Leadership NEXT, a monthly program for advancing business professionals, will host a networking program from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 10 at Collaboratory in Fort Myers.
The Leadership NEXT program will feature an update from Collaboratory, the nonprofit formerly known as the Southwest Florida Community Foundation. Collaboratory President and CEO Sarah Owen will lead the discussion, sharing about the unique mission of Collaboratory, its goal of solving all major social problems on an 18-year deadline and how the nonprofit plans to accomplish this complex task.
Owen leads a passionate and diverse team dedicated to driving regional change for the common good. Her journey into the nonprofit sector followed a career in investor relations, public relations and corporate communications. With a focus on innovation, Owen guided the Southwest Florida Community Foundation’s growth as one of the largest funding organizations in the region. In 2017, she led the renovation of a 1920s Atlantic Coast Line Railway depot to design a space that supports the vital work of the region’s nonprofit organizations, businesses, residents and visitors. In 2021, the Foundation rebranded to Collaboratory.
Attendees of Leadership NEXT represent a variety of businesses and industries throughout Southwest Florida. 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. Leadership NEXT’s annual sponsor is the Florida Gulf Coast University Alumni Association.
The Aug. 10 program will be held at the Collaboratory, located at 2031 Jackson St. in Fort Myers. Admission is free for Chamber members and $10 for future members and includes one complimentary drink provided by Captains for Clean Water and light appetizers sponsored by Christin Collins. Attendees can register at FortMyers.org or call 239-332-2930.
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 over 750 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 239-332-2930 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.
