out of passion or habit? When is a lateral move the right call—and when is a full pivot? What do you wish you’d known before your last major shift? There are still a few open seats for this small-group conversation.

Bonus: there’s no fee—it’s a benefit of JWN membership. Bring your lunch or order on site. We’ll begin at noon, but you’re always welcome to arrive early and/or stay longer.

We are just a few weeks away from the 2026 JWN Annual Speaker’s Forum, and excitement is building as we prepare to welcome Demi-Leigh Tebow to the main stage. She is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, former Miss Universe (2017), and most notably, a global advocate for women and children. Demi-Leigh will join Melissa Fulmore-Hardwick (JWN 2023) onstage for a moderated keynote conversation focused on human trafficking happening here in Northeast Florida.

This year’s Forum is intentionally designed to shine a light on a difficult but urgent issue—one that is often hidden in plain sight within our own communities. This is not a fundraiser for our organization, nor is it an advocacy rally; our goal is clear: to increase awareness, share local insights, and provide practical resources that will help attendees better understand the realities of human trafficking and the role informed communities can play.

Community Changemakers—individual leaders from law enforcement, government, nonprofit service organizations, and even survivors—will be seated at each table to help guide thoughtful conversations over dinner, grounding the evening in lived experience and local perspectives. Our Forum is the one event each year that we open to the public, and we encourage members, friends, guests, and community partners to join us for an evening of purpose, connection, and meaningful dialogue.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES:
• Reserved seating closes Thursday, February 12
• Final ticket purchases must be completed by Wednesday, February 18, due to security requirements 

JWN’s Programs Chair and President-Elect, Penny Zuber, reports that we’re off to a strong start with program planning for 2026. While dates are still being finalized, here’s an early look at what’s taking shape through the second quarter—and how you can get involved: 

MARCH | The Space We Share
Event Chair: Lynn Sherman

Historically, JWN’s circle-style programs have been among our highest-rated member experiences, and The Space We Share builds on that tradition. The program will open in circle and invite participants to explore four core elements: Spirit, Setting, Inviting the Stranger, and Learning in Public. Designed to ensure every voice is heard, the experience emphasizes intentional listening, shared reflection, and meaningful small-group dialogue.

APRIL | Arts-Creativity Inspired (In Development)
Event Chair: Christie Rogers

Creativity is front and center as Christie takes the lead in shaping an arts-category-focused experience for April. We don’t yet know whether it will be a private tour, a hands-on art class, or possibly even an everyday creativity workshop—stay tuned! If you have suggestions, ideas, or would like to lend a helping hand, Christie would love to hear from you.

JOIN THE PROGRAMMING COMMITTEE
The Programming Committee is actively welcoming new members to help build out the remainder of our 2026 programs! If you’re interested in helping plan relevant, unique, and thoughtfully curated experiences exclusively for JWN members, we’d love to have your time and talent. Please reach out to request a Zoom invitation for our next committee meeting—many hands help make our committee work both fun and impactful.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: JWN Inventory Manager
If you have access to storage space and can help manage and transport JWN items such as banners, directional signage, and tablecloths to and from events, please let us know. We’re looking for someone organized and willing to support behind the scenes to ensure our Programs teams have what they need for each event. 

Interested in any of the opportunities above? Reach out directly to Penny Zuber!

WE'VE GOT YOUR CHAIR FOR THE NEXT LUNCH LADDER  
In the late 1970s, when the Jacksonville Women’s Network was founded, the concept of the Luncheon Ladder was emerging across the country as a quietly powerful response to the “Old Boys’ Club” culture that dominated corporate America. At the time, many elite clubs and professional spaces in Northeast Florida —think the University Club or River Club—were closed to women entirely or offered only limited access. Rather than wait for an invitation that might never come, the founders of JWN did what women leaders have always done best: they created their own solutions. They created the JWN Luncheon Ladder.

Fast forward to today, and the JWN spirit of the Luncheon Ladder remains as relevant as ever. And as our organization has evolved and grown, so has the ladder broadened and grown to include more – more convenient times throughout the day. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just cocktails and apps are all options for the new Ladder!

So don’t let the old-school name fool you. The Lunch (or whatever you are up for) Ladder is a 21st-century opportunity to make connections with women in the organization from across the First Coast.

Our founding members built both lateral and vertical relationships that mirrored the informal networks their male counterparts enjoyed on the golf course or over cigars back in the day. Junior professionals gained access to seasoned leaders. Senior women stayed connected to emerging talent. And their truth still resonates today: if you’re not invited to the table, you can build one—and shape it on your own terms. We hope you will find the time to connect with other members when we send out the next Lunch Ladder opportunity in March. There are lots of opportunities!

LEADERSHIP UPDATE:
Congratulations to Lucy Reep (JWN 2005), a JWN Past President and current Marketing Category Chair, as she steps into leading this treasured tradition beginning in March. Expect thoughtful innovation informed by participant feedback, refreshed formats, and renewed energy as the Luncheon Ladder enters its next chapter.

IMPORTANT: If you’re interested in helping organize or host a Luncheon Ladder in March, please reach out to Lucy as soon as possible!

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, the Jacksonville Women’s Network has a simple message: Whether you haven't renewed yet, or it’s been a minute (or several years) since you’ve been active, we would ❤️ to have you back in 2026! We know how it goes—emails change, reminders get overlooked, and sometimes life simply gets in the way. But your status as a leader in Northeast Florida hasn’t changed, and neither has the value you bring to our JWN community. 

To make coming home easier than ever, our Board of Directors has voted to officially waive all reinstatement fees and penalties for any former JWN member, regardless of how long you’ve been away. Whether you stepped back last year or were part of our founding membership class, the door is wide open. 

The "Sweetheart" Deal:
If you have ever been a JWN member, we invite you to rejoin the Network between now and February 28th with zero friction:

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From globe-spanning beginnings to small-town Carolina roots, these two JWN members show that leadership doesn’t follow a single path.

Dr. Charu G. Raheja 

Co-Founder & CEO, TriageLogic Group
JWN Member since 2024

Are you a Jacksonville native or a transplant? If you are not a native, what's your hometown?
I’m definitely a transplant—and a global one. My parents are Indian. I was born in Belgium, moved to Brazil when I was two, and came to the United States just before I turned 17 after my parents received their green cards. I wanted to learn English and experience the opportunities I’d always heard about. I love that in the U.S., ideas can truly become businesses and purpose can turn into impact. Jacksonville became home through both family and meaning, and over time, it’s where my personal and professional roots have deepened.

What’s your favorite part of being a member of JWN?
The relationships. Some of my closest friends have come from JWN. It creates space for women to show up as real people—not just titles or résumés. I love that we can have honest conversations about what’s coming up for us, whether it’s a work challenge or something personal where we need support. Ambition and kindness truly coexist here, and that’s rare.

What JWN committee(s) do you currently volunteer with?
I support JWN through member engagement and leadership programming, especially where mentorship and meaningful connection are involved.

What organizations are you involved with in the community, and why?
I’m deeply involved with organizations focused on health, equity, and community resilience, including Community Health Charities, the American Heart Association, Baptist Hospital’s Brain & Aneurysm Support Group, and the Neurology Outreach Foundation. My involvement is personal—health access and prevention change lives, and I’ve seen firsthand what happens when they’re missing.

What is your personal mantra?
“Healing isn’t just about getting better. It’s about discovering who you are underneath the survival.”

What keeps you going every day?
People and purpose. After navigating a major health setback years ago, I’m deeply aware of how precious clarity, connection, and time are—and that perspective shapes how I live and lead every day. I’m energized by meaningful conversations, by helping solve real problems, and by knowing the work we do can make life a little easier or safer for someone else. And at the end of the day, my family keeps me grounded and grateful.

If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose and why?
I don’t model my life after a single person. I’ve been shaped by different people at different stages. Leaders like Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi inspire me for their moral courage and lifelong commitment to something larger than themselves. Indra Nooyi showed me that strong leadership can balance empathy with performance. My most personal mentors, though, are my parents, along with my aunt and uncle. My parents immigrated from India to Brazil without even speaking the language, and through them, I learned resilience, adaptability, and how to stay true to my goals even when the path is uncertain. Living with my aunt and uncle when I moved to the U.S. as a teenager taught me the power of consistency, love, and responsibility.  Together, these influences have deeply shaped how I think about leadership, purpose, and community. 

What is a piece of advice you'd give your younger self?
You don’t have to earn rest, clarity, or belonging. Listen sooner—to your intuition, your body, and the people who truly care about you. Strength isn’t pushing through everything; it’s knowing when to pause.

What’s one thing — either industry-related or not — you learned in the last month?
That rest is not a reward for productivity; it’s a prerequisite for good judgment.

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I love to dance—no choreography, no audience, just movement. It’s one of the few places where I feel completely present and unfiltered.

What’s the last book you read?
I’m always reading. Right now, I’m reading Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, and I recently finished The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. Both reinforced something I believe deeply: leadership is about presence, boundaries, and how you show up for people—especially when no one is watching.

What are your hobbies?
I’m deeply interested in fitness, longevity, and understanding how energy impacts how we live and lead. I spend time learning and practicing energy work because it helps me stay grounded and resilient. Last year, I became a certified pranic healer, and I’ve also studied ancient energy practices developed by Indonesian royalty. I use what I’ve learned to support family and friends —and just as importantly, to maintain clarity, balance, and energy in my own life.

What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Oh my gosh — this is going way back (without revealing my age!). While my very first concert blurs into a happy memory of live music with friends, some of my most memorable concerts really stand out. Seeing U2 in North Carolina was incredibly emotional — thousands of people singing together, and I could feel the music in my heart. Prince was pure energy; I still listen to his music when I’m getting ready and need a confidence boost. And I loved Cher in the early 2000s — I saw her in Nashville when she came down on a chandelier. Her presence, strength, and ability to keep going were absolutely contagious.

What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?
I’m drawn to places where life is lived very differently from my own. Travel is one of the ways I keep learning—about the world and about myself. Every trip reminds me how much I don’t know, and how much there is to stay open to. A trip that deeply shaped me was to Egypt. I was fascinated by the blend of religions, the music, the food, and especially the history. I love history. My parents are Indian, and while I was there, I noticed striking similarities between ancient Egypt and India—hints of shared symbolism, culture, and ways of seeing the world. Even though history has lost much about trade routes and the movement of people, those connections stayed with me and continue to fuel my curiosity.

Are you currently binge-watching any shows?
Only in short bursts—usually something thoughtful rather than loud.

What's your favorite thing to do when you have free time?
Be fully present without an agenda—especially with family.

What’s one item you can’t live without?
My journal. It helps me think clearly and remember what matters.

The best-kept secret in Jacksonville is...
Honestly, Jacksonville itself (shhh… don’t tell anyone!). I came here for just one day in 2011 and completely fell in love. It’s relaxed, people are genuinely kind, and we have beautiful beaches, incredible places to hike, and easy day trips that make life feel balanced. Add to that some of the top medical care in the country, and it’s a special place to build a life. I’ve moved a lot over the years, but Jacksonville is my forever home.

Lucy Reep

Retired Marketing Professional
JWN Member since 2005

Are you a Jacksonville native or a transplant? If you are not a native, what's your hometown?
I’m a Carolina Girl! Born in Hartsville, SC, about 90 minutes from Columbia.

What’s your favorite part of being a member of JWN?
Meeting members who are doing interesting things all across Northeast Florida. 

What JWN committee(s) do you currently volunteer with?
I’m now the Lunch Ladder Chair. So consider this spotlight a pitch for being part of this program! I’ve been attending lunch ladders for the past 20 years, and it’s one of the best parts of our organization. If you aren’t signed up, do it today!

What organizations are you involved with in the community, and why?
We are very fortunate to have the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville here in Northeast Florida and I’m proud to be a member. Its mission is to promote an understanding of the world and its people and to engage us in becoming better-informed participants in the global community. As a past member of the Council’s Board of Directors, I highly recommend the speaker series. I attend as many as I can. They also have an exceptional educational outreach, and their flagship program, Great Decisions, is in 21 high schools across the First Coast. Shout out to JWN member Trina Mederev, who is President and CEO of World Affairs Council Jacksonville!

What is a piece of advice you'd give your younger self?
Talk less and listen more.

What’s one thing — either industry-related or not — you learned in the last month?
I completed the UNF Certificate for AI in Work and Life. One important thing I learned was the importance of detailed prompts. One module noted that you should consider AI as a smart intern who knows nothing about your organization. Prompts have to be explained well for the best results.

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
My husband and I love to hike, and three years ago we hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

What’s the last book you read?
I just finished American Covenant - How the Constitution Unified Our Nation--And Could Again by Yuval Levin. We should all know more about our Constitution and the importance of compromise in our system.

What are your hobbies?
I love to read. Comes naturally. My mother was a librarian.

What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Boy, am I going to date myself. The first concert was England Dan and John Ford Coley. If you listen to Yacht Rock, you have heard them!

What’s the next place on your travel bucket list?
Iceland. We’re hiking a glacier!

Are you currently binge-watching any shows?
Totally binged Emily in Paris!

What’s one item you can’t live without?
Fage Plain Greek Yogurt.

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