Meeting the BPW International Executives Your Vice Presidents

In the January issue, you were introduced to our newly elected BPW International President Diana Barragan and our Regional Coordinator for North America and the Caribbean, Karin Gorgerat.

This month, it is our pleasure to introduce to you our BPW International Vice Presidents (First Vice President United Nations and Vice President Membership). Their dedication, vision, and contributions exemplify the very best of what our organization represents.

Each has been asked to share something of their vision and aspirations for BPW’s future. We look forward to their insights highlighting the important work we do globally but also help remind us of the power we have as a collective to create meaningful change.

Please join in celebrating and supporting these leaders (both of whom are also members of NFBPWC) as they continue to elevate our mission on the international level.

First Vice President United Nations Neelima Basne

The United Nations was formed in 1945 and just a year later, IFBPW was among the first NGOs to obtain consultative status. Since then, BPW has played a huge role in accelerating the process toward gender equality.

This is why we must all work together, so that we don’t allow the results of our efforts to go backward instead of forward. Many countries are faced with this very real circumstance today, a concern that I’m sure you share with me.

As your new 1st Vice President United Nations, I am ready to work for BPW – but I need the support and guidance of all our members, to move our mission further along in order that we may create a better world for future generations.

My objective is to work toward a #UNITEDBPW and I look forward to your collaboration in our common cause.

Dear BPW sisters of NFBPWC-USA

In the year 1919, in your land of USA, Dr. Lena Madison Phillips ignited the light of BPW with a dream to fight for equality, peace, justice and empowerment of women and girls – a dream that a decade later spread across the globe. However, despite 106 years in USA and 94 years internationally, we still have not achieved gender equality or peace in the world.

Architect Neelima Basnet from Nepal BPW member of UK, NFBPWC-USA, Malaysia

neelima.basnet@bpw-international.org

neeli_bas@hotmail.com

Vice President Membership Francesca Burack:

My VISION – UNITY Is Our Strength

It is a great honor and privilege for me to serve as your newly elected BPW International’s Vice President of Membership.

I am proud of my history of service in this organization including my many years as President of NFBPWC- NYC, my term as NFBPWC’s Vice President Membership, and my ongoing service as UN Representative for IFBPW, to name a few.

We are an organization rich in history, advocacy and influence. Let’s not forget that it all started here, in the

United States of America with our visionary leader Lena Madison Philips.

She was the one who realized that our connections to like-minded women in every part of the world enhances our lives and through collaboration we deliver impactful results to improve the lives of women and families.

As we move forward together, I envision a BPW International where the building of richness of diversity of thought is encouraged; an organization where each generation feels welcome to contribute to our growth, goals, and vision of a better world for our members and women around the world; and the expansion of benefits for members so that they continue to grow including upskilling and reskilling, helping our entrepreneurs build capacity and strengthening our networks.

I look forward to collaborating with you so we can live our triennium theme

Inspire, Innovate, Empower, Transform: Together We Shape a Sustainable Future

When women come together, support, mentor, and empower each other we create miracles. Let’s create some miracles together during this triennium.

Francesca Burack Vice President Membership BPW International

francesca.burack@bpw-international.org