Celebration and Anticipation

December is a month with many celebrations. My family and I celebrate many things, such as good heath, good grades, good friends, and a break from the daily grind of school and work.

Every day, I get to celebrate the successes of the children I work with because every new sound, word, and sentence is a reason for celebration.

I also get to celebrate the successes of my daughter who is working hard in her college classes and will be home for her holiday break soon.

I challenge you to look at all the celebrations you have had during this year and will have during this month. Anticipation is another thing that happens every day and especially on New Year's Eve. What is your New Year's Resolution going to be?

I hope that all of you have a magical December and have plans for an exciting 2026.

Dr. Joanne Carfoli Naylor
Treasurer

Effective Collaboration Among Women Post-Conference Musings

It appears that collaboration among women matters more today because the world is more connected, more complex, and more demanding—and because women have more opportunities and more to protect than ever before. By working together, we amplify influence, accelerate progress, and ensure that no one must navigate modern challenges alone. But are we effective? Or are we caught in historic battles?

In preparing for my presentation at the 7th BPW Mediterranean Symposium, The Balance of Power: Gender, Economy, Leadership, which was held in Chile this year, I wanted to see how European women compared to women in the US in terms of effective feminism and activities. I was surprised to discover that while we are strong activists, our effectiveness is undermined by a weaker collaborative infrastructure. Our powerful grassroots movements, cultural influence (supported by academic and youth activism), and diversity of voices shaping the conversation are offset through weak structural and government support, unusually high political polarization, low social safety nets, and, of course fragmentation across the states.

What is it we are missing? And where can NFBPWC be more effective in making change happen? Countries with strong feminist collaboration often benefit from universal healthcare, subsidized childcare, strong worker protection, and paid parental leave – we lack these foundations in the US. As this varies across states, we experience inconsistent legal protections, resource gaps, and regional activist silos. It does not make things easier that we are so polarized on gender topics, which has a major impact on workplace equity. Our federal approach means there is no systematic gender-based policy analysis, no consistent funding for feminist NGOs, and no single robust federal gender-equality office.

On the upside, we have a long history of strong independent feminist movements, including intersectional movements, thanks to grassroots and digital organizing. And we have a major cultural influence through which U.S. feminism shapes the narrative to amplify core points internationally. Women’s groups in the US provide strong support for entrepreneurial women and women in leadership, which is highly effective overseas.

The countries most widely recognized for strong, collaborative, feminist support across policy, activism, and culture areArgentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, Rwanda, South Africa, Spain, and Sweden. The EU and Latin America are even recognized for strong cross-border feminist collaboration!

To be fair – feminist ideals are changing. They have become more intersectional yet personal, more holistic, and digitally mediated, they are less label-driven and more emotionally and socially oriented, they are more flexible about femininity and lifestyle choices. So, it is not so much a single definition, but multiple, lived options.

Empowerment is also defined more broadly. Where it used to mean climbing corporate ladders, breaking glass ceilings, and being independent at all costs, now it can mean boundaries, choosing family, rejecting burnout, and getting rest, as well as having financial autonomy.

It was interesting to hear the conversation on numbers of women in government. While one side pushed for equality in terms of numbers of men and women, the others pressed for equity – with far more than gender at stake. They looked at race, class, body size, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and neurodiversity. When some women mentioned the patriarchy, others talked about systemic bias, power structures, capitalism, safety, and wellness. It seems as if the focus is shifting to lived experience from legal equality.

We also pondered why women seem to stand in the way of their own success. Or do they? After all, we navigate social conditioning, structural barriers, unequal expectations, backlash, lack of effective networks, and biased evaluation systems. Is “self-sabotage” really self-protection?

These discussions were critical for me, as I mentor younger women and help them navigate choices that are vastly different in some ways than those available to me at their age, but also include fears that I never had to face.

If the EU and Latin America can create regional support systems, maybe we need to consider investing in our North American and Caribbean region to collaborate and truly achieve a level of meaningful change in our region.

Nermin K. Ahmad
Secretary

Allies in Action for Women’s Rights

The movement for women’s rights has always been driven by collaboration — women and allies working together to challenge inequality, uplift one another, and transform systems that limit opportunity. Today, as the conversation around gender equity continues to evolve, and in many instances devolve, the need for active allies has never been greater.

Being an ally goes beyond offering words of support. True allies listen, learn, and take action. They use their voices and their influence to advocate for fairness, respect, and representation. They bravely challenge bias in workplaces, communities, and institutions. Most importantly, they stand beside women — not in front of them or behind them — in the pursuit of justice and equality.

Allies recognize that women’s rights are human rights. When women thrive, families, communities, and economies grow stronger. Yet progress doesn’t happen by accident; it happens because people make the deliberate choice to act and create space for others to do so.

The National Federation of Business and Professional Women Clubs (NFBPWC) has a long and proud history of turning advocacy into action. As our advocacy platform guides the Advocacy Committee and our organization, NFPBPWC provides the space to be an ally with programs like Young BPW and the Lifelong Leadership and Learning Program (L3). Members and allies work together to empower women to reach their full potential in leadership, business, and civic life. From mentoring and professional development to legislative advocacy and community service, NFPBPWC encourages every member to become an ally in their own sphere of influence. By supporting equal pay,   leadership   opportunities,   and inclusive workplaces, our members and allies help build a future where equity is not just a goal — it’s a reality.

Allies in Action for Women’s Rights is a call to collective leadership. Movements led by women have always been strengthened by partnerships that cross gender, age, and cultural lines. When men and women work together with mutual respect and shared purpose, we build stronger pathways toward equality. NFBPWC exemplifies this spirit of partnership every day. Members advocate at local, state, national, and international levels to advance women’s economic empowerment and human rights. Together, we stand as a unified force for progress.

Real change requires both courage and consistency. Each of us can be an ally — by listening, learning, speaking up, and showing up. Whether you’re mentoring a young leader, advocating for workplace equity, or standing up for women’s rights in your community, your action matters.

Because when allies move from awareness to action, progress accelerates. And when we act together, we create a world where every woman’s rights are recognized, respected, and realized.

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. To contact me please email immpastpresident@nfbpwc.org

MEGAN SHELLMAN-RICKARD
Immediate Past President

BE AN ALLY IN ACTION

Join NFBPWC and become part of a global network committed to empowering

women and advancing equality for all.

Learn more and get involved at www.nfbpwc.org

Allies in Action

As a 20-year member of the Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc., I have had the pleasure of working with many women I consider Allies toward a common goal. I consider every member of this organization as an ally toward a common goal: to empower and educate women and improve their lives.

Knowing that I have allies with different backgrounds, experiences, and knowledge empowers me to continue to serve this organization. I know that I personally have allies in the states of Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Colorado, Louisiana, New York, Texas, Washington, and California that I can contact for any reason. I know that there are women I can contact when I have questions who will provide answers without judgment and pettiness.

I also know that if there is a difference in opinion, I can professionally handle this difference and move on toward a common goal. In some cases, the difference has provided me with insight that I may not have considered and provided me with an opportunity to learn and gain deeper understanding of the issue.

I am thankful to all of the past and present BPW members that have met! I am grateful for your trust in me and friendship.

I challenge every member to take a moment to remember the NFBPWC members who have been allies in action and thank them!

Dr. Joanne Carfoli Naylor
Treasurer

Collect for Club Women

Keep us, O' God, from pettiness;
Let us be large in thought, in word, in deed.
Let us be done with fault-finding and leave off self-seeking.
May we put away all pretense and meet each other face to face, Without self-pity and without prejudice.
May we never be hasty in judgment, And always be generous.
Let us take time for all things;
Make us to grow calm, serene, and gentle. Teach us to put into action our better impulses, Straightforward and unafraid.
Grant that we may realize it is the little things that create differences, That in the big things of life we are at one.
And may we strive to touch and to know the great, common, human heart of us all, And O' Lord God, let us not forget to be kind.

Five Pillars of Aging Well: nutrition, hydration, physical, social, and cognitive stimulation

I recognize I am aging and need to work on this. But who says it is easy! Nutrition means the right food for me, and it is not going to be the least expensive alternative. Hydration – I want to have water that is not filled with invisible toxins and micro-plastics. Physical – not just losing weight but keeping my muscles strong. Thanks to NFBPWC, I have plenty of social stimulation, and I work on my cognitive ability at least a couple of hours a day. But it feels like a fulltime job. Why do I do it? Because when we age, we hit cliffs where we suddenly lose a lot of functionality. If massive biological shifts occur in our 40s and 60s the question is, can we dampen those curves through intentional increases in functionality? (read more here)

Changing my diet meant trying out different things. I am not lactose intolerant, but milk products that are overprocessed, without live cultures, do me no good. I have substituted onions with leeks. I bake all of my bread mixing seeds and grains. No processed foods, and no added sugars or sweeteners. I only use avocado oil and almond oil, and I eat avocado as my last meal of the day because it helps strengthen the lining of my gut. My gender, height and weight suggest I eat 140 grams of protein a day for brain health and to regrow cells. Not that easy – but I am conscious of favoring protein-rich foods. I use the bowl method – my main meal is lunch, and the entire meal should fit in a single serving bowl. Except for my vegetables, which I enjoy mostly raw. But it is a trial- and-error effort.

Hydration – too much is not good, too little is worse, so I usually try to drink my filtered water by the quart. Sometimes with lemon or lemon verbena or thyme in it (yum). But I drink more after exercising, which is increasingly chair movements and isometric strength building workouts, unless I am on the gym bike, trying to win a challenge. My knees are shot – no soft tissue, no ACL in either leg, and no one wants me to have a replacement yet (tried several surgeons). Some things I cannot do (like the back against the wall seated posture – the noise is at a fourth of July firework level!). But there are many things I can do, and my cardiologist is delighted with the results.

I test my memory, my ability to notice things, word games on the phone, and speed tests through various applications. I can see some slowing down but

not too bad yet. Luminosity is a good way to sharpen the mind with its various challenges. Well social – that is where I have not yet slowed down, and where I try hard to be present, active, and engaged.

So, this is some of what I do to stave off having to depend on others. Unlike when I was younger and found no time to be intentional about any of this, I am really having fun. 

“Beauty lies not in a flawless complexion but in the stories that are told by each transitioning line on a woman’s face.”

– Alyscia Cunningham

Nermin K. Ahmad

Secretary 2024-2026

Movember

We talk a lot about empowering women— and rightly so. But if we’re serious about achieving gender equality, we need to talk about something just as important: men. Not as the problem, but as part of the solution.

The women’s movement has come a long way because of courageous leaders, brave conversations, and collective action. But let’s be honest—lasting change can’t happen if half the population is left out of the conversation. Men have an important role to play, not as heroes or saviors, but as partners in the work.

What Does Being a Male Ally Look Like?

Male allies aren’t perfect. They’re not expected to have all the answers. What makes them allies is that they’re paying attention, speaking up, and showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable.

They’re the ones who:

• Actually, listen when women speak—not just to respond, but to understand.
• Call out sexist jokes instead of laughing along.
• Push for equal pay, parental leave, and safer workplaces—because it’s the right thing to do, not just because they have daughters.

Use their influence to open doors, make room at the table, and advocate for fairness.

When men do this, they’re not “helping women.” They’re helping create a better world for everyone. Research shows that when women thrive in workplaces and communities, everyone benefits—families, businesses, economies, and yes, men too.

Let’s Talk About Movember

November—also known as Movember—is a month where men grow mustaches to raise awareness for men’s physical and mental health. It’s fun, it’s a little goofy, but it’s also meaningful.

Why mention Movember in a conversation about gender equality? Because it reminds us that men also face pressure— like being told to “man up,” not show emotion, or avoid asking for help. These same expectations fuel the systems that hurt all of us. When we support men’s mental health, challenge toxic masculinity, and make space for vulnerability, we’re not stepping away from feminism—we’re leaning into it.

Why This Matters for Us at NFBPWC

At NFBPWC, we believe advocacy is strongest when it’s inclusive. That doesn’t just mean different ages, backgrounds, or cultures—it means different genders too. Inviting men to be part of this movement doesn’t weaken it. It strengthens it.

We’re not asking men to lead the feminist movement. We’re asking them to walk beside us. To listen, learn, and take action when it counts.

One Last Thought

Gender equality isn’t women versus men. It’s all of us versus inequality. And if we want to build a world where everyone has the same rights, respect, and opportunities, then we need allies—loud ones, quiet ones, and yes, mustached ones.

So, this November, let’s grow awareness, grow conversations, and grow the movement together.

Emily VanVleck

VP Advocacy

2024-2026

Total number of members as of October 21, 2025, is 451.

The two-day Jamboree held on October 10 and October 11, 2025, organized by the L3 committee was a great success. It was well attended by members and non-members. VP Membership, Maria DeSousa presented the module on Stress Management.

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to each of the members of NFBPWC for their dedication and contribution.

The next Membership meeting will be on Monday November 17 at 5:00 pm PST / 8:00 pm EST.

Maria DeSousa
VP Membership

“Don’t mistake politeness for lack of strength.”

– Sonia Sotomayor

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.

She has a voice. If you can’t hear it, it’s because you’re too busy talking.

Amani Al-Khatahtbeh Author, activist & Technology Entrepreneur

MEGAN SHELLMAN-RICKARD
IMMEDIATE PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT

Take Charge of Your Health – Know Your Environment

Our health is a combination of many factors – from our own genetic make-up through our diet (not just our eating habits, but what is in the food we eat), environmental factors and stressors (not just obvious noise and exhaust, but also invisible pollutant loading), and the medication we take (too many prescription medications have as yet unknown side effects).

Here, I just want to focus on environmental factors, and how you can be more aware of them and minimize their impact on you. I will not give you the answers, but the tools you can use to understand what might be in the air, water, and soils of the area you live in.

Awareness allows you to formulate the right questions, which you should ask your local leaders, to understand what they are doing to protect you and those who live around you, who may not know the right questions to ask.

Do not let this information paralyze you, it is only intended to help you make informed decisions. Lots of information is available online – here is a starting place for your own research. https://www.mapmyenvironment.com

Water – it was not publicized, but a study I was in established in that, in the 1990s, 27 states (today it is all 50) had contaminated groundwater tables. Many rivers had contamination in underlying sediments. Communities generally receive their water through a treatment plant. Some communities re-use water that has been through wastewater treatment plants, creating a cocktail of X parts new water and Y parts re-used water. For years, the mantra was: dilution is the solution to pollution. However, with more people and more animals on the same amount of land, dilution may or may not be enough anymore. The question is: Does your community/municipality treat water for the actual contaminants that may be in it  (pharmaceuticals,       drugs, additives, solvents, plastics, heavy metals, naturally occurring high loads of organics), or just for the traditional culprits? It is always worth double checking - it is your health after all. This AI search will help you get started.

Here are some other resources:

Mytapwater.org (US drinking water quality by zip code) https://www.ewg.org/tapwater.

It has been a life changer – the truism is that NYC water is some of the best in the world, as it is a one- way non-reuse water system. This is so, for two-thirds of Manhattan. I live outside that zone, and noticed that water from my tap, if left out, became nasty. I also was having skin and tummy issues.

Now I double filter what I drink (through a Brita filter, then an Aquasana filter) and have been much healthier. Easy fix, and the water tastes so much better without the chlorine and fluoride.

You can find research on the water filter appropriate to your area in several places: https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/water-filter-guide.php (they recommend the same systems for all areas, so I am concerned they get a kickback from those companies – oh suspicious me)

https://waterfilterguru.com/best-water-filters https://www.thespruceeats.com/best- countertopwater-filters-4178851.

Soils: It is a good idea to understand your soils, especially if you grow food, or if you have kids playing outdoors. If you suspect contaminants, dig down six inches, place a plastic barrier on top of the uncovered soil, and fill over it with new soil or create designated soil or sand boxes with a barrier to the native soil.

Research starting points: https://www.mapmyenvironment.com, https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app

Air: While there is less you can do about air, it is worth being aware:

https://www.airnow.gov/aqi/aqi-basics https://gispub.epa.gov/airnow https://echo.epa.gov/help/reports/air-pollutant- report-elp#:~:text=Frequently%20Asked%20Questions- ,General%20Overview,in%20the%20Air%20Pollutant%20Report.

I do not want to leave out Indoor Air. Here is a good resource for that research.Indoor Pollutants and Sources | US EPA

The following are links that can satisfy your interest on a number of subjects and make you more aware. I was surprised when working under the USEPA Superfund program that the greatest polluters were not the chemical industry, factories, or even the military. The greatest polluters were dry cleaners, electroplaters, paint shops, households, airports, restaurants, and other innocuous-sounding sources that are all around us.

These are some tip-of-the-iceberg research links: USEPA Envirofacts asbestos low-level radioactive radonsolvent fumes PFA safe swimming water bioaccumulation in fat plastics in the brain Is this overwhelming? It was my life for 20 years. Eventually, I realized that I could not avoid everything, but I could make choices that limited exposure and helped me be healthier, and I determined that knowing what to ask, when to ask, whom to ask, and how to ask them, made this a better world for me, and for my community. Know to ask. Be in Charge. Thank you!

My email is always open mailto:secretary@nfbpwc.org

Nermin K. Ahmad
NFBPWC Secretary
2024-2026

October marks National Business Women’s Week, first established in 1928 by our founder, Lena Madesin Phillips. It’s a time to honor not only the importance of women in business, but also the power of advocacy of groups like NFBPWC to advance gender equality.

For me, I’ve never strongly identified with the “businesswoman” label. My connection with this organization has always been as a professional. With women making up less than 33% of senior management roles in the United States, I am among the majority of women in this country that make up the labor force - the workforce that allows businesses to thrive. On September 6th, I proudly marched in the Labor Day parade with my flight attendant union in New York City, joining thousands of fellow workers who keep this city moving.

That said, I deeply admire the women who have fought their way through roadblocks and glass ceilings to make it to the C-suites. Research consistently shows that when women lead, they bring more empathy, collaboration, and fairness to the workplace. This results in increased creativity and innovation, bold decision-making, and financial success.

This October, I urge us to remember the power of women in business and leadership. Let us emulate the qualities of women in leadership, remembering that empathy is our superpower. With it we have more fairness, better communication, and increased productivity. Without these things our objective of gender equality will be kicked further down the road. I challenge each of us to enter October with empathy and respect for one another.

In advocacy news, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, reminding us of the sobering reality that every 9 seconds a woman in the US is assaulted and 1 in 3 women in the US have experienced physical violence by a partner. These numbers are staggering and once again show how much work is needed to reach gender equality.

October also brings Period Action Day, a global day of advocacy and action to end period poverty and the stigma still associated with menstruation. Period poverty is a huge roadblock to women in the workplace, with as many as 36% of women reporting missing work due to lack of access to menstrual products. Looking at these numbers, women are more likely to miss work due to period poverty than they are to serve in a senior management role. Again, much work remains to be done. NFBPWC has signed on as a sponsor for the Good Samaritan Menstrual Products Act in the 119th Congress. This bill, introduced by Congresswoman Grace Meng, would encourage companies to donate menstrual products by reducing liability concerns. As we welcome fall, I wish you all a season of reflection and renewal. May we continue to practice radical empathy, uplift one another, and press forward together as the professional women we are.

EMILY VANVLECK
2ND VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVOCACY
NFBPWC
2024-2026