Lakewood Ranch, FL – Independent Women’s Network (IWN), the national grassroots community activist arm of Independent Women’s Voice (IWV), celebrated the launch of its Lakewood Ranch, FL Chapter. This chapter joins 19 chapters around the country and an online community of more than 32,000 members.
“As a U.S. Air Force veteran, I understand strength in numbers, leadership and values,” said Lakewood Ranch Chapter Leader Bridget Matthes. “Our values are under attack as we need to stand by ‘Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do.’ I wanted to find a way to get more involved in today’s issues and found my home in Independent Women’s Network, where my voice can be heard and proven leaders share resources to make me a better and more informed leader.”
A community leader, Matthes is a practice administrator, wife, and mother who has worked to assist children in and out of home care, has helped provide support and jobs for foster families, has provided education assistance for health and wellness programs, has worked to secure assistance during hurricanes, and is a part of various projects with other organizations to serve the Lakewood Ranch community.
Matthes continued, “I can be true to my values of family, traditions, faith, honor and support of our local community to break through socio-economic barriers and the noise we hear in today’s world of ‘change.’ We must build each other up and not only tell, but show what’s possible when we come together to serve others. I wanted to find like-minded women who want to build a coalition of outreach to ensure our voices are heard, and we lead the way as compassionate educators through strength and a resolve for what’s right.”
IWN was created to build a supportive community for women and to give them the tools they need to make a positive difference in their neighborhoods and our country.
“We heard from thousands of women from across the country who said they wanted a community where they could connect, share ideas, and take action,” said IWN’s Carrie Lukas. “We launched Independent Women’s Network to stand shoulder to shoulder with women who are ready to turn our economy around and fight to save our freedoms by countering the woke mob and standing up to cancel culture and out-of-touch bureaucrats.”
An engaging and growing community of independently-minded women work together to advance shared principles through chapter gatherings and the IWN online movement. Membership to IWN opens access to message boards, curated news, smart content, a resource center, exclusive events, and an action center.
“IWN members are happy warriors who stand up to bullies — bullies with positions in school boards; bullies on social media; bullies in corporations and in politics,” said IWN Director Julie Gunlock. “We support one another, and our members are not alone when they stand up to lead on issues critical to our country.”
Members of the community who are interested in joining Independent Women’s Lakewood Ranch, FL Chapter should email IWN Membership Director Jenny Avis ([email protected]) or visit iwnetwork.com for more information.