Dear NFBPWC Members,

September has arrived and with it, a season of incredibly energy for our Federation! I am so proud of the work we are doing together, and this month, I wish to recognize our Young Women in Leadership. These women are not just preparing for the future, they are leading right now with strength, vision, and courage.

Our Young BPW Chair has just begun her studies at George Washington University, continuing her education while still guiding and inspiring within our Federation. That is exactly the kind of drive and balance that makes us proud. At the same time, a recent conversation with one of our long-time members who reminded me of the importance of encouragement across the generations. Her words were simply but powerful: “never stand in the way of progress.” That wisdom continues to light our path.

I want to recognize our Young BPW members. Each is making her mark, contributing to our mission, and proving that our organization is at its best when women of all generations lead side by side.  Being a Young BPW member does not mean standing on the sidelines, waiting for a turn.  It means stepping into leadership today – bringing fresh vision, energy, and conviction to the work before us.  These women show us that leadership is not something deferred to later in life, but something lived boldly in the present.  Their impact is already shaping our Federation, and their voices remind us that progress is strongest when every generation is fully engaged. 

A September Full of Opportunities

Get ready! It’s a busy and exciting month ahead!

• Entrepreneur & Small Business: Spotlighting Young Women in Leadership
• Finance Committee: Grant Writing Workshop
• Health Committee: hosting a Virtual Health Fair
• NAC (Regional): “Advocacy on the Line: Crafting Position Papers to Spark Change!”

And looking further ahead, planning continues for the Biennial General Assembly in Raleigh, North Carolina in July of 2026. Mark your calendar now, it will be an event to remember.

This isn’t Goodbye!

As we celebrate this issue and the change of seasons, saying goodbye to summer, so too, we are saying so long to Michele Guarino – our Magazine Editor. For eight years+, she has carried the heart of our Federation in her hands, transforming what began as a simple newsletter into the vibrant, dynamic magazine we all look forward to every month. Her creativity, dedication and vision has turned our publication into more than just “pages” – it has become a living record of who we are and what we stand for.

While this marks her final issue as Editor, it is not goodbye. She is embarking on an exciting new chapter in Italy. Though oceans may lie between us, we are grateful she will remain part of our sisterhood as a member of the Virtual Club. With deep appreciation, we thank her for her years of extraordinary service and wish her joy, adventure and every success in this next adventure she undertakes.

UN80: A Global Celebration

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations – a milestone that calls us to reflect on the power of global cooperation. I invite you to:

• Read the UN80 article in this magazine.
• Visit the official UN80 page on the United Nations website to explore this important history and celebration.

Call to Action: Champion Young Leadership

This month, I encourage you to actively celebrate and support the leadership of young women. Share their stories, invite their voices in to the conversation and prepare from their perspectives. Leadership is strong when it spans generations and NFBPWC is proof of that truth.

Together, let’s be visible, vocal and visionary. September is our chance to shine. Let’s embrace it fully!

BARBARA BOZEMAN
PRESIDENT, NFBPWC
2024-2026

BPW Past, Present, and Future

I am halfway through my 2 year term as your Treasurer and in my 20th year as a member of BPW. My membership was sponsored by Maureen Harris in Corpus Christi, Texas who offered to pay for my dinner and change my life in 1996. Well, she and BPW did change my life.

I have served as Local Organization President in Corpus Christi and earned 2nd Place in the Young Careerist Competition in Midland.

I moved to North Carolina in 2008 and served as State Treasurer, Foundation Scholarship Chair, and State Convention Chair. I then became a virtual member of the NFBPWC-NC affiliate when I moved to Utah in 2017. I continue my membership as Secretary and Biennial General Assembly Committee member, now that I live in my hometown of King of Prussia, PA.

I am proud to say that I have done my part to help educate, empower, represent, and raise a powerful woman. I drink my daily coffee from my BPW-NC Red Coffee mug and have shared information about NFBPWC with my coworkers. My daughter, Diana, has been raised in BPW and has also done her part to educate, empower, and represent her friends throughout her life. She interviewed candidates in NC and asked them: "What will you do to get Equal Pay for women you will represent?" at the age of 5.

Recently, she mentioned that many of her friends have no idea the ERA had not been added to the Constitution and they were at risk of losing their freedom. She recommended they do research about the ERA and fight for their rights before they are gone. As you can imagine, I was very proud of her and the HALLELUJAH Chorus played in my head.

I hope you can look back into your past, enjoy your present, and PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE by SUPPORTING NFBPWC in any way you can personally, professionally, and financially. Join a committee, attend events, share your experiences, and provide support for women in your lives. What benefits women also benefits men. We are all in this together!

Dr. Jo Naylor

NFBPWC Treasurer

2024-2026

We spend so much time looking forward to summer. When it is here, we need to be careful – the sun is increasingly dangerous, for so many reasons that we do not consider. Please note: I embedded links to easy articles. Please conduct your own research for more in-depth information.

First – Exposure to Heat. Hydrate, stay in the shade, listen to your body. If you feel tired, pay attention and rest. If your joints ache – hydrate with electrolytes (but avoid sugary drinks). Remember you are perspiring, more than you realize, especially if your skin feels cooled by passing breezes. Avoid Heatstroke, a condition caused by the body overheating. This usually happens because of exposure to high temperatures or physical activity in high temperatures for too long. There are a few stages of heat injury, and Skin cancer is always a concern especially as the ozone lawyer becomes lighter and the suns rays are less filtered. If you are fair skinned, screen for skin cancer annually. If you have more melatonin – your doctor may not wish to see you as often. This check up is a life saver, as when caught early, this cancer can be managed.

Skin care routines are important if you enjoy the sun. Hydrate before hand, hydrate and protect while in the sun, and hydrate your skin afterwards. This helps avoid the lines and dried out look of those who spend all their time outside, in the sun, and develop a leathery look.

Don’t forget your car. Never leave a living creature, unable to manage the doors and windows, in your car on a hot day – even with the windows open, or the engine running and the air conditioning on. It gets very very hot, very very quickly. Pets and human babies can die in the heat. A surprising number do, each year.

Consider your home. You may not be able to afford to keep it fully air-conditioned, in which case consider cooling down your bedroom for half an hour before going to bed. You do not need to leave all your air conditioning units on when you are not at home – this can overtax ageing grids and cause heatstroke is the most serious. It can happen if body temperature rises to 104 F (40 C) or higher. Heatstroke is most common in the summer months.

Heatstroke needs emergency care. If it's not treated, heatstroke can quickly damage the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. This damage gets worse the longer treatment is delayed, which increases the risk of serious complications or death.

Next – you may be taken medication that does not react well to sunlight. Check the side effects and contra-indications on your prescriptions – these 13 medications enhance photosensitivity. Not only creams can have a bad reactions, some medications also suggest you avoid being in direct sunlight.

electric failures in communities. I find that either turning off the air conditioning when I go out in the morning and using a timer to turn it on before I get home is more than sufficient and save a surprising amount on my electric bill. Likewise – setting it at 84 when I leave, and returning it to 78 when I get in, keeps the home pleasant.

Think about your sheets – you are likely perspiring more than usual, and it may be good to wash your bedclothes and sheets more frequently than you might normally. Breathable cottons tend to be more comfortable than satins and synthetics.

Some people like hot showers at any time of year. I find that I turn the heat level on my boiler down in the summer, as I do not want scalding hot water. I also turn the on-demand water boiler heat down when I go away for a bit – the cost of always having hot water ready for use – when no one is there – is also surprisingly high.

Stay cool, think of your neighborhood and use a little less electricity than you might feel entitled to, and hydrate plentifully. You know you are not hydrating enough if your urine is dark – a simple trick learned from years in Africa. Sorry if it is Too Much Information – but it can help you stay healthy all summer long!

My email – secretary@nfbpwc.org is always open! Thank you!

Nermin K. Ahmad

NFBPWC Secretary

2024-2026

Every year on August 26, we recognize Women’s Equality Day, a day that marks the anniversary of the 19th Amendment and the long fight to earn women the right to vote in the United States. It’s an important moment to honor the women who came before us, and to think about how we keep their work going.

When I reflect on this day, I think about the women who marched, organized, and didn’t give up - often in the face of real danger. They didn’t always agree on how to move forward, but they all believed in something bigger: that women should have a voice, and that voice should matter.

That fight didn’t end with the right to vote. Today, women are still working hard to make sure we achieve full constitutional equality through the Equal Rights Amendment. We’re fighting to ensure that equality extends to the workplace, access to healthcare, safety from violence and discrimination, and fair representation in leadership and government. That’s why our advocacy is more important than ever.

As Vice President of Advocacy, this work is deeply personal to me. I do it because I believe that every woman deserves to be heard. I do it because I’ve seen how policy affects our daily lives—from how much we’re paid to how safe we feel in our communities. I believe in a future where the women who come after us have more equality than we do today - and I believe that future starts with us speaking up and showing up.

So, as we honor Women’s Equality Day, I hope you’ll take a moment to reflect—but also to act. Here are three simple things you can do:

●       Participate in our ERA advocacy campaign.
●       Make sure you’re registered to vote—and remind others to do the same.
●       Join our advocacy committee and help drive change.

This day is about more than looking back—it’s about moving forward. Let’s keep going, together.

Emily VanVleck

2nd Vice President of ADVOCACY

NFBPWC 2024-2026

August marks a significant moment on our shared journey – a time for reflection and the exciting challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

For the United States, August 26th is recognized as Women’s Equality Day, commemorating the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote…well, some women. As we know, not all women received that measure equally or immediately. It was and is a reminder that progress often comes in stages or steps. Some of those steps are bold, some unfinished And that we are called to keep moving forward toward full equity for all.

Internationally, August 26th also holds a special meaning as the founding day for BPW International in 1930. What Americans celebrate as Women’s Equality Day, BPW members around the globe (including us) as BPW Day – a day to honor our international sisterhood. As part of that celebration, BPW International encourages members to wear yellow and share photos on social media to raise visibility and joy and solidarity.

This month has already brought powerful reminders of what we can accomplish when we come together. Saturday (July 26th) BPW International’s UN Standing Committee, led by our International 1st Vice President Neelima Basnet, held a remarkable meeting, featuring all of the BPW International Standing Committees. Each Chair introduced themselves and their programming. I came away with at least 4 or 5 takeaways from each committee- that’s how energized and solution-focused the work was. It was 7am for me…and worth every moment. But BPW wasn’t done with my Saturday yet!

BPW California North District hosted a dynamic Zoom Training Day, filled with practical tools and generous sharing opportunities. The spirit of innovation and collaboration was truly energizing. If you weren’t there – you missed something terrific.

Ad hoc Letter on UN80 Initiative In keeping with our commitment to global engagement and advocacy, and with the support of your Board of Directors, I have signed the UN 80 Civil Society Declaration on behalf of NFBPWC. International President, Diana Barrigan has also signed on behalf of BPW International.

Here is the link: https://mailchi.mp/ngocsw.org/july2023-monthly-newsletter-10639558?e=e35388b7f8

You can sign in support of this letter as individuals. I encourage you to read it for yourself and decide whether you want to sign in support of this as individuals.

Another month, another amazing issue of NFBPWC’s Magazine – another opportunity to thank Michele Guarino, our Extraordinary Magazine Editor. We only have one issue left before she moves to Italy. Her creativity, commitment and deep love for this organization have left an indelible mark. Michele – Thank you!!! You are so very much appreciated.

There’s something powerful about this time of the year. – mid-summer, where reflection and momentum meet. I see our members stepping into leadership, raising their voices and building bridges across generations and borders. You remind me daily of why I am proud to serve as your President.

Speaking of being proud to be your President, and midsummer momentum….

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE!!!

About a year and two weeks ago, you elected a new administration for NFBPWC – and we in turn, selected a new group of committee chairs, making up the 2024-2026 Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Right out of the gate, we faced a massive and exciting shift in the US political landscape, prepared to represent USA at the International Congress and defend our members against difficult accusations, a national election and everything that came – and continues to come with it.

One year in and I am excited and motivated and looking forward to what the next year brings! I hope you all are too!

Welcome to August!!!

BARBARA BOZEMAN, PRESIDENT, NFBPWC, 2024-2026

Inspiring the Next Generation of NFBPWC Leaders

The world is evolving, and so must our leadership. As members of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women (NFBPWC), we are more than professionals, we are catalysts for change. Today, more than ever, we must invest in our greatest asset: future generations of feminist leaders. Since its founding in 1919, the National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs has been unwavering in its mission: “to develop women’s professional, business, and leadership potential at all levels” (nfbpwc.org). As we embrace the 2024– 2027 triennium under BPW International’s theme, Inspire, Innovate, Empower, Transform, we must actively prepare the torchbearers of tomorrow: the next generation of feminist leaders (bpw- international.org).
Feminist leadership is about more than personal ambition—it’s a movement rooted in inclusion, equity, and transformative vision. It equips women to break down systemic barriers and amplify collective potential while embracing personal growth. BPW

International’s mission unites us globally to “develop the business, professional and leadership potential of women on all levels through advocacy, education, mentoring, networking, skill building, and economic empowerment programs and projects around the world” (bpw-international.org). In today’s world—marked by renewed threats to justice and equality—empowering women at all levels of their careers and lives is not optional; it’s essential.

NFBPWC has a strategic role in nurturing feminist leadership. There are opportunities to expand our engagement.

Mentorship by design: Seasoned members actively guide aspiring NFBPWC leaders—sharing insights, contacts, and tools. As exemplified by our Young BPWs on the Executive Committee, VP Advocacy Emily VanVleck and Young BPW Bryn Norrie, mentorship has the propensity to foster intergenerational collaboration and equip emerging women with a global vision (bpw-international.org

Amplifying young voices: Young BPW members are bringing fresh perspectives to global forums, national events, and local meetings. By including Young BPW members in leadership roles and international forums we are ensuring their voices shape BPW’s strategic direction (bpw-international.org).

Education & leadership programs: Our Lifelong Leadership & Learning (L3) modules, Young BPW events, and international event opportunities (both in person and online) empower young and seasoned professionals with the skills to lead with confidence and purpose (nfbpwc.org).

Global advocacy for equality: From BPW's consultative role at the UN Commission on the Status of Women to national public policy platforms focused on pay equity and health care, we’re modeling what feminist leadership looks like—from local chapters to international networks (bpw-international.org, nfbpwc.org). By continuing to share our experiences and provide a “brave space” for people from all walks of life, we increase our influence as an organization and expand our engagement.

Every interaction, whether leading a workshop, amplifying  public  policy,  or  supporting  a  fellow member, is part of a larger promise: the next generation will not walk alone. We’ll walk alongside them, listen, learn, and uplift so they can lead with purpose, drive, and impact.

The future of BPW isn’t just about sustaining our legacy, it’s about evolving it. It’s about ensuring that the next generation of feminist leaders is not only ready but resourced. With our support, they can build a world that is more just, more inclusive, and more equitable than the one we inherited.

Let’s lead them there.

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

As your Secretary I would like to use my voice to provide my fellow sisters with helpful hints for a rapidly changing world.
Do you have a go-bag?
Most of my friends laughed at me for having a go-bag at home. They would say: You live in the US now, why do you need that? Well – on 9/11, I left my office near the Pentagon, to go home, collect the go-bag and drive to Baltimore. I spent the next few weeks there, out of harm’s way, with a working airport and more. But – a go-bag is useful when there is an extended electric cut, when bad weather hits, when there is police action stopping you from accessing your home or office. It takes little time to put together, and – if there is a need – you are so much better off than many others.
The FEMA recommendations for a go-bag are a good starting point, and you can search for additional recommendations on-line. In addition, consider the virtual go-bag noted below – that can be on the cloud,
on an external drive, or any means you consider secure and protected.
Virtual Go-Bags
Providing you have sufficient security for your data; I think it is prudent to back your valuable and important information up with digital copies and/or images. Examples:

• ü  Copies of your identification (license, passport, school, work, military, other id cards). If you lose the actual ones, the copies will make recovery easier.

• ü  Copies of your latest medical tests and reports, as well as of your latest scrips. I encourage people to make a narrative account of any medical issues, doctors seen, actions taken, medicines used, reactions if useful.

• ü  Copies of your home lease/purchase documents, insurance, mortgage documents, warranties, etc.

• Copies of your last will, health proxy, birth/death certificates, Marriage/Divorce papers, etc.

• ü  Photos of your valuables (for insurance estimation), of your mementos (which are irreplaceable), and of your important photographs.

• ü  Anything else that could be important for you to re- establish a sense of normalcy in your life.

Remember – if your house burns down, and you have a mortgage, your will still need to make your payments. Have all the needed documentation so the insurance company can step in for you as rapidly as possible.
My email – secretary@nfbpwc.org is always open! Thank you!
 
Good to Know: Essential Items for a FEMA Go Bag:

• Water and Food:A 3-day supply of water (at least one gallon per person per day) and non-perishable, high-energy food items like granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit.

• First Aid:A well-stocked first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.

• Light and Communication:A flashlight with extra batteries, a hand-crank or battery-powered AM/FM radio, and a portable cell phone charger.
  

• Shelter and Warmth:An emergency blanket, a change of clothes, sturdy shoes, and rain gear.
  

• Sanitation:Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation. Menstrual care items.
  

• Important Documents:Copies of important documents like identification, insurance cards, and medical records in a waterproof container.
  

Tools and Miscellaneous:

• A manual can opener, a whistle, a dust mask, local maps, and a multi-tool or knife.

• Cash:A small amount of cash in small bills, as electronic payment systems may be down.
  

Additional Tips:

• Customize: Tailor the contents of your Go Bag to your specific needs and the potential hazards in your area.

• Update Regularly: Check expiration dates on food and water and replace items as needed.

• Practice: Familiarize yourself with the contents of your Go Bag and practice using the items in a safe environment. Prepare each family-member.

Nermin K. Ahmad NFBPWC
Secretary
2024-2026

1st Vice President of Membership

The Membership Committee has been meeting monthly now on the third Monday of the month. The current main focus is to standardize the membership forms so that important information such as age range and birthday is included. This information is vital to create age-specific programs and recruit new members.
Please update your profile on the NFBPWC website.
Looking forward to your participation at our next membership meeting on July 21, 2025.

MARIA CECILIA DESOUSA
1ST VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP
NFBPWC 2024-2026

July is a powerful month for us – as Americans, as women and as members of NFBPWC.

In the summer of 1776, delegates from the thirteen colonies gathered to formally declare their independence from British rule. On July 4th, the Continental Congress adopted the declaration, marking the birth of a new nation.

In July of 1848, a group of women and men gathered in Seneca Falls, New York for the first women’s rights convention in the United States. Led by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, the attendees debated and adopted the Declaration of Sentiments, a powerful document modeled after the Declaration of Independence that called for equal rights for women, including the right to vote. Signed by 100 supporters, the declaration marked the formal beginning of the organized women’s rights movement in the United States.

In July of 1919, Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips brought together representatives from business and professional women’s clubs across the country to a national convention in St. Louis, Missouri. Recognizing the need for a unified voice to advocate for working women, they founded the National Federation of Business & Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc was established. The organization grew quickly, championing women’s financial independence, professional development and equal rights both nationally and internationally.

These three events – each born in July – are connected by more than dates on a calendar. They are bound by a common thread: a courageous act of naming injustice and declaring a vision for something better. The language may vary across the centuries, but the purpose remains the same – we stand for freedom, we stand for equality, and we stand for the rights of individuals to fully participate in society.

It is for this reason; you will find the full text of both the Declaration of Independence and the Declaration of Sentiments in this issue. Too often, these foundational documents are reduced to soundbites or inspirational quotes. They deserve more than passing attention – they deserve to be read in full, with the weight and seriousness they command.

These declarations are not just historical artifacts…yellowing with age. They are reminders of where we began, how far we’ve come and the work that still lies ahead. By reading them, we honor the voices of those who dared to speak boldly – and we prepare ourselves to carry that legacy forward with clarity, courage and conviction.

Happy Birthday to us all!

Warm regards,
Barbara Bozeman
President, NFBPWC
2024-2026

Women in Diplomacy – Esther Hymer’s Legacy

Esther Wanner Hymer (1898–2001) was a pioneering figure in international diplomacy and women's rights advocacy. As a representative of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (IFBPW) at the United Nations, she played a crucial role in promoting gender equality on a global scale. (nfbpwc.org)

Hymer's activism began early; as a student at the University of Wisconsin in 1920, she marched for the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. Her commitment to peace and women's rights led her to become an aide to Margaret Hickey, who represented the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (NFBPWC) at the 1945 San Francisco conference that established the United Nations.

Hymer served as the Director of International Relations for IFBPW and was its nongovernmental representative to the UN for six decades, focusing on women's issues. She was instrumental in the formation of the UN Commission on the Status of Hymer's legacy continues to inspire generations of women leaders and advocates for gender equality worldwide. Sylvia G. Perry and Livia M. Ricci published a book, Esther Hymer: A Bus to 42nd Street, in 1999 that details more about her efforts and experience as a diplomat representing BPW at the United Nations. NGO CSW/NY has also published a digitally accessible PDF that has more details about Hymer’s work with that organization and the United Nations: https://ngocsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/FINAL-HISTORY-PROJECT- 2-compressed.pdf. Both highly recommended reads for BPW members from around the world and at all walks of life.

Sources for reference:

• https://ngocsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/FINAL-HISTORY-PROJECT-2-compressed.pdfhttps://www.abebooks.com/first-edition/Esther-W-Hymer-Bus-42nd-Street/31209849305/bd
• https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jun-01-me-5152-story.htmlwww.nfbpwc.org
• www.bpw-international.org

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