Balancing Women’s Invisible Load

If I’ve been out of pocket lately, it’s because I’ve been navigating the unexpected illnesses of two family members—a stark reminder of the immense personal toll caretaking takes on working women as we strive to balance career, leadership, and family.

Beyond physical tasks, women usually shoulder the invisible "mental gymnastics" of the household: the endless planning, communicating, and managing schedules.

Too often, the profound work of raising a family is minimized as a secondary pursuit rather than recognized for the demanding, essential role it truly is. Yet, because we care deeply about building a better future, we still step up to volunteer for unpaid community and leadership positions.

The data validates this weight:

• The Caregiving Gap: Pew Research Center data consistently shows that women shoulder the vast majority of domestic labor and caregiving across all age groups.
• The Mental Toll: Studies on cognitive household labor confirm that the constant pressure of anticipating needs is a primary driver of female burnout.

Naming this invisible labor is the first step toward creating a community of genuine support.

I have deeply missed connecting with my beloved fellow members, and I look forward to reconnecting with NFBPWC to rejoin our shared fight for women’s equity.

Direct links and sources:

• Pew Research Center: How Do U.S. Men and Women Spend Their Time?
• Pew Research Center: Women More Than Men Adjust Their Careers for Family Life.
• Psychology Today: Mental Load: The Invisible Weight of Parenthood.
• University of Bath: Successful career women still shoulder the majority of the 'mental load' at home.
• PubMed Central: Cognitive household labor: gender disparities and consequences for maternal mental health and wellbeing.

MEGAN SHELLMAN-RICKARD
Immediate Past President
2024-2026
immpastpresident@nfbpwc.org

Three SDGs with One Intention

Sustainable Developmental Goals are important for everyone.

This month, I have chosen three:

• Quality Education (Goal 4),
• Gender Equality (Goal 5),
• Climate Action (Goal 13).

These three goals can be achieved together by providing equal access to education that is directly related to the environment.

All professions that have some impact on the environment.

Medical fields include the use of paper for reports, chemicals for healthcare, and medical waste. There is a need for all employees to take part in the control and decrease of the use and management of resources.

The education field also requires the use of multiple resources, such as printed documents, plasticware for meals, and other potentially recyclable items. There are also many digital resources that are now used in many fields. I have done many Zoom interviews that have decreased my need for travel (plane tickets, hotel rooms), food (wrappers, cups, straws, bags), and printing (tickets, presentations, receipts).

There are many organizations that accept used items and repurpose them, a few are:

TerraCycle TerraCycle.com: They recycle so many different things that it’s impossible to list them all here. They range from the sprues miniature models come on to beauty items to Taco Bell sauce packets.

Image from TerraCycle.com

Habitat for Humanity Restore Habitat.org: They take used or excess items related to building such as the working light fixture you changed out or the left over un-returnable slate from a contracting job.

Goodwill Goodwill.org: They employ people with different abilities, like the children I work with every day.

Dress for Success DressforSuccess.org: They work with women who need clothes for interviews, and offer interviewing skills classes and other resources.

I have donated items to all four organizations, prior to each move (there have been four so far) and in general when I no longer need or want something, I know what to do with it.

I encourage ALL members to donate to the organizations I have listed and find others in your area. And to spread the word to everyone you know.

EVERY day is Earth Day!

And we all need to help keep the planet safe for everyone, forever.

We ALL need to educate each other with the intention of supporting and protecting the environment and reducing the dangerous effects of climate change.

Dr. Joanne Carfioli Naylor
National Treasurer
2024-2026
treasurer@nfbpwc.org

Building Impact Through Collaboration: A Practical Guide for Women’s Nonprofit Organizations

As I provided training for visits to permanent missions at the United Nations and worked closely with other NGOs, including those focused on women prior to the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF), I realized that while I am proud of NFBPWC and of BPW International, it seems we may not have maintained our impact and relevance over time with new generations leading like-minded organizations.

This, despite how women’s organizations across the nonprofit sector often share overlapping goals: advancing economic opportunity, leadership, safety, and rights.

Impact is too often fragmented by geography, specialization, or limited coordination. For us and for our peers, collaboration is no longer optional; it is a force-multiplier that can expand reach, reduce duplication, and strengthen advocacy outcomes nationally and globally. Virtual access now makes this easier than ever.

Thinking of this led me to conceptualize a practical guide to build meaningful and sustained collaboration among women’s nonprofit organizations. While some of these actions may sound like obvious steps, I needed to be reminded of them as we work to shape a stronger future for emerging women leaders.

From Fragmentation to Ecosystem Leadership

For women’s nonprofits, collaboration is more than efficiency. It is about building systems that reflect the new realities of increasingly mobile, multi-sectoral, and global lives and careers.

The strongest collaborations combine:

• service delivery organizations that provide training and direct support,
• advocacy networks that influence policy,
• corporate and leadership coalitions that expand career pathways,
• and mentoring systems that provide continuity and human connection.

When intentionally structured, these partnerships create an ecosystem rather than isolated programs. The result is not only broader reach, but deeper and more sustainable impact, particularly for women navigating transitions across borders, sectors, and stages of professional life.

This approach also aligns closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

By strengthening collaboration, we can contribute to more inclusive economic systems and stronger pathways to leadership and opportunity.

Step 1: Define Core Impact Priorities

Before seeking partnerships, there has to be a clear definition of what is to be achieved, in measurable terms, and identifying of shared outcomes:

• expanding women’s economic empowerment,
• increasing leadership opportunities,
• improving inclusion for migrant and internationally mobile women,
• strengthening entrepreneurship access,
• and protecting workplace rights.

Effective collaboration is purpose-driven rather than opportunistic, so each organization has to assess its strengths, whether in membership networks, policy influence, training capacity, or global reach.

Step 2: Identify Complementary Clubs within NFBPWC or Organizations outside

We need to better understand who is already working toward similar goals and where gaps exist.

This lets us map potential partners across three broad categories:

• service delivery organizations,
• advocacy and policy networks,
• and bridging organizations such as women’s chambers, federations, or migration-focused groups.

Rather than partner with everyone, this approach lets us see where collaboration creates complementary value. We already duplicate training and awareness efforts among our clubs, and this is compounded across organizations. Greater impact could come from combining different strengths rather than repeating the same activities.

Fewer, deeper partnerships are often more effective than broad but symbolic alliances. We could prioritize partners that:

• serve similar populations in complementary ways,
• influence funding or policy systems,
• or demonstrate strong implementation capacity.

For example, pairing an entrepreneurship support initiative with a policy advocacy network creates stronger long-term impact than parallel partnerships.

Step 4: Establish Shared Goals and Accountability

Successful collaborations often are based around Memoranda of Understanding that clearly lay out shared objectives and responsibilities.

They let us jointly define:

• two or three measurable outcomes,
• timelines,
• resource contributions,
• and operational responsibilities.

Even simple agreements or charters will move organizations working together from general goodwill to coordinated action.

Step 5: Create Cross-Organization Working Groups

Collaboration only succeeds when it becomes operational. Joint working groups can enhance focus on:

• entrepreneurship,
• leadership development,
• policy advocacy,
• or migrant and mobility-focused inclusion.

Sustainable collaboration must extend beyond conferences and symbolic events and ensure continuity and accountability.

Step 6: Make Mentoring a Core Strategy

Mentoring remains one of the most discussed—but underutilized—tools in women’s advancement. For internationally mobile women in particular, mentoring provides continuity during career transitions, relocation, or re-entry into professional networks. There should be shared mentoring pools that connect:

• corporate leaders with entrepreneurs,
• experienced migrants with newly relocated professionals,
• and policy experts with emerging advocates.

This could include onboarding guidance, meeting expectations, and outcome-tracking related to career growth, business development, and network expansion. Mentoring should be treated as infrastructure rather than an informal activity.

Step 7: Co-Design Programs, Not Just Events

Jointly designed initiatives have greater impact one-off events or awareness campaigns.

Titles might include:

• entrepreneurship pathways for internationally mobile women,
• leadership pipelines for women professionals,
• or business acceleration initiatives for migrant women entrepreneurs.

The strongest programs distribute responsibilities across partners:

• one organization provides training,
• another mentoring,
• another advocacy,
• and another access to funding or certification systems.

This allows each group to contribute its comparative advantage while expanding the overall impact of all groups involved.

Step 8: Align Advocacy and Policy Messaging

Fragmented advocacy weakens influence, while more unified messaging strengthens credibility and visibility. We can strengthen this from clubs, through the national, regional, and international levels, as well as with partner organizations.

Identifying a small number of shared advocacy priorities each year, while coordinating participation in major policy forums and consultations, strengthens impact at all levels.

As does consistent messaging on issues such as:

• women’s economic inclusion,
• access to capital,
• recognition of professional credentials,
• and protection from discrimination and exploitation

Step 9: Build Shared Impact Measurement Systems

To evolve effectively, there has to be some form of measurement of impact resulting from the collaboration.

A limited number of shared indicators could be used:

• women supported,
• business formation or career advancement outcomes,
• financing access,
• certification achievements,
• and leadership progression.

This shared information can improve funding opportunities, demonstrate effectiveness, and strengthen advocacy efforts. Quantitative data can be strengthened through narrative and lived experiences.

Institutionalizing collaboration helps ensure that progress survives leadership transitions and funding cycles.

For NFBPWC, BPW as a whole, and for similar organizations, the opportunity is not simply to participate in partnerships, but to help build an interconnected ecosystem for women’s advancement.

Strengthening collaboration across entrepreneurship, advocacy, mentoring, leadership development, and migration-informed networks, creates the opportunity to develop a more coordinated and sustainable model of empowerment—one that reflects the realities of today’s globally connected professional world and better supports future generations of women leaders.

Nermin K. Ahmad
National Secretary
2024-2026
Secretary@nfbpwc.org

Working Toward Advancing the SDGs Today & Tomorrow

As we head into June, this issue’s theme of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the many ways NFBPWC members are already advancing them through advocacy, leadership, and community engagement feels fitting.

The SDGs provide a global roadmap for creating a more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive world by 2030 — and our work continues to align closely with that mission.

From advocating for the Equal Rights Amendment and workplace equity to supporting women’s health, education, economic empowerment, and leadership opportunities, NFBPWC’s priorities intersect with several SDGs, including:

• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The SDGs remind us that advocacy does not happen in isolation. Every policy conversation, community initiative, mentorship opportunity, and awareness campaign contributes to a larger global effort to improve lives and strengthen human rights.

This connection will be especially important as we begin looking ahead to the next session of the Commission on the Status of Women. The priority theme for CSW71 (March 2027) is advancing sustainable development and accelerating implementation of the SDGs in ways that promote gender equality and empower women and girls.

Now is the perfect time for clubs, affiliates, and members to start thinking creatively about possible parallel events. Whether your passion is economic equity, women’s health, education, climate resilience, leadership development, violence prevention, or advocacy training, there is space for meaningful conversations that connect local action to global goals.

Parallel events are a powerful way to showcase the work happening across NFBPWC while building partnerships and sharing solutions with advocates from around the world.

If you have been considering hosting or collaborating on a CSW parallel event, start brainstorming early. Think about the stories, programs, and advocacy efforts from your club or community that demonstrate progress toward the SDGs. Even small-scale local initiatives can have global impact when shared collectively.

June also brings several important advocacy observances and awareness dates that align with our mission:

Pride Month: June is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community while continuing to advocate for equality, dignity, and inclusion for all people. Advocacy for gender equity must include intersectional approaches that recognize and support diverse identities and experiences.

Title IX Month: June marks the anniversary of Title IX, the landmark legislation prohibiting sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. Title IX transformed opportunities for women and girls in education and athletics, and its continued protection remains critically important.

World Day Against Child Labor (June 12): This observance highlights the ongoing need to protect children from exploitation and ensure access to education, safety, and opportunity worldwide.

Women Veterans Day (June 12): A meaningful opportunity to recognize and honor the service and contributions of women who have served in the armed forces and continue to break barriers in leadership and public service.

World Refugee Day (June 20): This day reminds us of the importance of compassion, human rights, and support for displaced individuals and families around the world, many of whom face heightened risks of gender-based violence, poverty, and discrimination.

As always, advocacy can take many forms. It may look like contacting legislators, hosting educational programs, mentoring emerging leaders, volunteering in your community, or simply starting important conversations. Every action contributes to progress.

This month, let’s continue thinking globally while acting locally. The SDGs provide a shared vision for the future, and NFBPWC members are helping move that vision forward every day through dedication, collaboration, and advocacy.

Wishing everyone a meaningful and impactful June!

Emily VanVleck
National VP Advocacy
2024-2026
vpadvocacy@nfbpwc.org

Strong Membership is the Foundation of a Strong Organization

The position of National Vice President of Membership is currently vacant. 

This elected position serves as a member of the NFBPWC Executive Committee and on the Board of Directors.

As NFBPWC prepares for elections this July at the Biennial General Assembly, qualified members are encouraged to consider seeking nomination for this important leadership position.

VP Membership helps provide leadership and guidance in matters related to membership growth, retention, outreach, and engagement across the federation.

This role supports efforts to build a strong, connected, and active membership base throughout our clubs, affiliates, and federation.

Members interested in leadership service are encouraged to review the full duties, responsibilities and qualifications for this office in the current NFBPWC Bylaws and NFBPWC Policies & Procedures.

https://nfbpwc.org/resource-library

(must be logged in to access)

The Membership Committee currently meets as a collaborative effort, despite the lack of a Chair. Current activities of the committee are found in the Membership Committee section of the magazine (p13).

Membership
vpmembership@nfbpwc.org

Maintaining Wellness Amid Major Life Changes

Major life changes—whether expected or sudden—place significant strain on both emotional and physical health. Experiences like becoming an empty nester, losing a job, the death of a spouse, housing instability, or caring for a loved one with serious illness can disrupt not only daily routines but also your sense of identity and security.

During these times, it’s easy to focus entirely on the external situation and overlook your own well-being. Yet these transitions often carry predictable health risks that are important to recognize early.

One of the most common issues is chronic stress, which can quietly affect nearly every system in the body. Prolonged stress is closely linked to conditions such as hypertension, sleep disruption, weakened immunity, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

You might notice persistent fatigue, headaches, irritability, or difficulty concentrating. These are not just emotional responses—they can be early indicators that your body is under sustained strain. Left unaddressed, chronic stress can compound over time, making recovery more difficult.

Emotional health is another critical area. Major life disruptions can trigger or intensify depression and anxiety disorders, even in individuals with no prior history. Empty nesting, for example, can lead to a loss of daily purpose, while job loss may affect self-worth and financial security. Grief from losing a spouse or home can be profound and disorienting.

Warning signs include persistent sadness, withdrawal from others, loss of interest in activities, or a sense of hopelessness. Anxiety may show up as constant worry, restlessness, or physical symptoms like a racing heart. These are not signs of weakness—they are signals that support may be needed.

Sleep disturbances often accompany these changes and can quickly become a health issue of their own. Difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently, or waking feeling unrefreshed are common during periods of stress or grief.

Over time, poor sleep can worsen mood, impair decision-making, and weaken the immune system. In some cases, it may develop into insomnia, which can further complicate recovery if not addressed.

Caregiving—especially for relatives with conditions like Alzheimer's disease or cancer—introduces a unique set of health risks. Caregivers often experience high levels of emotional and physical exhaustion, sometimes referred to as burnout. This can include neglecting personal medical appointments, poor nutrition, and limited rest.

Over time, caregiver strain can lead to increased vulnerability to illness and mental health challenges. It’s common for caregivers to prioritize others to the point where their own needs become invisible, but this pattern is not sustainable.

Changes in appetite and weight also need attention. Stress and grief can lead to overeating, undereating, or irregular eating patterns. These shifts may feel minor at first but can affect energy levels, metabolic health, and mood. Significant or sustained changes in weight—either gain or loss—can be a signal that your body is struggling to regulate under pressure.

Substance use is another potential risk during major life changes. Alcohol or other substances may seem to offer temporary relief from stress or emotional pain, but they can quickly create additional health concerns, including dependency, sleep disruption, and worsened mental health symptoms. Being mindful of changes in consumption patterns is important, especially if use becomes more frequent or feels necessary to cope.

Cognitive changes can also occur. High stress and emotional upheaval may lead to forgetfulness, difficulty focusing, or feeling mentally “foggy.”

While these symptoms are often temporary, they can be unsettling and may interfere with daily functioning. In caregiving situations, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between your own stress-related cognitive strain and concerns about a loved one’s condition, making self-awareness even more important.

Physical symptoms without a clear medical cause are also common. These can include digestive issues, muscle tension, or unexplained aches and pains.

The mind and body are closely connected, and emotional strain often manifests physically. Paying attention to these signals—and seeking medical advice when needed—can prevent more serious complications.

Recognizing these risks is only the first step. Equally important is taking action early.

• Regular check-ins with a healthcare provider can help monitor blood pressure, sleep patterns, and overall health.
• Mental health support—whether through therapy, counseling, or support groups—can provide tools to process change and build resilience.
• Staying connected to others, even in small ways, helps counter isolation.

Equally critical is giving yourself permission to prioritize your own well-being. This might mean setting boundaries, asking for help, or simply acknowledging that you are navigating something difficult.

Major life changes inevitably bring disruption, but they do not have to come at the cost of your health. By paying attention to both physical and emotional signals, you can respond early, maintain balance, and protect your long-term well-being even in the midst of significant change.

Nermin K. Ahmad
National Secretary
2024-2026
Secretary@nfbpwc.org

When we talk about “wellness,” it’s easy to picture yoga classes, green smoothies, or taking that long-overdue day off. And while those things absolutely matter, wellness for women—especially women navigating careers, caregiving, leadership, and advocacy—goes much deeper.

Wellness is also about equity. It’s about safety. It’s about economic stability, access to healthcare, and the freedom to live authentically. In other words, wellness is not just personal—it’s political. And that’s where we as advocates come in.

This May, as we focus on wellness for women, I invite you to think about advocacy not as one more thing on your to-do list, but as a meaningful way to support both your own well-being and that of women everywhere.

At its core, advocacy is about agency—using your voice to shape the world around you. There’s something deeply grounding about taking action, whether it’s sending an email to a legislator, supporting a local initiative, or having a thoughtful conversation that shifts someone’s perspective.

Key Advocacy Moments in May

May offers several important opportunities to engage in advocacy that directly connects to women’s wellness:

International Workers’ Day (May 1)

A powerful reminder that economic wellness is foundational. This is a moment to advocate for fair wages, paid leave, workplace safety, and equitable opportunities for women. Consider supporting policies that uplift women in the workforce or amplifying stories of women workers in your community.

International Day of Families (May 15)

Wellness doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it’s shaped by our families and support systems. Use this day to advocate for policies like affordable childcare, paid family leave, and flexible work environments that allow women and families to thrive.

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (May 17)

True wellness includes the ability to live safely and authentically. This day is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ individuals, advocate for inclusive policies, and ensure that wellness efforts are equitable and intersectional.

Additional Advocacy Opportunities May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, making it an ideal time to:

• Advocate for accessible and affordable mental healthcare
• Share resources within your networks
• Normalize conversations around burnout, stress, and emotional well-being

You might also consider engaging on issues like maternal health (see what is happening in Louisiana on page X), reproductive rights, and gender-based violence—each deeply connected to women’s overall wellness.

Drop by on a Health Committee meeting to engage more!

Simple Ways to Take Action

Advocacy doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming. Here are a few easy ways to take action while maintaining your well-being.

• Use Your Voice (5–10 minutes)

Send an email, sign a petition, or call your elected officials about an issue you care about. Even a single message can make an impact.

• Make It Social

Share a post on social media highlighting one of May’s key dates. Add your perspective or a call to action—your voice might inspire someone else to engage.

• Learn and Reflect

Take time to read or listen to stories about women whose wellness is impacted by policy gaps. Understanding these experiences can inform more meaningful advocacy.

• Support Women-Led Organizations

Whether through donations, volunteering, or amplification, supporting organizations doing this work is a powerful form of advocacy.

• Bring Advocacy Into Your Everyday Life

Start conversations at work, among friends, or within your community. Advocacy often begins with awareness.

Wellness is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. And for many women, it’s still out of reach due to systemic barriers. Advocacy is how we begin to change that.

This May, I encourage you to think of advocacy as an act of care—care for yourself, your community, and future generations of women. You don’t have to do everything. You just have to start somewhere.

Emily VanVleck
National VP Advocacy
2024-2026
vpadvocacy@nfbpwc.org

Strong Membership is the Foundation of a Strong Organization

The position of Vice President of Membership is currently vacant.

This elected position serves as a member of the NFBPWC Executive Committee and on the Board of Directors.

As NFBPWC prepares for elections this July at the Biennial General Assembly, qualified members are encouraged to consider seeking nomination for this important leadership position.

VP Membership helps provide leadership and guidance in matters related to membership growth, retention, outreach, and engagement across the Federation.

This role supports efforts to build a strong, connected, and active membership base throughout our clubs, affiliates, and federation.

Members interested in leadership service are encouraged to review the full duties, responsibilities, and qualifications for this office in the current NFBPWC Bylaws and NFBPWC Policies & Procedures.

https://nfbpwc.org/resource-library (must be logged in to access).

The Membership Committee currently meets as a collaborative effort, despite the lack of a Chair. Current activities of the committee are found in the Membership Committee section of the magazine.

Meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of each month at 8:00pm EST. If you wish to participate, please register on the Events Page.

Membership
vpmembership@nfbpwc.org

The April Afterglow: Carrying the Momentum of a Global Movement

If you’re feeling a "post-March" shift in energy, you’re not alone. We’ve just emerged from the whirlwind of Women’s History Month, the high-level advocacy of the NFBPWC, and the global intensity of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70).

While the calendar has turned to April, the work doesn't stop. In fact, this is when the real work begins.

The Mentors Who Stay With Me

Last month was a powerful reminder of the shoulders we stand on. As I reflected on the legacy of BPW International Past Presidents Elizabeth Benham and Dr. Yasmin Darwich, NFBPWC Past President Sandra Thompson, and Past Membership VP Kathy Kelly, I was reminded that advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint.

Most notably, I found myself thinking of BPW International VP Membership Francesca Burack, who was there every year to help me and so many others navigate the complexities of the UN. These women didn't just lead; they paved a path. They taught me that our "presence" in those halls in March must translate into "action" in our communities in April.

From Global Policy to Local Practice

The Official Agreed Conclusions from CSW70 are now set, providing a global roadmap for gender equality and economic empowerment. But those documents only have power if we bring them home. Through our ties with the NFBPWC, we have the unique opportunity to turn those international standards into local realities.

What’s Next?

How are you carrying that March spark into your April? Whether you’re joining a new committee or implementing a lesson learned from a mentor, remember: we aren't just spectators of history once a year. We are the ones writing the next chapter, every single day.

MEGAN SHELLMAN-RICKARD
Immediate Past President
2024-2026
immpastpresident@nfbpwc.org

STEM and STEAM

STEM and STEAM are acronyms that have been around for a while now. What do they actually mean?

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEAM includes the addition of Art.

Speech-Language Pathology, my current profession, is considered a STEM profession. The demographics include 95% women and 5% men. There are many women who provide direct treatment for people with many different conditions.

I studied physics, anatomy, physiology, and neurology while earning my Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy.

I currently use science and art every day to help my preschoolers learn how to develop verbal and sign language, use technology, and use art to communicate their wants and needs.

I have spent the past 25 years learning about Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems, which always include some type of technology, such as computers, switches, and tablets, and art, such as pictures that represent objects. Technically, Speech-Language Pathology is a STEAM profession that many people don’t know exists.

I recently attended CSW70 at the United Nations in New York City. There were many women and men in attendance from all walks of life. There were many women who have started their own businesses using technology, taken over family farms, and worked within different areas of the world.

There is a need for more women in STEM and STEAM professions, specifically in research for physical and mental well-being. There is currently a need for more research on how medications, stress, and other factors impact women differently from men because we have different systems. Many evaluations and treatments are based on men and how they react to different medications, stress, and daily demands. The demands that women face in their paid and unpaid jobs are different.

There is a need for more women to be recognized, respected, and paid for their knowledge in all STEM, STEAM, and non-STEM or STEAM professions.

Technically, making dinner for a family is an unpaid STEAM profession! It takes a plan, math, and the acquisition of resources, such as grocery shopping and money; chemistry, such as mixing and measuring quantities of ingredients; thermodynamics, such as heating the ingredients; and art, such as making the meal look delicious with a variety of colors and textures. Women have been the pioneers in STEM and STEAM professions since the beginning of time!

I challenge you to evaluate your current STEM or STEAM career and find a woman you can support in her STEM or STEAM career this month and every month.

We all need a village to support us and the women and girls in the rest of our world! Let’s get this STEM/STEAM party started and improve our world together!

Happy Earth Day to all!

Dr. Joanne Carfioli Naylor
National Treasurer
2024-2026
treasurer@nfbpwc.org