Engage with NFBPWC on Social Media

Organization Page:   https://www.facebook.com/NatlFedBPWC/

Group Page: https://www.facebook.com/NatlFedBPWC/

Organization Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nfbpwc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2l_ciIxLyvbu1dbBOsV9Tg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nfbpwc_usa/

NFBPWC’s Commitment to Empowering the Next Wave of Leadership

In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (NFBPWC) is embracing a bold truth: the future of leadership lies in the hands of its younger members. With fresh perspectives, digital fluency, and a passion for equity, these emerging leaders are not just the next generation, they are the now.

Recognizing this, NFBPWC has expanded its resources to meet young professionals where they are. The Young BPW program offers tailored mentorship, leadership training, and networking opportunities that bridge generational wisdom with modern innovation. From virtual roundtables to global advocacy initiatives, younger members are invited to lead, speak, and shape the organization’s direction.

What makes this moment especially powerful is the climate of openness and renewal. With leadership transitions underway and a renewed focus on inclusivity, younger members are being actively encouraged to step into roles that matter, committee chairs, national and international board positions. Their strengths in collaboration, tech-savviness, and social impact are not only welcomed but needed.

NFBPWC’s investment in younger voices isn’t symbolic, it’s strategic. By capitalizing on their energy and insight, the organization ensures its mission remains vibrant, relevant, and future-ready. For those seeking purpose, community, and a platform to lead, the opportunity is now.

Call to Action: Young BPW, Your Time Is Now

Are you ready to shape the future of NFBPWC?

Whether you're an early-career professional, emerging business leader, or rising entrepreneur, your voice matters. This is your arena—where leadership development meets a bold, rising agenda.

Join the movement. Become part of the leadership team driving change and equity on both national and international platforms. You’ll do so with the support of seasoned mentors who believe in your potential and are ready to walk beside you.

Step into leadership. Step into impact. Step into your legacy.

Angie Jackson-Wilson

NFBPWC Nominations

CHAIR 2024-2026

You can direct questions to L3Chair@NFBPWC.org

Nicole Mpouli

Lifelong Leadership & Learning Committee Chair

(2025-2026)

What is the committee's Strategic Plan or focus for this term?

Our Strategic Plan for this term, up to December, focuses on enhancing engagement and communication with our stakeholders (basically Universities and Schools).

Main objectives are increasing awareness of our initiatives, fostering partnerships within the communities and levering social media to disseminate information. As Committee I am surrounded by extremely professional women in different areas, so each of them is giving a significant contribution.

We have organized an online event with Lebanon to talk about Citizenship for a Better Future with Youth in Adduha High School.

In October we are organizing a conference with Bicocca University in Milan where BPW is present as partner; in November I am personally joining Mediterranean Symposium in Cyprus where I attend a panel on our activities.

Regular events will be organized to build trust and visibility to our organization. Positive actions can create trust and desire to join. We need more young members and Universities and Schools are the most important vehicle to reach them.

What is one way the members outside your committee can support or amplify your work?

One effective way for Members outside the committee to support or amplify our work is by sharing our initiatives and achievements within their own networks. This could involve promoting our events, projects or resources on social media, discussing them in forums in order to increase visibility and engagement, they can help us reach a broader audience and garner more support for our goals.

My message to USA members

Dear BPW sisters, we are excited about the opportunity to connect and collaborate with all of you. Building a strong network is essential for our growth and success, and we believe that together we can achieve great things.

Let’s try to support each other, creating a last relationship. BPW can be a means to connect, but then, it depends on us to support and believe in our actions.

Let’s make our voice strong and inspiring to empower women in our Communities.

Dr. Katia Reda Belongs to FIDAPA BPW Italy; born in Catanzaro where she works as Professor at University of Magna Grecia in Catanzaro at the Faculty of Sociology. (DIGES)

She has written an essay on film adaptation of Shakespeare ‘s works present in the Italian national catalogue OPAC;

https://opac.sbn.it/risultati-ricerca-avanzata/-opac-adv/index/1/ITICCUCFI0590097?fieldstruct%5B1%5D=ricerca.parole_tutte%3A4%3D6&fieldvalue%5B1%5D=katia+reda&fieldaccess%5B1%5D=Any%3A1016%3Anocheck&struct%3A1001=ricerca.parole_almeno_una%3A%40or%40&count_noelet=&id=generated_id_44&formato_elet=

President of NGO, AIDO (Organs Donation) for 13 years.

Expert in Erasmus Project + Expert in Mentoring with Certification taken in Istanbul (Turkey) “Mindful based on Coaching for Education” in 2017

Since 2014 dedicated the activity on Mentoring at International and European Level currying out workshop In Zurick, Galway during European Conferences.

Since 2021 and up to now is National Referent for FIDAPA BPW Italy of Mentoring Program.

In 2024, elected as Chair of Standing Committee Public Relations.

In May 2025 during the European Conference in Malta run a round table on PR and Communication.

Our health committee meetings are held on the 4^th Mondays of the month unless there is a conflict or a holiday. Our next meeting with be September 20, 2025 at 4pm ET.

If you are a former member of the health committee or would like to find an area where you could be involved, please contact me at health@nfbpwc.organd I will put you on my list. The more you can contribute, the easier it makes it for me. I’d love to have you.

Notes from the Chair:

Health Event Information:

Speakers included at this event are our own Marsha Riibner-Cady, Secretary Nermin Ahmad, L3P Chair Nicole Mpouli and more. You can register for the whole event and come when you are able. It all depends on you. Looking forward to seeing you at this healthyevent.Registerat: https://www.nfbpwc.org/event-6312511

From Bindu Cherbeolu, Houston Methodist Hospital, a featured speaker of Health Committee Online event:

Sauna bathing features exposure to high environmental temperatures for brief periods. Infrared saunas are one of the most widely available types. Multiple cultures around the world use heat therapy for its benefits and rejuvenating and recharging qualities referencing the saunas of Finland, Turkish hammams, the sweat lodges enjoyed by American Indian, Russian Banya, and hot springs. “In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) heat therapy can help correct imbalances that lead to physical, mental, and even spiritual pain, Infrared saunas are believed to have several health benefits, including the potential to widen blood vessels and increase blood flow. The idea behind this is that the heat generated by the infrared sauna can cause vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels. When blood vessels widen, it can lead to increased blood flow.

However, it's important to note that the extent and speed of this effect can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience a noticeable increase in blood flow within a few minutes of entering an infrared sauna, while others may take longer. The heat and duration of sauna sessions can also influence the degree of vasodilation and increased blood flow.

Sauna bathing is thought to positively affect vascular disease and mortality risk through various pathways. These include lowering blood pressure; improving the function of the inner layer of blood vessels; reducing oxidative  stress  and  inflammation;  positively influencing the nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions; altering levels of blood substances that affect vascular risk; causing hormonal changes; improving arterial flexibility, compliance, and wall thickness; and enhancing both cardiorespiratory and overall heart function.

It's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using an infrared sauna, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns about its effects on your cardiovascular system. Additionally, be sure to follow recommended safety guidelines when using saunas to avoid any potential risks or adverse reactions.

Infrared saunas, recognized for brief high-temperature exposures, are part of a global tradition of heat therapy, valued for health and rejuvenation. This therapy is embraced in various forms across various cultures like hot spring baths, Russian Banya, Finnish saunas, Turkish hammams, and also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to alleviate physical, mental, and spiritual discomfort.

Infrared saunas are thought to offer health benefits, primarily by causing vasodilation - the expansion of blood vessels due to heat exposure. This process can enhance blood circulation. It's key to recognize, though, that individuals may respond differently to this effect. While some might quickly notice increased blood flow after entering an infrared sauna, others may have a slower response. The temperature and length of sauna sessions are also factors that can affect how much and how quickly blood vessels widen and blood flow increases. There are other potential beneficial mechanisms as well for overall cardiovascular health which include decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation, autonomic regulation, and better arterial compliance.

However, it's essential to consult healthcare professionals before sauna use, especially for those with health concerns, and to adhere to safety guidelines.

In sauna bathing, unlike during physical exercise, there is no active movement or engagement of your muscles. This contrasts with physical activities where muscle movement plays a key role in the body's response.

From a physiological standpoint, infrared saunas and exercise like taking a walk can have some similar effects on the body, but they work in different ways and have distinct benefits.

Sweating: Both infrared saunas and exercise can make you sweat. Sweating is the body's way of cooling down and getting rid of toxins. In this regard, they are somewhat similar.

Heart Rate: Exercise significantly increases your heart rate, while infrared saunas typically do not raise your heart rate as much. Exercise is a cardiovascular activity that strengthens the heart and improves overall fitness.

Calorie Burn: Exercise, especially moderate to intense forms like walking, burns calories, which can help with weight management. Infrared saunas may increase calorie expenditure to some extent due to the heat, but it's not a substitute for exercise in terms of calorie burning.

Muscle Engagement: Exercise involves the use of muscles and can lead to muscle strengthening and toning. Infrared saunas do not provide this benefit.

Endorphin Release: Exercise is known to release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Infrared saunas may also promote relaxation and a sense of well-being, but they don't trigger the same level of endorphin release as exercise.

Detoxification: Both exercise and sweating in an infrared sauna can help with detoxification by flushing out toxins through the skin. However, the mechanisms differ.

In summary, while both infrared saunas and exercise can have positive effects on the body, they serve different purposes. Exercise is crucial for cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and weight management, while infrared saunas are often used for relaxation, stress relief, and detoxification. It's important to note that individual responses may vary, and incorporating both into a wellness routine can provide comprehensive benefits. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your health regimen.

Well-designed RCTs with long-term follow-up will still be needed to confirm whether the observed associations reflect a true causal effect of frequent sauna bathing on these health conditions, and more studies are warranted to find whether regular sauna bathing could produce longer-term changes in cardiovascular health.

These findings suggest the physiological effects of infrared sauna bathing are underpinned by thermoregulatory-induced responses, more so than exercise-mimetic cardiorespiratory or cardiovascular activations.

From a physiological standpoint, saunas and exercise like taking a walk do have some similarities in their effects on the body, but they are not identical.

1. Increased Heart Rate: Both saunas and exercise can increase your heart rate. In a sauna, the heat causes your heart rate to rise as your body attempts to cool itself down. During exercise, your heart rate naturally increases as you engage in physical activity.

2. Sweating: Saunas induce sweating, which can help in detoxification and cooling the body. Exercise also causes sweating as the body tries to regulate its temperature.

3. Improved Circulation: Both saunas and exercise can improve blood circulation. Saunas cause blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow, while exercise enhances circulation through physical activity.

4. Stress Reduction: Saunas are known for their relaxing effect, reducing stress and promoting a sense of well-being. Exercise can also reduce stress and improve mood through the release of endorphins.

5. Detoxification: Saunas are often associated with detoxification benefits, as sweating helps eliminate some toxins. Exercise can also aid in the removal of waste products from the body through increased circulation.

However, there are significant differences:

1. Muscle Engagement: Exercise involves physical activity that engages muscles, leading to strength and endurance gains. Saunas do not provide the same muscular benefits.

2. Calorie Burn: Exercise burns calories, helping with weight management, while saunas primarily cause water weight loss through sweating, which is temporary.

3. Aerobic Fitness: Exercise, especially activities like walking, improves aerobic fitness, while saunas do not provide the same cardiovascular conditioning.

4. Hydration: Saunas can lead to dehydration due to excessive sweating, whereas exercise encourages water intake to replace lost fluids.

In summary, while saunas and exercise share some physiological responses, they are distinct in their effects on the body. Exercise offers a broader range of health benefits, including improved fitness, while saunas are primarily used for relaxation and temporary detoxification through sweating. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating either into your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

• Heart Rate Increase: Both saunas and walking can raise heart rate, but exercise does so more significantly due to physical exertion.

• Sweating: Saunas and exercise both induce sweating for body temperature regulation.

• Circulation: Both improve blood circulation, with saunas causing vasodilation and exercise enhancing it through movement.

• Stress Reduction: Exercise is known to release endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Infrared saunas may also promote relaxation and a sense of well-being, but they don't trigger the same level of endorphin release as exercise.

• Detoxification: Both methods aid detoxification via sweating, but the mechanisms are different.

• Muscle Engagement: Exercise strengthens and tones muscles, an effect not provided by saunas.

• Calorie Burn: Walking burns more calories than saunas, which mainly induce water weight loss. Infrared saunas may increase calorie expenditure to some extent due to the heat, but it's not a substitute for exercise in terms of calorie burning.

• Overall Fitness: Exercise offers aerobic fitness benefits, unlike saunas.

In summary, while saunas and walking share some physiological effects like increased heart rate and sweating, they differ in key areas. To truly understand the impact of regular sauna bathing on health conditions and long-term cardiovascular health, well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are warranted.

Food for Thought:

Raise your hand if you know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer. Raise your hand if you know someone that’s had a heart attack, stroke or heart disease. Raise your hand if you know anyone that’s been involved in any kind of accident. I guarantee every reader raised their hand at least once and unfortunately, many of us just raised our hand three times.

News flash, bad things happen to good people.

The American Cancer Society says that 1 out of 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer. The American Heart Association says that heart attacks and strokes cause 1 out of 3 deaths in the US. The National Safety Council says that there are approximately 5400 disabling accidents every hour.

I know! The stars are frightening, and it leaves us feeling vulnerable. And it should prompt the question “What’s going on?”. Is it our food? Yes. Is it hereditary? Yes. Is it our environment, stress, inactivity? Yes, yes and yes.

It’s no surprise that Gallup News reported that Americans borrowed an estimated $74 billion for healthcare expenses last year (and this is one of the moremodestestimates).So,isour healthcare industry broken? Possibly.

There are two costs that we face when dealing with any major accident or illness. The first is direct costs. These costs are covered by your major medical provider. Things like hospital charges and doctors’ bills. The second is indirect cost. These are expenses that your major medical insurance will not cover because they simply weren’t designed to. Things like lost income, mortgage, car payments, cell phones, utilities and basic living expenses. We can also include insurance limitations like deductibles, copayments, ambulances and other uncovered expenses.

When we get sick or hurt, our balance of life is disrupted. This thing that we all work so hard to perfect can be instantly (or in some cases slowly) ruined. You want to know how it happens? The sickness or accident happens. You can’t work as much, if at all. Income goes down, expenses go up, and that leaves most people in a really tough situation. When you should be somewhere focusing on healing- you’re scrambling to find extra funds just to make ends meet. So, some people use their retirement funds. Many will sell their personal assets and others are forced to start Go Fund Me accounts. None of these are great options, for obvious reasons.

Let’s take a moment and consider your situation. You’ve got major medical insurance. Fantastic. That pays hospitals and doctors. Most of you have a life insurance policy. Spectacular, but your love ones will see this money after you die. Disability insurance doesn’t last forever, and it typically pays about 60% of what you need to survive. What’s missing for most working-class Americans is a benefit that will assist with living expenses, WHILE YOU ARE ALIVE and on the road to recovery. Some people call it supplemental insurance, but I like to call it LIVING INSURANCE and it’s worth looking into.

Juanita Curtis, Licensed Insurance Producer Globe Life, Family Heritage Division

juanita.globelife@gmail.com 919-584-7091

Healthy Thinking of the Month:

Health Awareness Dates:

September is –

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Month; Atrial Fibrillation Month; Mold Awareness Month; National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month; National Be A Food Hero Month; National Cholesterol

Education Month; National DNA, Geonomics & Stem Cell Education Month; National Head Lice Prevention Month; National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

(Gov't) ; National Service Dog Month; National Skin Care Awareness Month; September Is Healthy Aging Month; Sports and Home Eye Health & Safety Month; World Alzheimer's Month

Blood Cancer Awareness Month - https://bloodcancermonth.org/

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - https://childrenscancer.org/childhood-cancer-awareness-month/

Cholesterol Education Month - https://tinyurl.com/57k7mek7

Gynecology Cancer Awareness Month - https://histio.org/get-involved/raise-awareness/

Histiocytosis Awareness Month - https://www.hydroassoc.org/

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month - https://wicworks.fns.usda.gov/topic/health-observances/national-childhood-obesity-awareness-month

National Suicide Prevention Month - https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/promote-national-suicide-prevention-month/

Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month - https://bearnecessities.org/

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Awareness Month - https://www.pcosaa.org/

Self-Care Awareness Month - https://www.theriverbendhouse.com/

Other Articles Related to the Theme of Young BPW:

We Don't Actually Know Anything About Video Games - The biggest problem with research on video games. - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/video-game-health/202507/we-dont-actually-know-anything-about-video-games

A surprising connection for Gen Z: mental health and retirement benefits - https://tinyurl.com/3xtxve2nv

Social media still pushing suicide-related content to teens despite new UK safety laws - https://tinyurl.com/3bhvbemk

If you are a former member of the health committee or would like to find an area where you could be involved, please contact me at health@nfbpwc.org and I will put you on my list. The more you can contribute, the easier it makes it for me. I’d love to have you.

We will meet on the 3^rd or 4^th Monday of the month unless there are any conflicts or holiday forthcoming. Next meeting is September 20, 2025.

Health:

During the UN General Assembly High-level week 2025, there will be a “High-level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-Being” on September 25^th from 10am to 6pm This is available for viewing via UN WebTV https://webtv.un.org/en/schedule

We are pleased to invite you to an engaging and informative Grant Writing Panel hosted by NFBPWC Finance Committee, designed to empower individuals and organizations seeking funding for their projects, programs, or research.

Event Details:

Date: October 22, 2025 Time: 8 p.m. EDT Location: Zoom

Register: https://nfbpwc.org/event-6319817

Join us for an insightful discussion with experienced grant writers, funders, and nonprofit leaders as they share practical strategies, insider tips, and lessons learned from successful proposals. Whether you're new to grant writing or looking to sharpen your skills, this panel is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and ask questions directly from experts.

Panel Topics Include:Identifying the right funding opportunities

Meet the Panelists:

We hope to see you there!

Sandy Thompson

NFBPWC Finance Chair

Why They Matter to Emerging Business Leaders

Today’s organizations are vibrant mosaics, interwoven with generations, cultures, genders, and leadership stages. This diversity brings richness, but also complexity, especially when it comes to navigating bylaws, orders, and procedures. For early career professionals and emerging business leaders, often stepping into mission-driven spaces with fresh energy and evolving expectations, structured guidelines can be both grounding and transformative.

Contrary to the stereotype of resistance, many of these rising leaders crave clarity. They want to understand not just what is expected, but how those expectations align with the organization’s values and goals. Bylaws and procedures, when communicated transparently and framed as tools for fairness and empowerment, become less about control and more about collaboration. These professionals aren’t looking to bypass structure; they’re looking to engage with it meaningfully.

Procedures offer a roadmap, especially for those early in their leadership journey. They help level the playing field, ensuring that responsibilities and opportunities aren’t left to interpretation or legacy alone. But the key lies in accessibility. When bylaws are buried in jargon or handed down without context, engagement falters. When they’re presented as living documents, open to dialogue, shaped by shared purpose, emerging leaders lean in.

Organizations that treat procedures not as relics but as evolving frameworks will thrive. Early career

professionals don’t fear structure, they fear irrelevance. Give them clarity, purpose, and a voice in the process, and they’ll not only uphold the mission, but they’ll also help carry it forward.

3 Ways to Engage Emerging Leaders in Governance

1. Demystify the Documents -Host interactive sessions that walk through bylaws and procedures with real-world examples. Make space for questions and context.
2. Invite Feedback, Not Just Compliance - Create channels for early career professionals to suggest updates or flag ambiguities. Treat governance as a shared responsibility.
3. Connect Structure to Mission - Show how each procedure supports the organization’s values, equity, and long-term goals. When purpose is clear, participation follows.

Angie Jackson-Wilson
NFBPWC Bylaws and Resolution Chair
2024-2026

Engage with NFBPWC on Social Media

Organization Page:   https://www.facebook.com/NatlFedBPWC/

Group Page: https://www.facebook.com/NatlFedBPWC/

Organization Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nfbpwc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2l_ciIxLyvbu1dbBOsV9Tg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nfbpwc_usa/

Celebrating Women’s Equality Day: Honoring the Power of Representation

Dear BPW Members,

On August 26th, we celebrate Women’s Equality Day— a milestone commemorating the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment and a movement much larger than one vote. This day honors the collective fight for voice, presence, and participation. And as Nominations Chair, I see daily how that legacy lives on—one leadership slate at a time.

Representation is not symbolic. It is strategic. The moment a woman steps forward as a candidate, she carries more than credentials—she carries possibility. At every level of BPW, the nominations process ensures that equity isn’t accidental; it’s intentional. We identify leaders not just for what they’ve done, but for the diversity of experiences and perspectives they bring.

When we connect locally, we tap into talent that mirrors our communities. By uniting nationally, we build pathways to collaboration and continuity. And as we ignite globally, we inspire leadership that knows no border, no ceiling, and no stereotype.

The act of nominating is itself a form of advocacy. It’s a declaration: We see you. We believe in you. And we need you.

On this day of reflection, let us remember that our progress was built by women who stepped forward before they were invited. Today, we formalize that invitation—in ballots, in bylaws, and in belief.

Let’s continue to champion candidates who embody our mission and magnify our movement. Because every name submitted is a spark. And together, we’re lighting the way.

Call for Nominations: Help Shape the Future of BPW

We are looking for bold, committed, visionary members to carry forward our legacy and lead with purpose.

When nominating a fellow member, consider those who:

• Champion NFBPWC initiatives and foster national and global connections

• Can collaborate effectively across our national network.

• Bring fresh energy to global advocacy for women

A nomination is more than a name; it’s a step toward the future we’re building together.

In equity and empowerment,

ANGIE JACKSON-WILSON

NFBPWC NOMINATIONS CHAIR

2024-2026

This month, the L3 team wants to share the history of the Lifelong Leadership and Learning program – 71 Years in the Making.

Lifelong Leadership and Learning - How it all began

Barbara J. Davis, Past State President-CFBPW, member NFBPWC L3 Committee

In 1954, the leadership of Sierra Mar District, a district in the California Federation BPW, felt there was a need for a specific aid for members’ leadership development and club orientation of Federation principles among their fifty-six clubs. In answer to this need, the Leadership Development Project was born. The initial course developed was seven months long and members attended a monthly training.

Credit for development of the program goes to Julia K. Arri. Ms. Arri was President of CFBPW in 1966-67, President of BPWUSA in 1979-1980, and served as International BPW Treasurer. Ms. Arri was dedicated to the cause of developing membership potential not only in the field of leadership but in the overall betterment of Business and Professional Women on the job and in their community.

The resource materials for the earliest courses were the California Handbook of Federation Procedures (CFBPW), Handbook of Federation Procedures (BPWUSA), “How To” manual (BPWUSA), Roberts Parliamentary Law, Sierra Mar District Procedure Manual, and “Time to Speak Up”- A Speaker Handbook for Women by Jessie Haver Butler (published in 1946).

The Leadership Development Project was renamed Individual Development Program in the early 1970s. The training materials were shared with other districts in California and State Federations nationally. Many of the districts added to the materials, topics important to their members and eventually a California Federation BPW Individual Development Program was developed and used consistently through California.

In July 1992 BPWUSA launched a three-year plan called BuildingWomenPower. This plan encompassed three aspects to increase working women’s total effectiveness: Politically – by supporting working women’s issues through BPW’s nationwide network; Professionally – by accessing the tools needed for career advancement and entrepreneurial success; and Personally – by developing skills through BPW’s Individual Development Program, the Young Careerist Program and the partnership of CHOICES.

The Individual Development Program was published in 1994 with a program developed by Rosemary Agonito, Ph.D. The program and materials were copyrighted in 1994 by the National Federation of Business and Professional Women. All Clubs and Federations were instructed to utilize this program rather than the separate programs previously used by Clubs and Federations.

Shortly after the 1994 update, the Individual Development program added a speaking competition which included progressive competitions with winners from Club competitions, going to State competitions and those State winners, participating in the National Competition. The prepared speech portion of the IDP was a challenge for many attendees. However, many attribute their ability to speak both at work and publicly because they overcame that challenge through IDP. The other portion of the speaking training was through impromptu speeches. The participants were given a topic, ten seconds to consider the topic, and then they were to speak on that topic for two minutes. I recall an instructor said the reason for impromptu speeches was “the fact that you didn’t leave home every morning prepared for questions you would be asked that day, so you needed to be able to think on your feet.”

In July 2004, the Individual Development Program was updated recognizing that the Individual Development Program was one of the key programs of BPW/USA and a testament to the belief in making a difference for women today and for the future of BPW. Dr. Trish Knight, BPW/MI, Past National President, was recognized for her leadership, dedication and hard work in updating and producing the materials.

At the 2005 National Conference, a training meeting was held for the Individual Development Chairpersons from each State Federation and any members who were seeking certification to conduct the IDP course. The materials were shared with that group on a CD which we were all delighted to take home instead of a 3” binder containing the facilitator’s guides, participants guide and resource handouts.

In 2020, the NFBPWC Individual Development Committee accepted the challenge to update the 2008 program, developing PowerPoint slides for easier presentation and update the programs. Additionally, the program name was changed to Lifelong Leadership and Learning (L3) Program.

The L3 Committee continues to update the modules as necessary and expand the topics. Originally the program consisted of lessons in conducting meetings, parliamentary law, and club leadership.

Topics such as Teamwork, legislation, BPW History and Women’s History, Officers and Chairs leadership were added over the years. Lessons for public speaking, both prepared presentations and impromptu topics, were also added.

In 2005, topics including Business Etiquette, Advocacy, Writing your legislators, and media relations were added. The current program includes fifteen topics with more topics being added to include The Art of Networking, Leadership vs Management, Time Management, Project Management, and Stress Management-Self-care.

If you ask some of your more seasoned members, they will likely respond that the Individual Development Program is one of the best experiences they have had during their BPW membership. The goal of the current L3 Chair includes working with all of the NFBPWC committee chairs to hopefully incorporate L3 programming with that specific committee’s goals as well as creating any new modules that would be beneficial for members.

Please follow the activity of the L3 Committee on the NFBPWC website and in the NFBPWC magazine. Members are encouraged to work with their State Federation or Club leadership to ensure L3 activities are happening for their state/club membership.

You can direct questions to L3Chair@NFBPWC.org

“The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you” B.B. King

NICOLE MPOULI

LIFELONG LEADERSHIP & LEARNING COMMITTEE CHAIR

(2025-2026)