February 23, 2026 (Ft. Walton Beach/Fla.) The Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women (OCCSW) recently hosted their annual Summit.

Approximately 150 people attended The Summit at Beachside Community Church in Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. which featured over 30 organizations and businesses sharing resources and services available to women in Okaloosa County. The short film GIRLHOOD which was filmed in Ft. Walton Beach and the surrounding areas was shown.

Additionally, four speakers spoke about local economic, health, self-care, and elder services. Speakers featured newly confirmed Okaloosa Health Department Administrator Michele Shelton. Shelton spoke about county-wide women’s health initiatives and issues. Nicole Gislason from the UWF Haas Business Center discussed economic issues affecting local women such as housing and employment. Kim Fraley discussed what elder services are available and how caretakers can make time for themselves while caring for others and Kim Parks from Diana Health discussed functional healthcare options that help women to thrive not just survive.

Thank you to our event sponsors: Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers, Knife’s Edge Catering provided a delicious charcuterie table; and Beach Weekend Café provided a lemonade bar.

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