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