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WCA Launches Season with Signature Events and New Offerings
By Shelly Bell, WCA Vice President of Programming
As we begin the 18th season of the Women’s Cultural Alliance, I am honored to step into the role of Vice President of Programming. Many of you know me as the founder and liaison of NextGen, where I had the privilege of introducing a vibrant new cohort of women to WCA. What began with just twelve members has grown into a thriving community of more than 150. Having passed the leadership of NextGen into capable hands, I’m excited to now focus my passion for programming on serving the entire WCA membership. In my new role, I will oversee the coordination of all WCA events and manage our program calendar.
My love for programming began in high school, where I was deeply involved in BBYO, planning events, conferences, and conventions in my hometown of Farmington Hills, Michigan. Although my career took a different direction, the joy of creating meaningful experiences for others never left me. I earned a degree in social work from Michigan State University and went on to receive my Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. After graduation, I returned to Michigan to serve as in-house counsel for my family’s metal recycling company, becoming the fourth generation to work in the scrap metal industry. Alongside my legal career, I’ve pursued my creative passions as a published romance author with titles released by HarperCollins, Hachette, and Harlequin. My proudest role, however, is that of mom to Spencer (21) and Kylie (19).
After spending all our vacations visiting my snowbird parents Mark and Leslie Wasserman in Naples, my husband Jason and I made the decision to relocate our family here nine years ago. Encouraged by my mother, a longtime WCA member, I launched NextGen in the fall of 2021. I never imagined that four years later I would be surrounded by such a rich circle of friends—or serving on the WCA Board of Directors as Vice President of Programming.
For many years, WCA has led the way in providing vibrant programming for the Greater Naples community. The 2025-2026 season promises to uphold that tradition— with a mix of beloved favorites and exciting new additions.
Mark your calendar for one of WCA’s most anticipated gatherings: the annual Welcome Back Luncheon, which will be held at Arthrex on Nov. 14. More than four hundred members will reconnect over lunch and enjoy a compelling behind-the-scenes talk from a special guest.
Members interested in performing Tikkun Olam should attend the annual Community Volunteer Expo (January 16), co-sponsored by MCA and Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, to discover a wide range of volunteer opportunities with local non-profit organizations that depend on dedicated volunteers like you to fulfill their missions.
Cultural enthusiasts can look forward to a performance of Tuesdays with Morrie (Feb. 19) with an exclusive WCA talkback at Florida Repertory Theatre, and the musical Cats (March 22) at the Broadway Palm. Some additional outings include home art tours, The Wick Theater & Costume Museum, museum visits, and day trips to Vizcaya (Jan. 28) and Ringling Museum (March 26).
WCA’s signature Speaker Series, held most Thursday mornings during season, will continue to present expert talks on everything from art and music to women’s health and national security. This year, in addition to our speaker series, we’re also offering a “brunch and learn” interactive workshop entitled Aging Well: Mind, Body and Spirit (Feb. 17), two “Family Life” Talks (Jan. 20 and Feb. 17), and “Happy Travelers,” a series of seminars on international travel.
For those unable to attend programs during the day, WCA will debut the new “Girls Night Out” activities. Popular events including “New Member Coffees,” “Cocktails and Conversation,” and “Koffee Klutch” will continue to be a great way for WCA members to make new friends in our growing community.
Visit our redesigned website at www. wcanaples.org to explore this season’s lineup, browse events by category, and download and review the full event guide. If you haven’t yet renewed your dues or joined WCA, now is the time.
Thanks to our dedicated board of directors and tireless volunteers, the 2025-2026 season is shaping up to be our best yet. With more than a hundred events held throughout the year — not including the hundreds of special interest group activities on the schedule — WCA members will never claim to be bored.
WCA: 2025-26 SAVE THE DATES
Welcome Back Luncheon • November 14
Chanukah Dance • December 18
Couples Canasta Night • January 12
WCA Group Expo • January 13
WCA Community Volunteer Expo • January 16
Annual Mah Jongg Day • January 21
WCA North Canasta Day • February 9
International Potluck • March 2
NextGen Fashion Show • March 4
Annual Canasta Day • March 16
WCA Fashion Show • March 23
Passover Seder • April 1
Volunteer Appreciation • April 15
