Dear Members: 

Welcome to Women’s History Month! 

Let this month be a catalyst for ongoing engagement, advocacy and commitment to the mission of empowering women everywhere. 

March is a time of reflection, celebration and action. (isn’t every month??) 

As we honor Women’s History Month, we recognized remarkable contributions of women past and present.  This is the time to celebrate those who paved the way, learn and share the progress made and gear ourselves up to battle the challenges that remain. 

A significant highlight of this month is the annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations in New York City, where people from around the world (including around 100 people from BPW) will gather for two weeks of advocacy, discussion and collaboration.  CSW provides a unique opportunity to engage with global leaders, policy makers and activists as they address critical issues impacting women’s rights and gender equity.  For those who are unable to attend in person, I strongly encourage you to participate virtually.  Many sessions and events are accessible online, permitting you to be part of the conversation from wherever and “whenever” you are

Leading us into CSW,  March 8^th is International Women’s Day.  The first IWD was held in 1911.  Learn more about IWD at:

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

March 25 is Equal Pay Day 2025 – a stark reminder of the persistent gender wage gap.  BPW is responsible for initiating the Red Purse Campaign.  This campaign is a powerful visual symbol of the economic disparities women still face.  I encourage you to engage in discussions, share resources and advocate for policies that move us toward wage equity.  Let’s use this time to raise awareness and push for change.

Beyond CSW, International Women’s Day and Equal Pay Day, March is an invitation for all of us to find ways to celebrate, educate and learn about women.  Included in the Virtual article, you will find 31 Ways for 31 Days, suggestions of thing you and or your club might want to do to celebrate women this month.  Host a local event, spotlight women’s achievements in your community, mentor a young woman, or simply take the time to explore the stories of those who have shaped our world.  Every action, no matter how small, contributes to greater empowerment and recognition. 

Thank you for your dedication and passion.  I look forward to seeing how each of you will honor this important month in your own unique way. 

With gratitude and determination,

Barbara Bozeman

NFBPWC President, 2024-2026

By: Megan Shellman-Rickard 
Immediate Past-President

Envisioning a New Year 

At the beginning of the New Year, we have a moment to be introspective and think about  what we want to accomplish in the coming months. Ten years ago, a member of BPW  would hold an annual vision board party and many members of our local club  participated. This incredible event had a table filled with beautiful magazines, calendars,  and photos. We each brought a few images of our own. We spent a brunch hanging out  and envisioning our coming year. Those times at my dear friend Michele Guarino’s home  in Boulder helped provide me with a vision for the coming year. I’ve done my best to  continue the vision board experience with friends and family wherever I’ve been for the  New Year. I have found that what I put down on that board comes to fruition more often than I would expect. 

Take a moment at the beginning of this New Year and envision what “Connecting Locally. Uniting Nationally.  Igniting Globally.” means to you as a member of NFBPWC. Look at our mission statement and our  opportunities to network with other BPW members. How can your membership help you accomplish some of  your New Year’s resolutions? How can you contribute to a better world for working women? 

I’m inspired this year to use Pinterest, Canva, and the good old paper and glue versions of the vision board to  create a piece of art about my aspirations for 2025. I would love to see what our members create. Please send  me a photo to my email. Best wishes for the coming year, we have work to do! 

Please continue to reach out to me personally or professionally as we continue our work to make NFBPWC a  better organization, because together we are stronger. 

Kind Regards, 

Megan Shellman-Rickard 

Immediate Past-President 

immpastpresident@nfbpwc.org

By: Nermin K. Ahmad
NFBPWC Secretary 2024-2026 

As Secretary of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs,  I would like to wish each and every one of you a wonderfully warm and festive  holiday season, full of contentment and peace, followed by a confident entry into 2025  where our organization will have the capacity to advocate for and stand behind  Business and Professional Women in every walk of life. We can meet all challenges  head on, fearlessly as our sisters before us, with grace and through strong  collaboration.

By: Emily VanVleck
2^nd Vice President of Advocacy, NFBPWC 2024-2026 

Happy New Year BPW advocates! As we welcome a new year, your advocacy team is  gearing up for a strong start to 2025. Advocacy remains a cornerstone of our mission,  and this January, we are calling on all members to join us in advancing our advocacy  priorities. 

After a century we are STILL pushing for the Equal Rights Amendment, and we have  never been closer to enshrining equal rights in the US Constitution. Now until  Inauguration Day on January 20th, we call on you to take action! Continue making your  voice heard and pressure Biden to Publish The ERA before he leaves office. Use our One  Click Politics tool and visit BidenPublishTheERA.org to find more opportunities to take action. 

Along with our call to action on the Equal Rights Amendment, here are some advocacy days and action items  for January: 

January 11: National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 

Human trafficking, be it sex or labor related, affects millions worldwide, with women and girls being  disproportionately impacted. This day is an opportunity to shine a light on this pervasive issue and take action. 

How You Can Take Action: 

• Wear blue to show solidarity and raise awareness about human trafficking. 

• Share resources and statistics on your social media platforms, tagging #WearBlueDay and  #EndHumanTrafficking. 

• Share resources such as the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733. January 24: International Day of Education 

International Day of Education is held annually on January 24th and the theme for 2025 is ‘Learning For  Lasting Peace.’ While education is a fundamental human right and a catalyst for gender equality, girls’  education is under attack worldwide. UNICEF estimates nearly 119 million girls are out of school worldwide.  Girls face numerous barriers in receiving education such as poverty, child-marriage, and gender-based  violence, along with bans on education for our sisters in Afghanistan. 

How to take action: 

• Raise awareness about the importance of quality education for all and barriers girls face 

• Write to your local and national representatives urging increased funding for education initiatives,  particularly those addressing gender disparities 

• Consider donating to organizations supporting quality education for all

As always it is important to stay informed about key issues and share with others through webinars, social  media outreach, and local conversations. Your elected officials work FOR YOU. Reach out to them and use  your voice to advocate for policies aligned with our mission - don’t forget to share those policies with your  advocacy committee so we can promote them on our One Click Politics tool! 

The advocacy committee has a lot of exciting plans for 2025 that we look forward to sharing with you. We  encourage everyone to join us at our advocacy meetings on the second Thursday of the month at 7 pm ET.  Let’s make January the foundation for a transformative year. Your voice matters, and your actions create  ripples of change. Together, we will continue to champion equality, equity, and empowerment for women  everywhere. 

By: Maria Cecilia DeSousa
1st Vice President of Membership, NFBPWC 2024-2026 

The membership committee has been actively pursuing ways to attract new members  and retain existing members. To accomplish this task, the membership committee  created a sub-committee. In this issue I am sharing the DRAFT version of the efforts  of this hardworking team. It is for your review and input.

Please contact the membership committee with any feedback you might have.Wishing all a prosperous and healthy Happy New Year 2025. 

FROM THE 2025 MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT STRATEGY PLANNING COMMITTEE

Denise Stepanik, Lead Committee Member, PA – PENNSYLVANIA

Sher Singh, CA - DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO CAPITAL

Barbara Jean BJ Maresca, PA – PENNSYLVANIA

Diane Rames, CA - BERKELEY

Dr. Twila Lee Wynn, PA – PENNSYLVANIA

We have an amazing mission. Our modest Membership strategic recruitment committee has a big job to do,  and so does our organization. We must keep and build NFBPWC to ensure a good mix of talent, ages, and  diversity to help women achieve equality. 

Here’s some sobering news we have found in our research so far:

• The 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action identified several actions for women to achieve  parity. The UN General Assembly of the Economic and Social Council, through its follow-on tracking  and measurements of the Beijing pivotal document, said in their 2024 Session that it will take 176 years  for the world’s women to achieve gender parity in managerial positions

• The publication Women in the Workplace-2024, prepared by LeanIn.org and McKinsey & Company,  summarized data gathered over 10 years in the US. Despite progress, parity for all women in the US  is almost 50 years away.

The Leanin.org/McKinsey & Company https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and inclusion/women-in-the-workplace report states that at the current pace of progress:

• It will take 22 years to reach parity for white women—and more than twice as long for women of color. Put  another way, it will take 48 years for the representation of white women and women of color in senior leadership  to reflect their share of the U.S. population.

• Over the past decade, there have been important gains for women at every level of the corporate pipeline,  particularly in senior leadership. This progress matters because research shows that companies with more women  in leadership benefit from greater innovation, healthier cultures, and stronger performance. In addition to offering  valuable skills and perspectives, women leaders inspire the next generation of women to make their mark.

• However, the pipeline is not as healthy as the numbers suggest. At the beginning, too few women—and especially  women of color—are advancing into management positions. Over the last several years, the primary driver of  progress for women in senior leadership has been a reduction in line roles. And at the highest level—the C-suite— what drove gains in representation will be impossible to replicate in the years to come.

• To achieve this, companies will need to maintain their current rate of progress, which means addressing weak  spots in their pipeline. For most companies, this means fixing the broken rung and, investing more energy in  developing women leaders and holding themselves accountable for more substantive progress in the C-suite.

• There is unmistakable evidence that companies need to push further. For example, fewer companies are investing  in career development and sponsorship programs that address the unique challenges of women and women of  color. Although well intended, company efforts to activate employees—who have a critical role to play in changing  the culture of work—have not translated into enough action. 

• For just $50, your dues to NFBPWC allows you to gain access to exclusive career development and  sponsorship programs that many companies do not provide. NFBPWC has already done the work, offering  comprehensive training and development programs ready to help our members. 

While the McKinsey & Company study addressed corporations, these weak spots would be possible for  business and professional women working in the gig economy (a labor market characterized by temporary,  contract, and free-lance jobs, rather than permanent positions), self-employment, public sector, and non profits. It also parallels the UN General Assembly’s Economic and Social Council 2024 results. Additionally,  your $50 dues support NFBPWC's seat on the UN Commission on the Status of Women, ensuring our voices  are heard on a global stage.

SO, THIS IS WOMEN’S CURRENT STATE. This makes our modest subcommittee very sad, yet it’s energizing. 

• NFBPWC can fill these gaps and help women through its many training offerings, mentorship, and  friendship. Our organization needs to build our talent to help bring in members to achieve their  potential too.

• To properly recruit, it is important to understand our current demographics as a club and what we  want to look like in the future. We want to help women achieve parity and need skilled and enthusiastic  members to further our mission.

What does this mean for NFBPWC's work ahead? If there are gaps in leadership skills and women of color,  our membership and policies need to align with that.

The committee must identify who we want to target as new members. To do that, we need to: Clearly describe our existing membership demographics (age, talent/skills, race, ethnicity, passions) Identify the ideal membership demographics (age, talent/skills, race, ethnicity, passions)

We will then compare the demographic gaps between existing and ideal membership and target those gaps by focusing on recruiting new members in places/organizations/groups having the demographics we need.  To fully understand our success, we must track our progress as we implement our recruitment strategic plan.

YOUR ACTION: Each BPW member should consider taking part in our membership recruitment. If you  can help in any way with the following recommendations or initiatives, please get in touch with one of the  members of the membership committee to offer your support. 

NFBPWC Membership Recruitment Strategy as of November 2024: Analysis and  Recommendations

Analysis to Date:

Articles on the state of women.

Data from existing database: On National website: 584 members. Only 182 have listed their age range: 8  Under 25 / 13@ 26-35 / 19 @36-45 / 26 @46-55 / 35 @56-65 / 49 @ 66-75 / 24 @ 76-85 / 3 @86 and over

Current segments of membership:

Heritage members – A Heritage member is a member currently or previously involved in a BPW Club but  without national and international connections. 

1) Encourage each BPW club to have member photos on their websites and to post the LinkedIn  profile link to each member's LinkedIn profile.

2) Encourage each club to engage with members by asking them to connect with each other on  LinkedIn.

3) Encourage BPW regions to have their members connect with each other on LinkedIn.

4) Encourage all BPW clubs to hold virtual or hybrid programs which can be promoted on LinkedIn.  This will multiply the group of potential attendees who can receive the invitation to the virtual/hybrid  event and encourage more participation.

Student members – Currently enrolled in an accredited institute of higher education or trade school. The  potential BPW Student member is now making important future plans and career choices. Recruitment should  highlight mentoring, personal and professional training, national leadership programs and networking  opportunities. Some BPW Federations and Clubs offer educational assistance programs. Ages 18-35 will also  be considered a Young BPW member at the National and International levels.

Young BPW are (ages 18-35). They are starting their career and will generally change their career a few times  before choosing a long-term path. They are interested in networking and social media, issues affecting women  in the workplace and in politics. They are interested in meeting working women but feel they have little time  to give to a structured club. Recruitment should focus on established contacts with young workers through  the Young BPW programs, career development scholarships, potential for enhancing their CV/resume  through BPW participation, and worldwide contacts with like-minded individuals.

Mid or Peak Career - Established in the workforce, advancing in their career or interested in other options  such as small business/home business ownership. They are looking beyond their current career to (engage in  community purpose/impact). They can take advantage of BPW opportunities to broaden their potential.

Transitional - They are in-between-jobs or want to start a new career or business. They may want to continue  their education. They may be military-affiliated women. They may be business or professional women who  are new immigrants to the US. They will benefit from networking with other women and familiarize with  social media and electronic skills. Scholarship/grants may be an incentive to join.

Retirees – One of the strengths of BPW, they have the time and experience to give back. They have the  background and the dedication and may have more time to devote to projects and leadership positions. They  should be encouraged to mentor the younger members while allowing them to also develop individually  within their club.

Virtual - They may not be able to join a club because of time, distance or lack of interest in participating in  local activities. They will contribute with their dues, attend and participate in events, and may even join a  Committee or Task Force. Individual members should be encouraged and assisted in contacting other  working women in their area to eventually start a new club. 

NGO and Nonprofits – BPW takes pride in collaborating with other women’s organizations around the globe.  One opportunity is the annual event at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), where  BPW holds consultative status and participates with parallel and side events. BPW offers NGO women a  unique opportunity to advance their business and professional skills, advocacy skills, and promote and align  with other NGO’s in their areas of expertise.

• Synthesized studies on the state of women, our current membership data, and the challenges and  opportunities for NFBPWC membership recruitment. Here are the key takeaways:

Target Audience:

• Challenges:Underrepresentation of women, especially women of color, at leadership levels. Difficulty  attracting younger generations due to changing work styles and time constraints. Need to address the  needs of a diverse membership with varied interests.

• Opportunities: Growing gig economy and remote work create a need for connection and support.  NFBPWC's established programs and global reach offer unique value propositions. Strong local  connections and chapters can foster a sense of community.

Recommendations for Updated Practices and Policies within the National organization: Based on the analysis, here are some recommendations for membership recruitment strategy:

1. Define clear member segments:

• We have profiles of each target member segment (e.g., Young BPW, Transitional Member) see above  category definitions. 

• We must ensure robust demographics, career goals, preferred communication channels, etc., by  developing and encouraging members to complete this information in enhanced data collection  profiles. Phase I—start with skills listing that members are willing to share with the organization on  tasks and committees.

• Tailor messaging and benefits to resonate with each segment.

2. Leverage Technology and Social Media: 

Utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to highlight member experiences,  events, and achievements.

• Develop engaging content that addresses the challenges and interests of women in today's  workplace (e.g., work-life balance, career development tips).

• Create targeted social media campaigns to reach specific segments.

3. Focus on Diversity and Inclusion:

• Partner with organizations serving women of color and other diverse communities. • Actively recruit women from underrepresented groups for leadership positions and committees. • Highlight success stories of diverse members in marketing materials.

• Offer scholarships or reduced membership fees to attract younger members.

4. Promote Value Proposition:

• Clearly articulate the unique benefits of NFBPWC membership. What sets us apart from other  organizations? 

• Emphasize opportunities for professional development, networking, mentorship, and advocacy. • NFBPWC has a seat at the UN table. Showcase the global reach and impact of NFBPWC through  initiatives like the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

5. Strengthen Local Connections:

• Encourage local chapters to organize engaging events and activities that cater to local needs. • Create a welcoming environment for new members through mentorship programs and buddy systems. • Utilize local media outlets to promote events and highlight NFBPWC's presence in the community.

6. Leverage Partnerships:

• Partner with universities and colleges to reach young professionals and potential student members. • Collaborate with women-owned businesses and professional organizations to expand reach. • Explore co-hosting events or programs with complementary organizations.

7. Track and Evaluate:

• Monitor the effectiveness of our recruitment efforts through analytics and feedback surveys. • Regularly review and adjust our strategy based on data and member needs.

Additional Considerations:

Develop a membership recruitment toolkit for local chapters with customizable templates and resources.

• Fully advertise our virtual membership options for women who cannot attend local events due to  location or time constraints.

• Conduct surveys and focus groups to gather insights into member needs and preferences. • Partner with influencers and successful women in the community to promote NFBPWC.

By implementing these recommendations through a robust execution plan which we will do in Phase I, II, and  III, NFBPWC can develop a comprehensive and targeted membership recruitment strategy that will attract a  diverse and engaged membership base in the future.

Nov 11, 2024 Draft: Membership Recruitment Strategic Plan for the National Federation of Business and  Professional Women's Clubs (NFBPWC)

Executive Summary

This strategic plan outlines a comprehensive approach to recruit new members to the National Federation of  Business and Professional Women's Clubs (NFBPWC). The plan focuses on using the organization's strengths,  addressing potential challenges, and capitalizing on emerging opportunities to attract and retain diverse,  talented women.

Goals and Objectives

1. Increase Membership:

• Attract 500 new members annually for the next five years.

• Retain 85% of existing members.

2. Enhance Brand Awareness:

• Increase brand recognition by 20% within the target demographic.

• Develop a strong social media presence to reach a wider audience.

• Identify benefits in exchange for the $50 annual dues.

• Offer direct contact with large corporations, governments, social and  occupational/union/apprenticeship organizations of our offerings and recruit members there.

3. Strengthen Local Chapters:

•  Provide resources and training to local chapters to improve their recruitment efforts. Personally  reach out to all local chapters in every state not currently aligned with National.

• Foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among chapters.

• Heritage, retention, disenfranchised members from locals.

• Direct contact with expired memberships at local and national level to reenergize.

Target Audience – Diversity focused.

Primary Target:

• Career-oriented women aged 25-55.

• Women in leadership positions or aspiring to leadership roles.

• Women entrepreneurs

Secondary Target:

• College students and recent graduates

• Women returning to the workforce.

• Retirees passionate about our mission

Recruitment Strategies

1. Digital Marketing:

•  Social Media:

▪ Create engaging content on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

▪ Utilize targeted advertising to reach potential members.

▪ Share success stories, member testimonials, and event highlights.

• Email Marketing:

▪ Develop a robust email marketing campaign to nurture leads and keep members  engaged.

▪ Segment email lists based on interests and demographics for personalized messaging. o Website Optimization:

▪ Improve website usability and design to enhance the user experience.

▪ Improve website content for search engines to attract organic traffic.

2. Community Outreach:

• Networking Events:

▪ Partner with other organizations to host joint events and workshops.

▪ Attend industry conferences and trade shows to connect with potential members. o Community Partnerships:

▪ Collaborate with local businesses, universities, and non-profit organizations to promote  membership benefits.

▪ Volunteer for community service projects to build brand awareness and goodwill. 3. Member Referrals:

• Referral Program:

▪ Implement a referral program to incentivize current members to refer friends and  colleagues.

▪ Offer rewards or recognition for successful referrals.

• Peer-to-Peer Networking:

▪ Encourage members to share their experiences and the value of membership within  their professional networks.

4. Targeted Recruitment:

• Student Chapters:

▪ Establish student chapters at colleges and universities to cultivate future leaders. ▪ Offer mentorship programs and career development opportunities to attract young  women.

• Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives:

▪ Create inclusive programs and events to attract women from diverse backgrounds. ▪ Promote diversity and equity within the organization.

Evaluation and Measurement

• Track membership growth and retention rates.

• Monitor website traffic, social media engagement, and email open rates.

• Measure the impact of recruitment campaigns on brand awareness and lead generation. • Conduct surveys and feedback sessions to gather insights from members and potential members. • Regularly review and adjust the recruitment strategy based on performance metrics and evolving  trends.

By implementing this strategic plan, the NFBPWC can significantly increase membership, strengthen its brand,  and empower women to achieve their full potential.

Dear Members:

Happy New Year and Welcome to

2025 – a year filled with promise, potential and opportunities to drive forward our mission of Connecting Locally. Uniting Nationally. Igniting Globally.

As we step into this new chapter, I invite you to reframe the word “challenge.”  For some, it may carry a connotation of struggle, but for us, challenges are where we shine.  They represent opportunities to innovate, to push boundaries, and to redefine what is possible.  It is through challenge that we ignite progress, foster resilience and ensure the values of equality and empowerment continue to shape the world. 

This year, we welcome new leadership at the regional and international level—a development that presents us with both opportunities and responsibilities. As a federation, we are part of a global movement that champions the advancement of women, not just within our local communities but across the world. Together, we must engage with and support this leadership while continuing to stand firm on the principles that unite us all.

Let’s leverage this moment to strengthen our collaborations, expand our reach, and amplify our collective voice.

In 2025, let us recommit to our foundational mission: connecting women locally to their communities, uniting as a national organization to address critical issues, and igniting a global movement that creates lasting change. Each of us has a vital role to play, whether as a mentor, an advocate, or a change-maker.

Here’s how we can make the most of this year:

1.      Connect Locally: Look for ways to grow and support your local club. By fostering strong local connections, we create a foundation for collective action.

2.     Unite Nationally: Participate in NFBPWC events and initiatives. Your voice and perspective matter as we tackle national issues impacting women and their communities.

3.     Ignite Globally: Engage with international efforts, from advocacy to cultural exchanges. Our organization is strongest when we actively contribute to the global conversation about women’s empowerment.

I encourage each of you to embrace 2025 with the spirit of Rosie the Riveter—a symbol of resilience, determination, and the belief that "we can do it!" Together, there is no challenge too great, no goal too ambitious.

As we navigate this year, I promise to lead with transparency, determination, and a commitment to fostering an environment where every member feels valued and empowered. Let’s ensure that NFBPWC remains a beacon of hope and progress for women around the globe.

Thank you for your passion, dedication, and unwavering belief in the power of women.  Let’s make 2025 a year to remember!

In solidarity and strength,
Barbara Bozeman
President, NFBPWC

Connecting Locally ~ Uniting Nationally ~ Igniting Globally

Dear Members:

Well, November sure lived up to our theme. With only an hour time difference between here and St. Kitts, I won’t credit jet lag for the way I feel today. Blissfully exhausted and so happy to be home!

Less than 24 hours ago, I arrived home from an arduously fabulous 9 days in St. Kitts attending the 31st BPW International Congress. St. Kitts is the home of our outgoing Regional Coordinator, Dawne Williams. North America and the Caribbean Region served as hosts for this event and it was just wonderful!

I have to report how very proud I am of Team NFBPWC. Between our delegates, member-nominees, and attendees, Team NFBPWC, Team BPW-USA, Team Rosie… whatever you want to call us, we made a very favorable impression and made a lasting impact at this Congress. Our Rosie the Riveter / We Can Do It theme (and lunch boxes) was a hit and opened the door to many, many conversations with our international sisters.

Past International Presidents Dr. Yasmin Darwich and Liz Benham, and Past Executive Secretary Bessie Hironimus showed strength and poise as they presented their information to the Congress.

First time delegates Rosalind Scott, Emily VanVleck and Nermin Ahmad and Alice Gallop-West worked hard on your behalf as they boldly took to the microphone to discuss the merits of topics at hand. We were also grateful to have our more experienced delegate, Bessie Hironimus, for her counsel on presentation and conduct.

Sylvia Valine of Washington even got into the fray – as the Chief Scrutineer for the entire Congress.

Nermin Ahmad and Alice Gallop-West both presented workshops, in addition to being delegates. Nermin presented Women on the Move, and Alice’s Vision Board and Goal Setting workshop was so popular, that when another presenter had to back out at the last minute, she presented it a second time.

Serving as Standing Committee Chairs for the International Board, Francesca Burak (NYC) and Sher Singh(CA) were vital to our team effort, as well. Very happy to report that Francesca was elected VP Membership for BPW International and Sher Singh will continue for another term as Standing Committee Chair for Arts and Culture.

Did you know that you can be a member of more than one BPW? When it came to electing a Vice President for United Nations, we (USA) were admittedly challenged.

While their nominations did not come from USA, three of the four candidates are members of NFBPWC. Members Neelima Basnet (California), Larisa Miller (Virtual) and Kelly Talon Franklin (Virtual) all ran for this position. Neelima was nominated by BPW – UK, Kelly by BPW Canada, and Larisa by BPW Galway. All three compounded the challenge by making very compelling presentations. Our heartfelt congratulations to Neelima for her election.

I hope you will help me make welcome our new BPW International President, Diana Barragan, and our new Regional Coordinator, Karin Gorgerat.

Karin is from BPW Canada, where she is the BPW Immediate Past President and a member of Hastings & Prince Edward, Ontario, Canada. She is a terrific leader and we look forward to the next three years under her guidance as the Regional Coordinator for North America and the Caribbean.

During the Regional Meeting for North American and the Caribbean, your very own Bryn Norrie was named as the Young BPW Representative for our Region. Congratulations, Bryn! We know you will be great!

Our new International President is Diana Barragan. A past Regional Coordinator for Latin America, Diana is a member of BPW Peru, and has already shared her theme for the Triennium:

“Innovate, Inspire, Empower, Transform – Together We Shape a Sustainable Future”

Between the festivities, the Pre and Post Congress Board meetings and the Congress itself, it will take quite a while to “unpack it all” as the saying goes.

Look for photos and more from the rest of Team NFBPWC further into this magazine and in future posts to the Facebook page.

The future is very bright for BPW if the Congress is any indication.

…and yes! We have a new President! And a new Executive. More about that in the International Congress Section.

Best wishes to you all as 2025 comes closer and closer. It will be here before you know it!

A Warm Welcome to December, my friends!

Barbara Bozeman
President, NFBPWC

By: Dr. Jo Naylor,
NFBPWC Treasurer 2024-2026, treasurer@nfbpwc.org

Are you Thankful?

That is a question that is popular during the month of November. My answer is usually “Yes,” I am thankful for the people I know, the place I live, and the fact that I am still breathing.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I remember the dinners at my grandparents’ house in Northeast Philadelphia, when we went “up the Schuylkill Expressway and Roosevelt Boulevard” to Grandmother’s house. We would eat turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, brussels sprouts, green beans, and jellied cranberry sauce and watch football. That was a magical day in my life every year for 22 years. My grandfather, younger sister, and I were born on the same day, November 23rd, so we also got a symbolic 3-pound birthday cake. We all said what we were thankful for before eating.

November is a time when I look at my life and evaluate what I am thankful for… the people in my life, what I have, and how far I have come to be the person I am today. Some people are thankful for their families, friends, and people in their lives. Some people are thankful for the things they own, the house they live in, and their status in the world. Some people are thankful they are breathing and have a chance to make a difference in the world. I have worked with children for 25 years and have asked them to make turkeys with feathers that have “I am thankful for…“ written on them. The most popular responses are ‘my family,’ ‘my video games,’ ‘my dog,’ and ‘my teacher.’ All answers are dependent on what is happening in each child’s life at the time of the project. I challenge you to write the following words “I am thankful for…” and finish the sentence with your unique answer.

This year, I am thankful that I am back in my hometown, my daughter is in college, and I am the Treasurer for the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs. I am thankful that Maureen, a 40-year member of BPW Corpus Christi (TX) shared her experiences with me. She is the person who introduced me to BPW resulting in my 20-year membership in an organization that has and will continue to fight for the rights of women in the United States of America and women all over the world. I was raised by a very independent and powerful woman and am raising my daughter to be an educated and independent woman. I am very thankful for all of the members of NFBPWC that I have met and have the honor of representing and supporting in any capacity.

From Nermin K. Ahmad
NFBPWC Secretary 2024-2026

Landing in Saint Kitts brought back memories of the January 2023 North America and the Caribbean Regional Conference hosted here. Already on the flight from NYC it was clear that many of my fellow passengers were women from all over the world converging on Saint Kitts – a privilege to recognize faces too long only seen on zoom!

The hotel was humming with the voices of our dynamic colleagues here from so many countries, some without their luggage, all maximizing their access to the breeze running through the hotel lobby. With the few aircraft coming in, very quickly we were pressing for credentials, seeking conference documents. Collecting mine the

next morning, I was very appreciative of the behind the scenes help from the back office – sisters who paid to attend the conference who volunteered to be present to make the conference run smoothly and respond to our many questions and concerns raised in a host of languages.

We began with our North America and the Caribbean regional meeting. We were warmly welcomed by Dawne Williams as one of her last actions as our amazing Regional Coordinator. While a first-time attendee, I was unfortunately unable to attend the special introductory sessions established for 1st time attendees – but heard great feedback.

The Pre-Congress International Board Meeting - for Delegates - only took the whole afternoon, after a lovely and filling lunch in one of the hotel restaurants. This was a long meeting, with concerns raised about various agenda items, addressed in our President’s report.

That evening, I was able to head back to the Coconut Grove, well remembered from my last trip here, and say hi! to Julian, who remembered me, and was happy to finish his slow month with the onslaught of attendees willing to venture away from the hotel. We made a difference to his local business!

What is striking about our meetings is the range and variety of dress, the multitude of languages – delegates from 72 countries attended. The opening ceremony was solemn, with Governor General Her Excellency Marcella Liburd gracing us with her presence, and the Honorable Minister for Social Development and Gender Affairs, Your Empowerment, Ageing and Disabilities urging us to deliberate well, and of course the Deputy Prime Minister thanking us for gracing his country with our trust. The end of the first day was late, the day had been long, there had been a mixture of heat and rain, but the warm humidity contrasted well with the air conditioned rooms.

Monday was the start of business. The USA delegation was all in white, with our We Can Do It lunchboxes placed before us. These drew so much attention from delegates, photographers and others, and became a recognized message during Congress. Likewise, our decision to wear White on Day 1, Blue on Day 2 and Red on Day 3 was recognized and well received by attendees. Clearly USA was in the room, and ready to speak under the leadership of President Bozeman. I think few people will ever forget her calm: This is Barbara Bozeman, President USA – as she placed well thought through points of clarification at the mike.Other highlights were of course the reception at the Governor General’s Mansion, as well as the Gala Dinner (the only evening events I attended). The reception was not just good food, with drink and dancing, but also entertainment by local musicians, a DJ and dancers. An enormous Conga line united us, and large groups of women cemented collaboration with line dancing. The Gala dinner was memorable for the food, and Sher Singh and I were the first to take on the dance floor here.

Several countries (Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, and Egypt to name a few) brought women made items to sell, and we all exchanged buttons and gifts, as well as promises to work together. It was truly an extraordinary gathering of women with a desire to celebrate women’s achievements and I was proud to be a delegate.

By: Emily VanVleck
2nd Vice President of Advocacy, NFBPWC 2024-2026

Greetings, everyone!

I’ve just returned from the 31st International Congress of BPW International in St. Kitts, and I’m still energized by the incredible experience. Attending my first International Congress was both inspiring and eye-opening. It was fantastic to connect with members from around the globe and see the difference our organization is making for girls and women worldwide.

However, the Congress also highlighted some areas we can grow. Differences of opinion and some challenging debates hindered the progress we aimed to achieve. Despite these hurdles, we succeeded in passing several important resolutions, which can be viewed on the Advocacy page, and electing a new International Executive Committee.

I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations to two BPW USA members on their election to the International Executive Committee: Francesca Burak (NYC) as Vice President of Membership and Neelima Basnet (Downtown Sacramento) as Vice President of United Nations. This is a tremendous accomplishment, and I know they will represent us well on the global stage.

As we transition into December, I can’t help but embrace the magic of the season. The Hallmark channel, festive decorations, and the spirit of love and togetherness create a real sense of magic. As the year comes to a close, it’s also a meaningful time to reflect on the progress we’ve made and set new goals for the future. As your Vice President of Advocacy, I am committed to strengthening our outreach efforts in the coming year and expanding programs aligned with our advocacy platform to better serve women and girls. Before we turn the page to the new year, I invite you to join us in recognizing key advocacy dates this December.

December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Advocating for inclusivity means addressing the unique challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities. You can take action by supporting organizations that provide resources and advocacy for individuals with disabilities, such as donating to local disability support services or volunteering with groups that promote accessibility. Additionally, contact your local representatives to advocate for policies that improve transportation, workplace accommodations, and healthcare access for women with disabilities.

December 10: Human Rights Day

This year’s theme, Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now, a call to acknowledge the importance and relevance of human rights in our everyday lives and highlighting the urgency of securing human rights for all. Whether it’s fighting for equal pay, combating gender-based violence, or advocating for accessible healthcare, Human Rights Day reminds us of the work that remains to ensure that every woman and girl can thrive. Take action this day by writing to your elected officials, urging them to support policies that promote human rights and dignity for all.

December 18: International Migrants Day

Migrant women play a vital role in our communities, yet they often face unique barriers such as labor exploitation, limited access to healthcare, and heightened risks of violence. This day is an opportunity to advocate for their rights and recognize their contributions. You can take action by donating to or volunteering with organizations which provide resources and support to migrants. Additionally, write to your lawmakers to pass policies which improve the lives of migrants such as improved labor protections and expanded access to healthcare.

The 119th Congress will convene January 3rd, and we have much work to do. I look forward to working with the advocacy committee to organize our priorities for 2025. Before the year is over, we are joining dozens of women’s organizations pushing for the publication of the Equal Rights Amendment. We must not wait one more day! Use our One Click Politics campaign to reach out to your elected officials and urge them to take action on the ERA.

Thank you for being a voice for change and I wish you all a very happy holiday season!