About Us

Ginette Hughes  has been involved with education since joining Marine Resources Development Foundation’s (MRDF) marine education program in 1986. She has decades of experience working in the non profit sector and is the current CEO of MRDF.

Ginette’s community involvement includes serving on the board of the Upper Keys Sailing Club (Commodore, Treasurer), the local branch of the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), and briefly on the Leadership Monroe County board. 

Ginette became involved with the League of Women Voters out of a desire to help EVERYONE vote, and is very proud to be President of our relatively young chapter. Voter education is a personal priority! Ginette is also a pollworker with the Monroe County Elections Office and enjoys being “in the trenches” when it comes to helping people exercise their voting duty & privilege.

After living in the Keys for 35 years, Ginette’s favorite getaway is still just getting out on the water however she can, whether it’s on her kayak, sailboat, or a powerboat.

Linda Kaplan is an attorney who handles Immigration and Naturalization matters. She earned her bachelor’s degree with a major in Economics and her Juris Doctorate at the University of Florida and obtained an advanced law degree (LL.M in taxation) from New York University. Education remains a priority, both as a student and teacher: she has taken graduate courses in Finance, Asian studies, and Educational Leadership at Florida International University and has taught Business law at the University of Miami school of business as well as numerous Continuing Education Courses on Immigration law to other attorneys.

Linda is a native of Miami who grew up as an Army “Brat” in many places (including Japan and Germany) and has practiced law in Miami since 1977. After purchasing a second home in Key Largo in 2006 she relocated to live in the Keys in December 2010.

In addition to Linda’s work on the UKLWV board, she was a founding member of the Friends of the Key Largo Cultural Center and has been on their Board of Directors since it was formed in 2011. She also serves as the Treasurer of the Keys Jewish Community Center.

A presentation on amendments by the UKLWV sparked Linda’s interest in joining the League. In 2019, she led the planning for the chapter’s inaugural Constitution Day event, and continues to lead this important annual event.  Voter education, voter suppression and the National Popular Vote are the league issues that are most important to Linda.

Linda relaxes by walking on her treadmill and planting as many flowering plants as possible in her yard.

Ann Helmers is a relatively new member who joined our board last year and is now our Secretary.  Ann is also active with the Friends of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park organization. 

Judy Miller is also a recent member who brings fresh insights into our group!

Joyce retired to Key Largo in 2003 after teaching at Brooklyn’s James Madison High School. Almost immediately she began looking for her second career as a volunteer. After working for a while in the office and nursery at Pennekamp State Park, and  delivering snacks and supplies at Mariners’ Hospital, she began to devote her time to the boards of the Florida Keys Concert Association and the Keys Jewish Community Center, eventually serving as president of each organization. Currently as co-president of KJCC Sisterhood, Joyce believes in the ability of women to make the world a better place, starting in their local communities. She is also happily involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren in Hollywood, Fl and Highland Park, NJ.