Each year, the Iconic Women of St. Petersburg Awards Luncheon celebrates Iconic Women – Celebrating Women with Vision Awards. Karen Mertes was recognized as the INSPIRE! Woman of the Year. This award recognizes a woman who has risen above significant personal challenges to achieve her goals and serves as a role model for what focus, perseverance and determination can accomplish.
During her remarks from the podium, Karen began by thanking the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, the Women’s Leadership Council, the Iconic Women’s Committee, the judges and everyone who attended the luncheon for their support. Karen Mertes then thanked Karen Gillman of On Point Executive Center, Marie Rosenbaum of MDesign Media and Jessica Rivelli of Working Women of Tampa Bay. Karen also thanked all members of Working Women of Tampa Bay at the luncheon who came out to support and cheer her on!
Karen then spoke about her personal motto, to choose to “Be Better and not Bitter”. When we choose to “Be Better and not Bitter”, we’re able to triumph through any tragedy and fulfill our destiny’s when we INSPIRE ourselves and others to live the life we’ve always envisioned. To Karen, I.N.S.P.I.R.E. is an acronym. The ‘I’ represents ‘Integrity’, the ‘N’ represents ‘Nothing Should Stop Us’, the ‘S’ represents ‘Service Before Self’, the ‘P’ represents ‘Perseverance’, the ‘I’ represents ‘Ingenuity’, the ‘R’ represents ‘Respect and Responsibility’ and the ‘E’ represents ‘Excellence in All We Do’.
Karen congratulates all finalists and winners in each category. Karen is humbled, honored and very grateful to have been named INSPIRE! Woman of the Year.
