Leadership NEXT, a monthly program for advancing business professionals in Southwest Florida, will explore the issue of nonprofit entrepreneurship and community needs at its December session.
Jessica Goodall, founder of Eva’s Closet & Foundation, will discuss the mission behind her 2-year-old organization and how its services continue expanding to meet the needs of Southwest Florida.
The two-hour session begins at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 11 at Eva’s Closet & Foundation, 16331 Old U.S. 41, Suite 101 in south Fort Myers. Leadership NEXT is a program of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and includes a networking opportunity following each month’s presentation.
Owen-Ames-Kimball Company, a commercial construction manager that recently coordinated a Hurricane Michael relief supply drive, is sponsoring the December program. Light appetizers and refreshments will be provided complimentary.
Eva’s Closet provides necessities like clothing, food, baby supplies and toiletries at no cost, along with case management, referral services and transitional housing assistance. Each month, the Foundation serves about 1,000 clients, which include children and families living in poverty, domestic violence victims, foster children, children aging out of foster care, homeless individuals, migrant farm workers, victims of natural disasters, mothers who are low income and newborns in need.
Goodall, who earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Framingham State College in 2002, worked in Collier County’s child welfare system before completing a master’s degree in social work at Florida Gulf Coast University in 2016. She founded Eva’s Closet that same year.
Attendees of the December Leadership NEXT program are asked to help restock Eva’s Closet by bringing donations of blankets, nonperishable food items, new children’s shoes and new socks and underwear for both adults and children.
Leadership NEXT is a group of advancing professionals who represent a variety of businesses and industries throughout Southwest Florida. Monthly sessions take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month and offer opportunities to develop new knowledge and skills, establish working relationships with colleagues and engage in valuable programs and discussions to further enhance their careers. The Leadership NEXT annual program is sponsored by the Florida Gulf Coast University Alumni Association.
Leadership NEXT is free to attend for members of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and $10 for future members. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance at FortMyers.org and follow “Leadership NEXT” on Facebook for more information.
About the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce:
Serving Lee County and surrounding areas since 1989, the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is a business organization of professionals who support and promote a progressive, sustainable community. The Chamber represents nearly 800 businesses, professionals and individuals throughout Lee County, providing opportunities for members to participate in a variety of meaningful networking, educational and community- and business-focused programs and events. The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce is located at 2310 Edwards Drive in downtown Fort Myers. For additional information regarding membership opportunities or events please call 239-332-3624 or visit www.fortmyers.org. For the latest news and updates, follow the Chamber on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gfmcc or Twitter at @FtMyersChamber.
