Olympic Gold Medalist to Keynote Florida Women's Event

A woman who turned Olympic disappointment into golden determination is bringing her story to Key Largo this March.

Amanda Polk, who won Olympic gold with the U.S. Women's Rowing Team in 2016, will headline "Empower You" on March 7 at the REEF Ocean Exploration Center. The full-day conference, organized by Upper Keys Business & Professional Women, expects more than 100 attendees.

Polk's keynote, "Striving to Be the Best in a Competitive World," draws from her remarkable athletic career. The five-time world champion will share practical lessons on resilience, consistency, and sustaining high performance that apply far beyond the water.

Her path to Olympic gold wasn't easy. After serving as an alternate at the 2012 London Olympics, Polk channeled her disappointment into fierce determination. Four years later, she earned her seat in the U.S. Women's Eight event and helped Team USA claim gold in Rio de Janeiro.

Before her Olympic success, Polk became the University of Notre Dame's most decorated rower, earning four All-American honors. She then trained with the U.S. National Rowing Team in Princeton, New Jersey, where she captured five World Championship titles.

The event offers more than just inspiration. Attendees will participate in breakout sessions, a Women's Business Expo, interactive health and wellness activities, and Spark Tank LIVE, where local entrepreneurs showcase innovative business ideas.

The Ripple Effect

Every ticket purchased helps women across the Florida Keys reach their career goals. Net proceeds support Upper Keys BPW programs, including the Adult Women's Scholarship Program, which awards thousands of dollars annually to local women pursuing career education and training.

These scholarships transform lives by removing financial barriers to professional development. Women who might otherwise struggle to afford training can build new skills and launch rewarding careers.

Sponsorship opportunities and early-bird tickets are now available at upperkeysbpw.org/EmpowerYou. This March, one Olympic champion's lessons in turning setbacks into comebacks will help fuel the next generation of Florida Keys women leaders.