Welcome April!

I’m not sure about the rest of you, but I can say March definitely came in like a lion and as of this writing, I haven’t seen the lamb yet…. 

Leading up to CSW69 (10 March – 21 March), BPW International hosted the annual Leaders’ Summit in New York City at the Harmonie Club. 

In very grand surroundings, more than 80 women from each of the 5 regions and 32 countries gathered to share experiences and exchange insights, best practices and explore new ideas all to enhance our efforts to bring equity, inclusion and empowerment worldwide. 

Here is a link to the Leaders’ Summit News (March 9, 2025):

https://www.bpw-international.org/2025/03/09/bpw-international-leaders-summit-2025-a-gathering-of-global-women-leaders-in-new-york/

With only one day between the end of the Leaders’ Summit and the beginning of CSW69, some took advantage to do a little sightseeing, others braved the long line to get their passes before the start.  Thankfully, though a little chilly, NYC smiled on us and did not share rain or snow or bitter winds. 

One of the significant highlights of our year includes the Commission on the Status of Women, held in New York City.  According to current information, more than 100 members of BPW International attended, including 15 from NFBPWC attending some or most of the two weeks in person.  

From our 1^st Vice President United Nations, Neelima Basnet:  this CSW saw more than 13,000 participants from 186 member states, one Vice President, 3 Deputy Prime Ministers, 97 Ministers 5845 NGOs, with 283 side events. This does not include the parallel events that were held over the course of the two week – both in person and virtually, the number of registered parallel events was listed at approximately 700+ events. 

Despite the current decisions and announcements made in recent days by our administration – which definitely knocked a bit of wind out of some sails, I can say without reservation, the voice of women in the US was heard, supporting their beliefs and the missions of their agencies.  The support we have shown women, organizations and other nations in their times of struggle and trouble was reflected back on us by this amazing group of women and men who, like we do, champion the purpose and mission of the Commission on the Status of Women. 

I am sharing a very discouraging message today – though likely most of you have read it already or were there when the statement was made.  Here is the link to the statement delivered by Jonathan Shrier, Acting US Representative to the UN Economic and Social Council. 

https://usun.usmission.gov/u-s-national-statement-delivered-at-the-69th-session-on-the-un-commission-of-the-status-of-women/

When you bump that statement up against our mission statement and our Advocacy Platform, the first words that come to mind are “discouraging” and “disheartening” But those words are wrong!  I’m going to go with “uncomfortably opposing.” 

I say that because I have faith in what we are doing. 

I will not lose heart because of this opposition and challenge – and neither should you. 

I will not allow my courage to be dissuaded – and neither should you. 

It feels a bit grandiose for me to quote Thomas Paine, but we are truly immersed in our own version of his famous statement made in December of 1776.

THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.

But I have confidence that NFBPWC is not made up of summer soldiers and sunshine patriots.  As an organization and as individuals, we are the progeny of women who had no history to guide them, no precedents of law to support them - but they knew what was right and they fought for it.  We have the benefit of those honorable, hard-fought, hard-won victories to help us as we move forward in these uncertain times. 

There are truly so many other things I would like to share with you all that happened in March and will be happening in April, but I feel this is the right place to close for now. 

I encourage you to support our committees as they move forward this year.

Thank you for your dedication and passion.

With gratitude and determination,

Barbara J. Bozeman

NFBPWC President
2024-2026

Remarkable Woman – Nancy K. Loane

Nancy K. Loane, is the author of the book Following the Drum: Women at the Valley Forge Encampment, published in 2020.

Nancy provided research collected from written orders, personal diaries from the women who spent time at the Valley Forge Encampment. She is an author who brought information about visitors to a place I enjoy visiting every time I am in the area or need a place to ponder my life issues. Nancy is a native of Valley Forge, PA, a former seasonal ranger at Valley Forge National Park, a founding member of the American Revolution Round Table of Philadelphia, and an honorary lifetime member of the Society of the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge (2020). I have always wondered about the daily events that occurred at Valley Forge National Historical Park during the winter of 1777 and purchased the book to learn about the events that have not been included in History books. I chose Nancy because she decided that the women who spent time at Valley Forge along with the soldiers. She has given part of the spotlight on the women who were brave enough work along side of the men who fought for our freedom. I encourage you to visit your library or purchase this book to learn about the women of Valley Forge.

Bio information:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B002Y9LJB4/about

Book information on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Following-Drum-Women-Valley-Encampment-

ebook/dp/B09MRHQ7JC?ref_=ast_author_mpbQR code for book.

Dr. Jo Naylor

NFBPWC Treasurer

2024-2026

Remarkable Woman – Josephine Garis Cochrane

I come from a long line of can do women, but was among the first women in my family to become a professional businesswoman as opposed to a civil servant, lawyer or doctor. I truly admire women who led the way such as the one I pay homage to here, today and who lived according the the old saw: Necessity is the Mother of Invention.

Josephine Garis Cochrane (also Cochran) -

American Inventor – The Dishwasher U.S. Patent No. 355,139

Born March 8, 1839 - Died Aug. 3, 1913

“If nobody else is going to invent a dishwashing machine, I'll do it myself.”

Josephine Cochrane

She married William A. Cochrane at age 19 in 1858 and was widowed in 1883. In 1886 she designed a dishwasher, after noting how many plates were easily chipped through hand washing. She had

become a widow, had significant debt, and needed to achieve everything, as a woman on her own, without a male figure to ease the way. She more than managed!

She received a patent to manufacture a hand- powered dishwasher, and immediately founded a manufacturing company to build her machines, but they were too expensive for normal households. She showed them at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, installing nine of them in restaurants and pavilions of the fair. She won the prize for “best mechanical construction, durability and adaptability to its line of work”. Her company began to focus on scaling the equipment for commercial customers and was renamed Cochran’s Crescent Washing Machine Company in 1897. It was later acquired by Kitchen Aid in 1926, after her death from exhaustion in 1913. In 2006, she was posthumously inducted into the National Inventor’s Hall of Fame for her patent.

Josephine Cochrane has never been honored on a United States stamp, but she is commemorated on a 3.30-leu stamp issued by Romania in 2013, part of a set of three honoring famous women.

More details: Josephine Cochrane -Wikipedia.

Nermin K. AHMAD

NFBPWC SECRETARY 2024-2026

Remarkable Woman – Kate Quinn

Happy Women’s History Month BPW friends!

March brings us a time to reflect and honor the trailblazing women who have paved the way before us. I was tasked by President Bozeman to spotlight a lesser-known woman for Women’s History Month, and as chance would have it, I had just finished a book that had been on my reading list for ages – The Alice Network by Kate Quinn.

Inspired by true events during World War I, The Alice Network pays tribute to thebrave women who served as spies, risking their lives togather intelligence needed to turn the tide of the warforthe Allies. The real- life Alice Network was the largest spy network in France and was led by Louise de Bettignies, who operated under the alias Alice Dubois. Louise, dubbed The Queen of Spies’, successfully coordinated 80-100 spies passing critical messages from German- occupied France to England and beyond.

Using women as spies was incredibly controversial in WWI and many people, including Louise’s superior’s, believed espionage was no job for a woman. Nevertheless, Louise and her fellow operatives shattered expectations of a woman’s role in the war, proving that women could do more to help than nurse or stay brave for their boys. Kate Quinn’s novel brings light to the often-overlooked contributions of women in times of war and finally gives The Queen of Spies the tribute she deserves. I can’t recommend The Alice Network enough, and for more information on The Queen of Spies, you can read La Guerre des Femmes.

March is also a major advocacy month for BPW as the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) kicks off at the United Nations, effectively taking over New York City for two weeks. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration, making CSW69’s theme Beijing+30, a critical review of the implementation and outcomes of the Beijing Declaration.

As always, NGOCSW/NY will host hundreds of parallel events led by NGOs, nonprofits, and other civil society changemakers. These events are free to attend, with many available virtually. Check out NGO CSW69 |NGO CSW/NYfor more information!

This will be my first CSW as an official United Nations Representative for IFBPW, and I look forward to sharing more information in my April article.

Wishing you all an inspiring Women’s History Month!

Emily VanVleck

2nd Vice President of Advocacy,

NFBPWC 2024-2026

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 National President

Participating in Peaceful Protests for Human Rights

As women of this organization, most of us recognize that women’s rights are human rights. We have fought hard to gain the rights that we do have as of 2025. As an organization, we celebrated President Biden’s declaration that the Equal Rights Amendment is now the law of the land on January 17, 2025. Those of us who joined the People’s March across the nation on January 18th walked proudly with the knowledge that a century of continued efforts has made a difference coupled with the anticipation of future legal challenges surrounding the 28th Amendment. 

As a member of the BPW Colorado Virtual Chapter, I didn’t have anyone to connect with locally and so I brought my daughter and my niece to join me on the momentous occasion of the People’s March 2025. My daughter and I marched together in Denver with BPW Colorado in 2020 and have continued to peacefully protest together in marches since. BPW Colorado participated in the Women’s March in 2017 and I have been marching with Women’s March, now known as the People’s March, every year since. The inspiration of those combined marches had me looking further into the idea of peaceful protest by power of the pocketbook. In addition, I think that we can all acknowledge that if we want change, supporting the companies that align with our ideals is an important place to start. Here are a few ideas for you to consider.

Instead of Amazon use EarthHero (https://earthhero.com) for home, kitchen, cleaning, beauty, kids, and pets. No, they don’t have everything you can imagine at the click of a mouse, but they do have so many options that are better for the Earth and humanity.

Buy books from an organization that supports local bookstores: https://bookshop.org. Are you an audiobook person? Use this business to purchase audiobooks: https://libro.fm/. Or simply go to the library, as they will need our support in the coming months and years.

Do you want to know where your consumer dollars are going? Poliview is a nonpartisan company that is “lifting the veil on the hidden politics of the companies we buy from and support.” Personally, I find Goods Unite Us, https://www.goodsuniteus.com/, more helpful because their data is more current, and they have an app that I installed on my phone.  “The company’s mission is to empower people to become political consumers and investors so that we can all collectively put an end to corporate political donations.”

Finally, and most importantly, buy locally or from people you know. Our own organization has a business directory that can be utilized to purchase from fellow BPW members. Most of us know shop owners in our communities and supporting them is an incredible way to ensure your values are reflected where you live.

Peaceful protest through marching, writing letters, making phone calls, and texting has incredible value. Please remember, our purchases also speak volumes and you can peacefully protest by NOT purchasing from companies that do not support your vision for human rights and working women while spending that money with people who 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.

Best Personal Wishes,

Megan Shellman-Rickard,

Immediate Past National President

immpastpresident@nfbpwc.org

By: Nermin K. Ahmad
NFBPWC Secretary 2024-2026

My email – secretary@nfbpwc.orgis always open! Yes, you knew that – but do please feel free to use it, and to let me know about concerns and issues you have. I would also very much like to hear from the organizational secretaries around the country – both to learn and also to share – how we can create the right kind of team in support of our organization.

NERMIN K. AHMAD

NFBPWC SECRETARY 2024-2026

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

Greetings BPW Advocates,

Happy February! As I write this, snow still covers the ground outside and more is forecasted for this week, so I hope everyone is staying warm while we make our way through winter. We’ve had quite the start to the new year in terms of advocacy - a new President has been sworn in and we’ve welcomed a new Congress, opening fresh opportunities for us to take action and make our voices heard.

We ended January with some big news - in one of his final acts as President, Biden issued an official statement declaring that the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is the law of the land and should be recognized as the 28th Amendment. This marks an exciting milestone in the century-long fight for constitutional gender equality.

However, questions remain. The National Archivist has not been directed to publish the Amendment, and she previously stated she would not publish. As a result, many are unsure of what this means for the ERA’s legal status. Rest assured, the Advocacy Committee is closely monitoring developments and will share updates as they unfold.

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who took action the last month to get to this point. Every text, email, and sharing of information applied pressure on Biden to take action. This achievement is a powerful reminder that when we fight together, we win! Additional thanks to those who made it out on January 18th for the People’s March across the US. I hit the chilly streets of Manhattan and got lovely photos from our Young BPW Representative Bryn Norrie in DC, and our Immediate Past President Megan Shellman-Rickard in Colorado! If you attended the People’s March in your city, please share photos!

On a personal note, February brings exciting news for me. Elections for my union officially begin, and I am thrilled to be running for New York Base President! This campaign has been months in the making, and I am grateful for the leadership skills and encouragement I’ve gained from my BPW experience. I look forward to updating you on the outcomes.

In even more exciting news, I am honored to have been named a BPW International Permanent United Nations Representative. Serving our organization in this capacity is a tremendous privilege, and I am eager to advance our advocacy priorities on an international scale. I will keep you informed about our work at the UN and how we are making progress toward our goals.

I hope you can join our next advocacy meeting on Thursday, February 13th at 7 pm ET. We’ll be discussing priority legislation for this year, our forthcoming Advocacy Hub, and the 69th Commission on the Status of Women. Many exciting things going on in the committee, and all are welcome to join. Looking forward to speaking with Colorado and California members at their upcoming public policy meetings and sharing more information on what these incredible groups are doing!

Mark Your Calendar: Key Advocacy Days in February

February offers several important opportunities to spotlight women’s issues:

• Black History Month: Throughout February, we honor the contributions of Black women leaders who have shaped history and continue to drive change. Advocacy efforts this month should amplify the voices of Black women and address the systemic inequalities they face. This month, we honor trailblazers like:

Ida B. Wells: Journalist and activist who fought against lynching and for women’s suffrage.

Shirley Chisholm: The first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress and a champion for education and equality.

Marsha P. Johnson: A pivotal figure in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and advocate for marginalized communities.

• National Girls and Women in Sports Day (February 7th): This day celebrates the achievements of female athletes and highlights the ongoing fight for gender equity in sports. It’s a perfect time to advocate for equal funding, resources, and opportunities in athletics.

• International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11th): This day underscores the importance of achieving full and equal access to participation in science for women and girls. Let’s advocate for initiatives that close the gender gap in STEM fields.

Thank you for your continued passion, dedication, and advocacy. Together, we are creating meaningful change

Emily VanVleck

2nd Vice President of Advocacy,

NFBPWC 2024-2026

By: Maria C. DeSousa, CLS, MPA, JD
1st VP of Membership, NFBPWC 2024-2026

Empowering Women in Business: A Vision for Growth and Collaboration

As the 1st Vice President of the National Business and Professional Women’s Association, I am honored to share insights on our ongoing mission to empower women in the business community. In a world where the pace of change accelerates daily, it’s crucial that we, as women, stand together to support one another and drive our professional journeys.

Our membership numbers continue to stay strong. As of January 2025, the total number of members in good standing is 468.

As we look to the future, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for our members and our association. Together, we can continue to break down barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and pave the way for even greater success. Let’s remain committed to supporting one another and celebrating our progress.

The membership committee would like to hear back from each club, district and federation on efforts they have made to attract new members.

A few ways could include:

1. Community Engagement by hosting events.

2. Leveraging Social Media.

3. Networking Opportunities by creating networking events that allow members to connect with local businesses and professionals.

4. Mentorship Programs by establishing mentorship programs that pair experienced members with newcomers to foster a sense of belonging and support.

5. Diverse Programming by offering a variety of programs catering to different interests and age groups.

6. Highlight Accomplishments by regularly showcasing the achievements of your members and the organization itself.

In closing, I encourage all members to stay engaged, take advantage of the resources NFBPWC has to offer, and contribute to the vibrant community we’ve built. By working together, we can empower each other and ensure that our voices are heard in the world of business.

Warm regards,

MARIA C. DESOUSA, CLS, MPA, JD

1ST VP OF MEMBERSHIP NFBPWC 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