Pickled Pink Women’s Health Presentation

Description

In preparation for our upcoming Pickled Pink Pickleball Tournament, we invite all Members to join us for a meaningful and informative event centered on women’s health — with a special focus on breast cancer awareness.

Together, we’ll explore vital topics including:

• Recognizing risk factors and early warning signs
• The importance of annual wellness visits
• Current screening guidelines and proactive health practices
• Support resources for women and their families

This event is more than just educational — it’s a celebration of strength, sisterhood, and self-care. As we honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s come together to support ourselves and one another through knowledge, conversation, and community.

In appreciation of your participation, all attendees will receive a special thank-you surprise gift at the event.

We deeply value the power of personal stories. If you or someone close to you has been affected by breast cancer and you’re open to sharing your journey, we would be honored to include your voice. Please reach out to Sheneka Clark, Director of Wellness and Sports, to be part of this special gathering.

GUEST SPEAKER INFO:

Our special guest speaker will be Kara Down. Feel free to read Kara’s bio below.

Kara Down currently serves as a key leader at Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) in Naples, Florida, where she began a full-time role in January 2025. Working alongside NCH President & CEO Paul Hiltz and the Executive Leadership Team, she leverages her change management expertise to lead Executive Initiatives. Additionally, Kara serves as the Director of the Volunteer program, shaping its strategic vision and growth. Most meaningfully, she cherishes the opportunity to share patient stories, highlighting the profound impact NCH has on the Naples community and the Southwest Florida region. In 2021, Kara joined The Partnership, a marketing, branding, and PR agency, working alongside the NCH CEO in a Strategy, Public Relations, & Community Engagement role. Prior to that, she was a principal consultant with NTT Data Services in Naples, collaborating with high-profile clients such as PayPal, Venmo, Bank of America, and BB&T.

Earlier in her career, Kara transitioned to the financial industry after four years in healthcare. She joined Wachovia in Charlotte, North Carolina, working in mergers and acquisitions, where she managed complex responsibilities, including oversight of human resources project teams and internal communication processes. Following Wells Fargo’s acquisition of Wachovia in 2010, she moved to a management role in the home mortgage division in Franklin, Tennessee. There, she thrived, leading cross-departmental projects and expanding her role to include implementation consulting services, which she continued for a decade. Kara’s professional journey began as a media relations coordinator with HCA, Inc. in Nashville, Tennessee, where she worked closely with the CEO’s office to manage press releases, media events, and marketing for the 151 hospitals in HCA’s network.

Kara is deeply passionate about health and wellness. In her spare time, she is a fitness instructor and personal trainer, as well as a fitness and lifestyle model. She loves cooking and eating clean, and takes joy in helping others achieve their fitness goals. As a devoted mom to two amazing children, Kara balances her busy life by spending time at the beach or in the mountains.