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

As your Secretary I would like to use my voice to provide my fellow sisters with helpful hints for a rapidly changing world.

Did you know your phone also was an emergency notification tool?

SOS – Emergency alert. I have looked at Samsung and Apple. This information is available online for all devices and systems. I have used it, and it works very well in the US (the blue article discusses innovations in South Africa!

Did you know that on a Samsung phone, an SOS can be triggered when you click the power button three or four times? Your emergency contacts will receive an SOS message, links to a map and the audio clip, photos and auto call (if those features have been activated).

To set up the SOS feature on a Samsung phone, follow these steps12345:

1. Pull down your notification bar and open "Settings."

2. Scroll down and select "Safety and emergency."

3. Select "Send SOS messages."

4. Toggle it on and choose your emergency contacts.

5. Choose if you want the SOS triggered by pressing the side button three or four times.

6. Select what you want your phone to do when you trigger the SOS.

This is useful if you are attacked, in fear of your life, if you are lost, or if you are being approached by people who give you reason to be concerned (including

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Good to Know: In addition (as of May 1, 2025):

Samsung has launched a free-to-use emergency subscription service called SOS+, exclusive to its Galaxy A56, A36, and A26 devices as part of a partnership with Aura for South Africa.

Built into the Samsung device, the SOS+ service uses geolocation technology to give users immediate access to security and medical services regardless of location. “Samsung isn’t just offering a service, we’re embedding access to safety directly into the everyday lives of our customers,” it said. “Samsung’s SOS+ is designed for instinctive use; it’s accessible with just one tap from the In Case of Emergency contact list, and there are multiple ways to access the service.”

The tech giant noted that only 17% of South Africans can access private ambulances through private aid schemes. It added that less than 13% have access to private security services, with this number falling to 1.2% in the country’s poorest communities. However, Samsung said it aims to change this by making emergency support more accessible in South Africa.

By dialling a toll-free number, an alert shares the user’s live location with Aura’s secure platform. The service can also be accessed via its app, SMS, or website with data-free functionality. Aura then dispatches its closest vetted medical or armed response service from its nationwide network of over 3,500 professionals, said Samsung. Those in distress also have the ability to track the arrival of the emergency services in real time using the app.

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This is useful if you are attacked, in fear of your life, if you are lost, or if you are being approached by people who give you reason to be concerned (including immigration agents for example, when you cannot pull your phone to make a call but must hand it over).

Further ( to turn setting on/off or to modify countdown feature)

1. Open Settings.

2. Tap Safety and emergency.

3. Tap Emergency SOS.

4. Tap the switch button to turn Emergency SOS on or off. Or to change the emergency countdown feature.

On an Apple:

How does Apple emergency contact work? Apple's Emergency SOS feature, when activated on iPhone or Apple Watch, automatically dials the local emergency number (e.g., 911 in the US) and shares your location with emergency services. It also alerts your emergency contacts with a text message containing your location and provides ongoing location updates. You can access this feature by pressing and holding the side button and either volume button on iPhone or the side button on Apple Watch.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. How it Works:

• Emergency Call: When you activate Emergency SOS, your device automatically dials the local emergency number.
• Location Sharing: Your location is shared with emergency services, allowing them to locate you quickly.
• Emergency Contact Notification: After the call ends, your emergency contacts are alerted via text message.
• Location Updates: Your emergency contacts receive ongoing location updates for a period after you've initiated the SOS.

2. Setting Up Emergency Contacts:

• Health App: Go to the Health app on your iPhone and tap on your profile picture.
• Medical ID: Tap on Medical ID, then tap Edit and scroll down to Emergency Contacts.
• Add Contacts: Tap the "+" button to add emergency contacts. You can add up to 25 people.

Edit and Save: Make any necessary edits, then tap Done to save your changes.

3. Using Emergency SOS:

iPhone: Opens in new tab Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the "Emergency SOS" slider appears. Drag the slider or continue holding the buttons until the countdown ends, and the call is initiated.

Apple Watch: Opens in new tab Press and hold the side button until the Emergency Call slider appears. Drag the slider or continue holding the side button until the countdown ends, and the call is initiated.

4. Additional Features:

Emergency SOS via Satellite: Opens in new tab On iPhone 14 and later models, you can use Emergency SOS to text emergency services when you're out of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, according to Apple Support.

Sharing Medical ID: Opens in new tab You can choose to share your Medical ID information with emergency services when you call 911 or use Emergency SOS.

Emergency Contacts on Lock Screen: Opens in new tab Emergency contacts can be viewed on your iPhone's lock screen, even if the phone is locked.

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

Thank you!

Nermin K. Ahmad NFBPWC
Secretary
2024-2026

Happy June, BPW!

I couldn't think of a more fitting focus for this month’s advocacy message than Women in Diplomacy— especially since I’m writing to you from the airport in Frankfurt, fresh off the 18th BPW European Regional Conference and 12th Young BPW Symposium in Malta.

What an experience! Being part of an international organization like BPW reminds me that we are all women in diplomacy. Every time we connect with members from around the world—whether at a conference or on a Zoom call—we’re building bridges, deepening understanding, and opening the door to new opportunities. My encouragement to you this month: get involved in our international events. You

never know what relationships or ideas will spark when you do.

The conference was incredible—hats off to our Maltese sisters for hosting such a meaningful and beautifully organized gathering. One message that stuck with me all weekend was this: “Never let information stop with you.” Whether it’s an article, an event, or something you think another member would appreciate—pass it on. I’ll be making a real effort to do that more, and I invite you to do the same.

Let’s Talk About Women in Diplomacy

June 24, we celebrate the International Day of Women in Diplomacy. It’s a moment to recognize the women around the world who are leading peace talks, representing their countries, and shaping foreign policy.

But the truth is, there still aren’t enough women in those roles—and that matters. Research shows that when women are involved in negotiations, peace agreements are more likely to last. When diverse voices are part of the conversation, solutions are more inclusive and sustainable.

And here’s the thing: you don’t need a government title to be a woman in diplomacy. By being part of BPW, showing up for global conversations, and advocating for change—you already are.

Here’s How You Can Take Action This Month:

Use your voice.

Encourage your elected officials to support gender equity in diplomacy. Look into legislation like the Women, Peace, and Security Act, which promotes women’s participation in peace processes and leadership roles around the world.

Share stories.

Around June 24, take a moment to post about women in diplomacy—share a quote, an article, or even a personal story. Use #WomenInDiplomacy to join the conversation.

Encourage the next generation.

Know someone interested in global issues? Send them a scholarship, internship, or invite them to a BPW event. Let’s keep the pipeline strong and diverse.

Upcoming Dates to Keep in Mind:

● June 12 – World Day Against Child Labour A time to reflect on how girls are especially vulnerable in areas of conflict and economic hardship.

● June 19 – Juneteenth (U.S.) A day of remembrance, freedom, and justice— also a chance to reflect on how racial and gender equity intersect in global policy.

● June 24 – International Day of Women in Diplomacy

Celebrate it. Share it. Live it.

In Loving Memory

On a more somber note, our advocacy committee is grieving the loss of our dear colleague Linda Wilson of BPW East Los Angeles–Montebello. Linda was such a bright light—always ready to lend a hand, lead with heart, and stand up for what’s right. We are recommending an award be created in her honor to keep her legacy of service alive. Our hearts go out to Linda’s family and the entire BPW California Federation. She will be deeply missed.

Emily VanVleck
2nd Vice President of Advocacy
NFBPWC 2024-2026

Empowering Women in Business: A Vision for Growth and Collaboration

As the 1st Vice President of the National Business and Professional Women’s Association, I am honored to share insights on our ongoing mission to empower women in the business community.

As of May 2025, the total number of members in good standing is 451.The membership committee has been meeting regularly and has been very productive.

A few of the projects already completed or in the process are:

• New membership brochures in California.
• Plans to create short videos and add to social media ad YouTube.
• Business cards with QR code
• Use of meetup groups in Boulder

We're building the 2025-2026 Editorial Calendar for our national magazine (July 2025 - July 2026) and we are inviting all committees to help shape it.

A few of the projects already completed or in the process are:

• New membership brochures in California.
• Plans to create short videos and add to social media ad YouTube.
• Business cards with QR code
• Use of meetup groups in Boulder

We're building the 2025-2026 Editorial Calendar for our national magazine (July 2025 - July 2026) and we are inviting all committees to help shape it.

Deadline: May 31, 2025

In closing, I encourage all members to stay engaged, take advantage of the resources NFBPWC has to offer, and contribute to the vibrant community we’ve built. By working together, we can empower each other and ensure that our voices are heard in the world of business.

Warm regards,

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

Before my monthly greeting to you all – I want to take a moment to acknowledge the passing of our dear BPW sister Linda Wilson of California. She was a staunch advocate, a contrarian ally and someone whose absence will be deeply felt for long to come. I appreciated Linda for her humor and laughter and her passion. She personified the nobler womanhood relayed in the BPW Emblem Benediction:

“This Emblem binds us all, in one great sisterhood. It bids us hear our conscience call, for nobler womanhood…”

God Bless You and keep you, Linda – forever in our hearts.

~~~~

Dear NFBPWC Diplomat:

As we step into June, I’m reminded how the work we do as members of NFBPWC reflects not only who we are – but how we show up in the world.

On June 24th, the International Day of Women in Diplomacy, we recognize not only women appointed to diplomatic roles around the world, but also the countless women who practice diplomacy through international engagement, advocacy and leadership.

As members of BPW International and proudly representing the United States within this

global sisterhood, you are International Women of Diplomacy.

Whether participating through the many aspects of the United Nations, contributing to the Organization of American States, or collaborating across borders, we are part of a collective voice shaping global conversations. Our diplomacy is expressed through respectful dialogue, cultural understanding, and shared purpose – uniting nations in pursuit of a better world for women and girls everywhere.

From the United Nations website:  https://www.un.org/en/observances/women-in-diplomacy-day

This month also brings Flag Day on June 14^th, a reminder of the ideals we strive to uphold in our nation – liberty, equality, and justice.  As members of a global organization, we recognized the strength found in honoring our individual flags while working toward common global goals. 

And on June 15th, Father’s Day, we acknowledge the men -fathers, father figures, and allies – who support and encourage women’s leadership.  Their roles in shaping a more inclusive future are deeply valued. 

Returning from the BPW European Regional Conference in Malta, I was inspired by the passion and unity of our international sisters.  I look forward to sharing more about that experience in our next issue – but for now, I’ll simply say:  we are stronger because we are connected.  And when we bring that connection into every corner of our work – locally, nationally, and globally – we create lasting change. 

Thank you for being women of diplomacy and purpose.

In unity and sisterhood,

Barbara Bozeman

President, NFBPWC
2024-2026

Mother’s Day Activism

Mother’s Day and Feminism: Honoring Strength, Choice andLove

Every second Sunday in May, we pause to celebrate mothers — the ones who raised us, nurtured us, and shaped us. But behind the flowers and the brunch reservations, there’s a deeper story to tell — one that ties Mother’s Day to the heart of feminism.

Take a moment to watch this short video on the origins of Mother’s Day(i):

https://youtu.be/TG73A1SkU1c?si=u2ut3inNKRTp7Zyn

Motherhood has often been boxed into narrow expectations. For centuries, women were told that their highest calling — perhaps their only calling — was to become a mother. Feminism shattered that mold, arguing that motherhood should be a choice, not a mandate. That mothers are full human beings, not just caregivers. That honoring motherhood also means honoring the rights, needs, and dreams of women.

Former Labor MP Kate Ellis writes inSex, Lies andQuestion Time: “The gains women have made have only ever been achieved as a result of protest and agitation, pressure and persuasion.” Why perpetuate the myth of ideal mothers endlessly stifling themselves for a pay off of flannelette pjs and breakfast in bed every May? There should be more.(ii)

Feminism reminds us that motherhood is not one-size-fits- all. Some mothers work outside the home; some stay home; some do both at different points in life. Some become mothers through adoption, surrogacy, or fostering. Some decide not to become mothers at all  —  and  their choice is just as worthy of respect and celebration.

When we celebrate Mother’s Day through a feminist lens, we recognize a few important truths:

This Mother's Day, let’s celebrate the women who mother — with all the messy, beautiful, exhausting, and life-giving energy that entails — and also honor the freedom to choose if, how, and when to mother at all.

Because feminism doesn't diminish motherhood. It lifts it up, in all its beautiful, complicated humanity.

Happy Mother's Day — to every mother, and every woman charting her own path.

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

Sources for reference:

i.  https://www.zinnedproject.org/news/tdih/mothers-day-for-peace/#:~:text=Ann%20Jarvis%20of%20Appalachia%20founded,protest%20the%20carnage%20of%20war.

ii. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/09/mothers-days-origins-are-in-activism-todays-saccharine- version-is-suffocating

May is Military Recognition Month!

As the spouse of a Navy veteran, sister-in-law of 3 retired male Colonels (2 Army, 1 Air Force), sister- inlaw of a male National Guard Medic, and Female Army Sergeant, daughter-in-law of an Army veteran, and niece of a Vietnam veteran, I have a LOT of respect for their service and the Freedom I enjoy on a daily basis. I also have a LOT of respect for my sisters-in- law, mother-in-law, and nieces and nephews who spent their lives praying and hoping their husband/father would come home safe and sound.

I also have some friends who are currently serving and some who have retired from the Military and I am thankful for their service and pray for their safety.

I encourage every NFBPWC member to reflect on their Freedom and Recognize the sacrifices that are made by our military to KEEP that freedom available for us! I also challenge every member to find a way to recognize our military in their own way, not just in May, but everyday! Some things I have done are Thanking a veteran, sent care packages, bought Girl Scout cookies that were donated to the troops in the Middle East, paid for a Cup of Joe, and written letters/cards to soldiers who were away from home during the holidays! I encourage EVERYONE to do their part to Recognize our Military in your own way!

DR. JO NAYLOR
NFBPWC TREASURER
2024-2026

During our last NFBPWC Board meeting, I made a request in the Chat for each federation and/or club to send me the following information on its Executive Committee members, and on its Committee leaders in general. Some of you have done so, but are missing the email addresses, so I created the form (link here) to make it simpler to complete.

You should have received a link to the form on Sunday, April 20th. If you did not, I would be grateful if you let me know.

Please complete the requested information (either in the google document (link here), or as an email attachment (the information in italics is for information) to secretary@nfbpwc.org.

Thank you so much for completing this as soon as possible, if you have not done so already. I would like the current names and titles as of May 1, 2025.

When you have your elections, or should names change, please ensure I have the updated information.

Remember to include any committees you have celebrating women who are serving in the military or have done so in the past.

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

Nermin K. Ahmad
NFBPWC Secretary
2024-2026

Dear Members,

As we turn the calendar to May, we are greeted by both remembrance and renewal.

It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of Sylvia Perry, Past International President of BPW International.  Sylvia was not only a remarkable leader, but a truly cherished friend to many of us.  Her wisdom, warmth, and enduring commitment to our mission touched lives across the globe.  We will carry her legacy forward with the same strength and grace she exemplified.  Our colleague from California, Monique Lee put together a tribute for her that you will find in this issue. 

May also marks Military Appreciation Month—a time deeply personal to me as a retired United States Air Force Master Sergeant.  I take great pride in continuing a family tradition of service, with my granddaughter now following in those same Air Force footsteps.  To all our members, families, and loved ones who have served or are serving, thank you for your dedication, sacrifice, and courage.

We also celebrate Mother's Day this month—a heartfelt salute to the mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures in our lives whose strength and love shape generations.  Whether you are celebrating, remembering, or being remembered, I honor each of you. Here’s a picture of me and my mom a few years back.  I do miss her so very much. 

Mid-May brings another moment I am truly looking forward to: the BPW Europe Regional Conference in Malta.  Events like this deepen our connections, open doors to new collaborations, and invigorate our shared purpose.  With a conference theme of “Breaking Barriers!  Drive Your Own Success” it’s sure to be a don’t miss event.  If you’ll be attending, I can’t wait to see you there!

As we look ahead, I invite you to grow your leadership and impact—join a committee.  We have openings for passionate members ready to take the next step.  Your voice matters, and your involvement shapes our future.

I'm especially excited about the new directions we're exploring with our Commission on the Status of Women, United Nations Committee, and we welcome Nicole Mpouli as the new chair of the L3 program.  These initiatives are paving the way for deeper engagement, learning, and global influence.

Together, we continue to Connect, Unite, and Ignite—building on our legacy while creating bold, new paths forward.

With gratitude and determination,

Barbara J. Bozeman
NFBPWC President, 2024-2026

Celebrating Our National Parks on Earth Day

On Tuesday, April 22nd – Earth Day – I will be celebrating our National Parks and the immeasurable treasures that they bring us: wild, expansive, and historical.

The National Park Service is responsible for many of our nation's most  treasured places. Efforts to restore ecosystems, recover imperiled species, enhance visitor infrastructure, and protect night skies are all important to preserving our parks for the benefit of present and future generations.(https://www.nps.gov/subjects/climatechange/in dex.htm)

From a feminist perspective, the history of women in the National Park  Service is marked by exclusion and inequity. However, women have had increasingly vital roles in the preservation, study, and operation of parks. I urge you to read the referenced article, Breeches and Blouses, which focuses more on uniforms, but recognizes the inequities that women had to endure regarding clothing while performing the same duties as their male counterparts. It is also important to note that our beloved National Parks include a darker and more distressful history:

Part of the history of the National Park Service also includes men, women, and children dispossessed of their homes and property (including Native Americans and Japanese Americans), as well as those excluded from park areas and programs because they were Black. (https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/historic-women-of-the-nps.htm)

For so many of us, the National Parks system represents a wealth of beauty in nature and history that cannot be measured by Wallstreet and stock indices. As our family discovered on our tour of National Parks in the Southwest for spring break, beauty is found in the natural world that has been preserved at each park. The expanse of the Grand Canyon does not translate to words or viewed in pictures (although I did include some). The Joshua Tree, many with branches that have seen more years than me, are more spectacular in person. The park boasts rock formations placed as if they were part of an art exhibit. Despite my efforts to include a panoramic (360) view of Zion National Park, it is impossible to portray the magnificence of the canyons that appear in every direction. Mesa Verde holds the history of people who were here long before the colonists and conquistadors. These are nature’s art exhibits!

The worth of these National Parks cannot be calculated in terms of our current monetary system, their value is so much higher than what can be calculated in those terms. As I stand with our National Parks and the people who serve them, I want to share my experience of awe and concern as we see these environments threatened. Earth Day is meant to celebrate things like these incredible wild resources, and I, for one, intend to defend them.

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.

Megan Shellman-Rickard
Immediate Past National President
immpastpresident@nfbpwc.org