Fort Myers, Fla. (August 20, 2026) – Anjali Van Drie, LCSW, BCBA, co-founder and vice president of Family Initiative, was named the recipient of the 2026 APEX Award at the Greater Fort Myers Chamber’s annual Chamber Awards, held July 30 at the Caloosa Sound Convention Center.
Organized by the Chamber’s Women in Business Committee, the APEX Award recognizes a local woman with an outstanding reputation for professionalism, philanthropy, and leadership. Van Drie was selected from a finalist field that also included Alicia Shannon of the Children’s Advocacy Center of SWFL and Gina Dengler of Collaboratory.
Van Drie, a licensed clinical social worker and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, has spent more than a decade serving families in the child welfare system and children with disabilities through Family Initiative, a Southwest Florida-based nonprofit providing autism services.
“This recognition means so much, not just for me, but for every family we walk alongside every day,” said Van Drie. “Being named among the women leaders in this community reminds me why this work matters. It’s a reflection of the dedication of our entire Family Initiative team and the trust families place in us.”
Anjali Van Drie accepts the 2026 APEX Award at the Greater Fort Myers Chamber Awards. (Photo courtesy of Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce)
About Family Initiative
Established in 2015, Family Initiative is a nonprofit organization based in Cape Coral, Florida, dedicated to supporting children, teens, and young adults impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through innovative programs and evidence-based therapies. Family Initiative provides clinical services, educational programs, and community support, empowering individuals and families across Southwest Florida. Through its private specialty school, Thrive Academy, Family Initiative offers a unique, individualized educational experience focused on academic achievement and vocational training. In addition to autism services, Family Initiative provides training and support for child welfare caregivers. To learn more, visit FI-Florida.org or call 239-910-0712.
