Asian Professional Women Society of Southwest Florida

Red lanterns above the tables at an APWS membership mixer
A member addressing the room at an APWS gathering
Three members in derby hats and floral dresses
Three APWS leaders in evening gowns

Where Asian women connect and lead.

Naples · Fort Myers · Southwest Florida

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APWS is a society for Asian professional women across Naples, Fort Myers and Southwest Florida, where heritage is an advantage, leadership is shared, and every connection is made with intention.

Founded in Naples in 2025, we gather over potlucks, mixers and celebrations, often in members' homes, and we turn trusted relationships into mentorship, referrals and enterprise.

Read our story

2025
Founded in Naples
6
Heritages on our council
10
Council leaders
7+
Gatherings hosted

The next gathering.

Full calendar

Led by women who build.

Meet the council
Avi Mendieta
Avi MendietaFounder & President
Ivy Seo
Ivy SeoCo-Founder & Vice President
Jamie Rogers
Jamie RogersCo-Founder & Vice President
Cheri Longo
Cheri LongoBoard Director, Strategic Alliances
Ching Schueddig
Ching SchueddigPrograms & Events Chair
Miemie Chang
Miemie ChangVice President of Finance
Marie Grasmeier
Marie GrasmeierStrategic Finance & Treasury Lead
Hong
HongMembership Committee
Julie
JuliePrograms & Events Committee
Lyn Wagner
Lyn WagnerEvent Coordinator

In good company.

Member directory
  • BUILDYOURSNOW
  • C|C Private Reserve
  • Cruise Planners
  • FCC Florida Coast Counseling
  • Gallagher: Insurance, Risk Management, Consulting
  • Grasmeier Business Consulting
  • JGold Designs + Finds
  • MiaLuxe
  • Secure Memories
  • The Chef and B Team

Businesses our members own, lead or represent

Six APWS members in black and red gowns under string lights
Four members on the beach at sunset

An East Asian legend says an invisible red thread connects those who are meant to meet.

In Southwest Florida, we decided not to leave it to fate.

A shared table of home-cooked dishes at an APWS potluck Six APWS committee members Members and guests laughing around a patio table Members, families and friends gathered on a lanai

Four commitments, one circle.

A fast-growing community deserves a visible seat at the table.

Asian Americans are reshaping the country's economy and civic life. Here on the Gulf Coast, the community is present but thinly connected. APWS exists to change that.

24MAsian Americans counted in the U.S., alone or in combination with another raceU.S. Census Bureau · 2020
81%Growth of the U.S. Asian population from 2000 to 2019, the fastest of any major groupPew Research Center
≈19,900Asian residents across Collier & Lee counties, before counting multiracial neighborsU.S. Census Bureau · ACS
$1.2TReceipts of Asian-owned employer businesses in 2022, the highest of any minority groupCensus Annual Business Survey

See the full regional picture

APWS members gathered on a waterfront terrace in Naples
When Asian women have a trusted place to connect their experience, heritage and ambition, everyone around them grows stronger.
The Founders · Asian Professional Women Society
For women

Take your seat in the circle.

Asian professional women are welcome to apply. We review every application personally.

 For organizations

Partner with a rising network.

Sponsor a gathering, back a program or build a lasting alliance with APWS.