In the growing community of St. Augustine, the Women With Vision (WWV) Council provides mentorship, collaboration and support for professional women. Founded in 2019 as part of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce, WWV brings together a diverse group of businesswomen committed to embracing their purpose, vision and value.

Mentorship Through Education and Collaboration

The Council’s mission is clear: to mentor, inspire and empower women. Through quarterly meetings that draw upwards of 40–50 attendees, WWV creates a forum for leadership development and education. Guest speakers delve into topics pivotal to women’s leadership, sparking dialogue and inspiring growth. These events not only provide actionable insights but also foster an environment where professional women can exchange ideas and support one another.

Isabelle Renault, President and CEO of the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce since 2014, has been instrumental in WWV’s success. Renault emphasizes the value of in-person connections in an increasingly digital world.

“Even though we’re a growing community, people like to meet people in person,” she said. Her philosophy of “netweaving” highlights the importance of building relationships through mutual support and value. By establishing trust and providing value first, members create networks that amplify both personal and professional success.

Raising Awareness and Supporting the Community

Beyond networking and mentorship, WWV also plays a vital role in raising awareness about issues that impact the local community. This past November, the Council partnered with the Chamber’s Veterans Day Celebration Luncheon, co-hosting a panel of veterans and business leaders. The event highlighted veterans’ experiences, from active duty to civilian life, and explored ways the local business community can support veterans and their families.

Susan Connor, a Chamber Board member and director of corporate and foundation relations at Flagler College, reflected on the significance of the event.

“Chamber events provide an invaluable tool both for connecting business leaders and for raising awareness about issues of importance to our local community,” she said. “At the recent Veterans Day Luncheon co-hosted by the Women With Vision Council, we had the opportunity to hear from four veterans about their active duty service, transitions to civilian life and how our business community can better support veterans and their families. It was a wonderful reminder of the sacrifices our veterans have made to keep all of us in this country safe.”

Fostering Meaningful Connections

Members of WWV recognize the importance of genuine connections and consistent follow-through. Jennifer Howard, a CPA and WWV member since 2023, shared her approach: “I’ve found that building strong relationships happens when you offer value first—whether that’s sharing expertise or simply being present to listen.”

This philosophy, coupled with a supportive community of like-minded professionals, makes WWV an invaluable resource for women seeking to grow their businesses and connect meaningfully with their community.