Embracing Differences: A Path to Stronger Communities

Zoom link will be emailed to registrants 2 days before and morning of the event.

Registration 9am

Program Starts 9:30am

This special event will bring together distinguished speakers, community and League members to explore the importance of inclusion, equity, and diversity in strengthening our democratic society. Through insightful discussions and meaningful dialogue, participants will examine how bridging divides and embracing differences can foster greater unity within our community. Together, we will highlight the role of democracy in promoting equity, understanding, and collective progress.

Speakers:

· Charlie Flores, Community Leader, Advocate, and Organizer. From Miami; resident of Lee County for 32 years. His vast experience includes founding organizations such as We Vote and the Hispanic American Citizen’s Council. He worked for a variety of Hispanic media and was a campaign consultant for Democrats and Republicans. Charlie also served in leadership positions with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Businesspeople United Political Action Committee (BUPAC). He has served as an interpreter for several Hispanic political leaders.

· Precious Gunter, JD, Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) is a licensed NC attorney and certified compliance professional with expertise in workplace investigations, compliance, ethics, mediation, and regulatory adherence. She brings a strong legal and compliance background to her work, overseeing compliance programs and ensuring alignment with state and federal laws. She also enjoys teaching and contributes to advancing best practices in her field. Title--Mastering Compliance in an Evolving Environment. - In today’s fast-paced world, staying compliant requires adaptability and insight. This presentation will include practical strategies to navigate the evolving environment of state and federal regulations, to stay informed, prepared, and confident in managing compliance challenges.

· Steve Alexander Marcantonio (he/him/his), Vice President, Board of Directors, Visuality, Inc. A Southwest Florida community leader, coach, and advocate whose work sits at the crossroads of ethics, equity, and civic engagement. Steve co-founded the SWFL Rainbow Coalition, and is the architect of Faith Over Fear, a regional interfaith dialogue connecting LGBTQ+ Floridians with welcoming faith communities. Steve’s presentation will examine how diversity, equity, and inclusion are not ancillary to democracy, but rather are essential to its ethical survival.

The League of Women Voters is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging for all people. The League is an organization that respects and values the richness of our community and our members.

The League’s Principles, Public Policies, Actions, and Advocacy articulated and document its support for an inclusive society. For details see: Impact on Issues 2024-2026, Equality of Opportunity, pages 140-151. Some highlights:

A key LWV Principle: The League of Women Voters believes every citizen should be protected in the right to vote; every person should have access to free public education that provides equal opportunity for all; and no person or group should suffer legal, economic, or administrative discrimination.

LWV Policy Positions include:

· Government has the responsibility to provide equality of opportunity for education, employment, and housing for all persons in the United States regardless of their race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability.

· Promotion of social and economic justice and the health and safety of all Americans.

· Promotion of self-sufficiency for individuals and families.

· Support for an equitable, quality public education for all children from pre-K through grade 12.