By: Nermin K. Ahmad
NFBPWC Secretary 2024-2026 

Dear Members of NFBPWC, 

Allow me to thank you for your confidence in me, and for having elected me as the organization’s Secretary on our Executive Committee.  I look forward to getting to know each one of you better and hope that you will welcome my emails as Secretary.  Never hesitate to reach out with comments, with questions, suggestions, ideas – and also areas for improvement.  As both a Business and as a Professional Woman, the one thing I know for certain is that there is always more to learn.  

Our overarching theme of Connecting Locally, Uniting Nationally, and Igniting Globally 

resonates deeply with me, speaking to the fiber of who I am, as a person.  It is also what brought me into this organization – I began as a UN Representative for BPW International, and then became Secretary for the NYC Club.  I led the Afghan Women Project, and now lead Women on the Move – because as women we are never just one woman, but we are the soul that keeps humanity connected and united, carefully nourishing the sparks that ignite change globally.  

But this has nothing to do with my new function as Secretary, in service to this organization.  To succeed, I request your patience, your support and your help. My duties are varied, but include: 

• Maintaining the archive for the National Federation – which includes records of meetings (EC and Board), contracts, and original documents for the National Federation.  I am sure these will be provided to me, but if any are missing, I may reach out for help in finding them. 

• Recording minutes for the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, General Assembly, and Biennial Conference, distributing the approved minutes as appropriate. 

• Serving as liaison with the Webmaster as well as with the Bylaws/Resolutions Chair. 

• Represent NFBPWC at various meetings and activities, as needed. 

• Performing ad hoc and other duties assigned by the President and EC. 

For those of you who know me, you know that I believe deeply in empowerment.  My ask to you is simple: 

If you are interested in shadowing my position as Secretary for your benefit, to learn about what this position entails, and to include the experience on your resume, please reach out to me.  Over the next 24 months, I hope to work closely with a number of you in this capacity, so that by the next Biennial Conference we will have several candidates competing for this position, ready and able to pick up the work.  I am not seeking a mini-me, but seeking to ignite interest in this type of Board function. 

In line with our theme, once the summer holidays are over, I would like to have a zoom meeting of all NFBPWC Club and Affiliate Secretaries so that we can share ideas, improve collaboration, connect, unite and – yes – ignite our activities!  I look forward to hearing from you.

By: Emily VanVleck
2^nd Vice President of Advocacy, NFBPWC 2024-2026 

Dear BPW Sisters, 

It has been an immense pleasure serving on the Executive Committee for the past two years. While the role of Young BPW Chair certainly did not come without challenges, I am proud to have served and created some exciting initiatives in the process – like our period poverty project. I know Bryn Norrie will do an incredible job in the role, and I am happy to pass the torch to her.  

I couldn’t have asked for a better group with which to initiate my time serving on the National Executive Committee of this organization. I am so thankful to President 

Megan, Past President and Parliamentarian Extraordinaire Sandy, VP of Membership Kathy, and Secretary Sondra for their mentoring and guidance over the last two years. I owe special thanks and gratitude to VP of Advocacy Daneene both for inspiring me to grow in my advocacy journey and for building such a robust program to lead. I am excited to take on this role and honored that you have elected me as your Vice President of Advocacy for the 2024-2026 term.  

My journey with NFBPWC has always been centered around advocacy. I was first introduced to BPW when I applied to be the UN/Advocacy Intern for the New York City chapter in 2021. From there my interest in advocacy and public policy has grown. I have helped establish some of our most recent successful projects - namely the Afghan Women Project and the Period Poverty Initiative. 

As VP of Advocacy, my ambition is to strengthen the political power of NFBPWC and make us active players in political decisions. BPW president Millie Miles was present in 1963 when President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act - that is where I want to see this organization. I plan to get there by joining more coalitions on advocacy topics, forging relationships with elected officials and decision-makers, and expanding our use of One Click Politics to push for legislative change.  

Thank you for trusting me to serve as your Vice President of Advocacy. I look forward to working with our newly elected Executive Committee. I feel confident that we will continue the amazing work the leaders of this organization have paved before us.

By: Maria Cecilia DeSousa, 1st Vice President of Membership, NFBPWC 2024-2026 
Information submitted by Michele Guarino, NFBPWC Magazine Editor (2017-2026) 

Welcome New and Renewing Members

Dear Members:

It is with great excitement and a profound sense of responsibility that I begin my term as your President.  Our theme for the 2024-2026 term is

Connecting Locally.  Uniting Nationally.  Igniting Globally.

This theme embodies our collective ambition and vision for the future. This theme is not just a statement.  It is a promise to each of you.

Connecting Locally means nurturing our immediate networks and communities.  Our local connections are the heart of our organization.  It’s about ensuring that every member has access to the support, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.  By strengthening these local ties, we build a solid foundation for broader initiatives.  Your local efforts and collaborations are what make us a strong and resilient community.

Uniting Nationally involves coming together across all states, sharing best practices, and working as a cohesive force.  Together, we will share best practices, support each other's initiatives, and work towards common goals.  Your involvement is what will drive our national success and amplify our collective voice.  National unity amplifies our voice and enhances our ability to advocate for change and progress on a larger scale.

Igniting Globally is about reaching out beyond our borders, learning from our international peers, and making a global impact.  Every connection we forge and every collaboration we undertake will contribute to a more inclusive, empowered and interconnected world.

We should all extend our gratitude to the outgoing leadership team for their incredible service.  Their hard work has paved the way for us to continue moving forward.  Now, it’s our turn to build on their legacy by infusing new energy and ideas.

Let’s embrace this journey with enthusiasm and determination.  The future is bright, and together, we will make it extraordinary.

Sincerely,

Barbara Bozeman 

President, NFBPWC (2024-2026)

Gratitude, Community, and Connections

As I end my term as President, I would like to express my humble appreciation to every member of NFBPWC for trusting me with the opportunity to serve you as a leader of this organization for two terms.  I have had the honor of serving as Vice President of Membership under two incredible National Presidents, Elizabeth Benham and Sandra Thompson.  Both women worked with me to understand the intricacies of BPW and inspired me to be a leader in service to our organization and its members.  I have served alongside two phenomenal Executive Committees over the past four years, and I am extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish for NFBPWC.

Thank you to every member who dedicated time and experience as a Chair, a Taskforce Chair, or a Special Chair. Our organization thrives when we have full participation at the National level, and we have been fortunate to have inspirational leaders in these positions. The goals and aspirations of our members were boldly realized due to the commitment of these committees. Our success can be celebrated by all of us! We truly have cultivated connections and created a community in which business and professional women can thrive through education, advocacy, and unity.

NFBPWC exhibits the idea that collectively, our influence is stronger. We can accomplish more by raising our voices together and the women of today need to hear us. The women of tomorrow want to see us standing strong against misogyny, racism, violence, and injustice. We have the power to make a difference as we continue to honor our interconnectedness as humans, more specifically as women.

As we elect and appoint new leaders, I implore each of you to consider how you might have an opportunity to provide constructive input and to find your own unique path in this organization. This is a chance to develop your potential, and that of NFBPWC, in a safe and welcoming space. There is space to continue to bring your ideas, projects, and your own light forward.

Let us celebrate our successes as individuals and as an organization! Please accept my personal invitation to all NFBPWC members to join us at our Biennial Conference in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, or our Hybrid option, July 18-21, 2024. Look for details on our website: www.nfbpwc.org.

Thank you all for offering this unique and inspirational community experience to each other. It is one in which we can find solace and solutions. And let us not forget to be kind and accepting of each member’s journey in this organization as we endure these extraordinary moments of history (and herstory). NFBPWC will continue to Cultivate Connections, Create Community beyond this presidency. Sending personal wishes of celebration, health, and progress around the globe through the next biennium!

Kind Regards,

By: Sondra Nunez
NFBPWC Secretary 2022-2024 

“We As Women” 

Charlotte Perkins Gilman 

There‘s a cry in the air about us– 

We hear it, before, behind– 

Of the way in which “We, as women,” Are going to lift mankind! 

With our white frocks starched and ruffled, 

And our soft hair brushed and curled– 

Hats off! for “We, as women,” 

Are coming to save the world.                        

Fair sisters! listen one moment– And perhaps you‘ll pause for ten: The business of women as women Is only with men as men! 

What we do, “We, as women,” 

We have done all through our life; 

The work that is ours as women Is the work of mother and wife. 

But to elevate public opinion, 

And to lift up erring man, 

Is the work of the Human Being; Let us do it–if we can. 

But wait, warm-hearted sisters– Not quite so fast, so far. Tell me how we are going to lift a thing Any higher than we are! 

We are going to “purify politics,” 

And to “elevate the press.” We enter the foul paths of the world To sweeten and cleanse and bless. 

To hear the high things we are going to do, 

And the horrors of man we tell, One would think, “We, as women,” were angels, And our brothers were fiends of hell. 

We, that were born of one mother, 

And reared in the self-same place, In the school and the church together, We of one blood, one race! 

Now then, all forward together! 

But remember, every one, 

That ‘tis not by feminine innocence The work of the world is done. 

The world needs strength and courage, 

And wisdom to help and feed– 

When, “We, as women” bring these to man, We shall lift the world indeed. 

By: Daneene Monroe Rusnak
Vice President of Advocacy, NFBPWC 2020-2024

OCP Update and Reminders: 

• Be an advocate for menstrual equity! We have a new OCP campaign supporting the Menstrual Equity for All Act introduced by Rep. Grace Meng  [D-NY-6]. Click hereto contact your MOC today (and beyond!) 

• Don’t forget to use our digital advocacy platform to show your support for the ERAand Voting Rightswhile encouraging your MOC’s to do the same! You can complete these actions multiple times. Consider making it a weekly (or daily?????) habit.The more messages received, the more they listen…..and hopefully, take favorable action!

• Sign up for our Advocacy Text Alerts oText the keyword “advocate1919” to the number 313131 

• You should instantly receive a “Welcome” message oIf you do NOT receive a Welcome message, try texting the keyword “advocate1919” to the number 716-271-7872 

If neither of those options work, please email VP of Advocacy, Daneene Monroe Rusnak at vpadvocacy@nfbpwc.org   

By: Kathy Kelly
1st Vice President of Membership, NFBPWC (2021-2024)

WELCOME NEW AND RENEWING MEMBERS IN FEBRUARY!

DOUBLE or MORE in ’24 is on track with 75 new members so far this year!  Please be on the lookout for an email from VP Membership Kathy Kelly to confirm Sponsors to receive special awards at Biennial. 

BPW Maryland (Heritage)  

BPW Maryland recently partnered with NFBPWC to introduce their members to our updated Lifelong Leadership & Learning modules.  Many thanks to Nancy “Sparkles” Warner of BPW Pennsylvania for working closely with Maryland leaders President Alicia Hannon, Susan Horst, Sharon Jacob, and Margie Kotzalas.  The L3 Sessions included Business Etiquette, Goal Setting and Negotiations.  We appreciated their opening the invitation the public.   

A shout-out to Virtual President Barbara Bozeman for her support with these presentations and her famous Wheel of BPW Fortune.  We were excited to “spin off” two free memberships in NFBPWC to the nonmembers in attendance.   

A special BPW Welcome to new Virtual Club members: 

Lenita Walker  (Maryland) 

Jeannette Feldner  (Maryland) 

BPW Louisiana (Heritage)  

What a joy and privilege it was to spend time with the wonderful members of BPW Louisiana (Heritage).  VP Kathy Kelly attended their 104^th State Conference June 7 – 8 in beautiful Baton Rouge.   

State President Rene Hollins concluded her successful term theme “Together We Can Do It” with reports from BPW leaders from around the state.  Highlights included keynote speaker Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, the All-White reception, and installation of incoming State President Doretha Bennett.

BPW LA Executive Committee (L-R): Doretha Bennett, Lisamarie Brandon, Linda  Burns,Rene Hollins and Angie Jackson-Wilson at the "All White" banquet.

The NFBPWC Executive Committee is proud to announce the inception of a new biennial membership award.
Introducing the
Lena Madesin Phillips Distinguished Member Award

The Lena Madesin Phillips Distinguished Member Award has been established to be the most prestigious honor bestowed upon members of our organization. This award will recognize an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and impact within the organization and beyond. The recipient of this award is an exemplary role model who has significantly contributed to the advancement of our mission and has made a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of others.

You now have the opportunity to be a part of history by nominating a member to be considered for our very first Lena Madisen Phillips Distinguished Member Award; presented at our Biennial Conference. Please use the criteria below when considering your candidate.

*Nominations must be received by 11:59pm PT on July 1, 2024*

Nomination Criteria:

Candidates for the LMP Distinguished Member Award:

• must be a current member of NFBPWC for at least 2 years, in good standing;
• has made recent meaningful contributions to NFBPWC (via programming, advocacy, outreach, and leadership);
• has exemplified and embodied the attributes consistent with the mission statement of the organization;

Please refrain from nominating current Executive Committee members or Affiliate, State, or Federation Presidents.

Pride and Advocating for Equal Rights

As we celebrate the idea that “love is love” and recognize Pride Month, please take a moment to consider current events and how intricately interconnected we all are as members of the NFBPWC community. Writing one of my final President’s letters has me awash in many emotions about what it means to be a woman and a human rights advocate in the USA, and the world, in the 21^st century.

Members are stepping up across the nation as leaders both in the organization and in their own communities. We come from various backgrounds. Some of us are cisgender women, some identify as LGBTQAI+, some are mothers, some chose not to or could not become mothers, some members are men, some are religious (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist), some are atheist or agnostic, most of us are daughters, all of us had mothers, and all of us joined the original working women’s organization, NFBPWC. Being unique individuals supporting our NFBPWC mission to develop the professional, business and leadership potential of women at all levels is what guides us. We are at a moment in history where we must stand together for our fundamental human rights, to be treated as whole complete citizens in the “We the People” of the United States of America.

During the past two terms, we have reinvigorated our organization. We have seen an incredible growth in membership and engagement. Women’s rights have become a table talk issue across the country. In simple interactions, when people find out about NFBPWC and the role in which I serve as president, I hear both hope and fear. Women, and girls, are no longer confident in their abilities to be autonomous human beings. I appreciate this organization, for so many reasons, and I recognize how important it is to have our history and our commitment to women’s rights so deeply valued. As you read through this month’s magazine, you will see that our members were touched by many of the issues that the month of May brought forward: reproductive justice and bodily autonomy, the Equal Rights Amendment (and the hope of full passage, finally), environmental concerns, LGBTQAI+ issues, Women on the Move, education, advocacy, and even the USPS.

Collectively, our influence is stronger. We can accomplish more by raising our voices together. The women of today need to hear us. The women of tomorrow want to see us standing strong against misogyny, racism, violence, and injustice. We have the power to make a difference as we continue to honor our interconnectedness as humans, more specifically as women.

Please remember, you have an opportunity to provide constructive input and to find your own unique path in this organization. This is a chance to develop your potential, and that of NFBPWC, in a safe and welcoming space. Please continue to bring your ideas, projects, and your own light forward. Let us celebrate our successes as individuals and as an organization! Please accept my personal invitation to all NFBPWC members to join us at our Biennial Conference in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, or our Hybrid option, July 18-21, 2024. Look for details on our website: www.nfbpwc.org.

We offer a community to each other, one in which we can find solace and solutions. And let us not forget to be kind and accepting of each member’s journey in this organization as we endure these extraordinary moments of history (and herstory). NFBPWC is truly living our theme for this biennium: Cultivate Connections, Create Community. Sending personal wishes of celebration, health, and progress around the globe! Pride and Advocating for Equal Rights

Kind Regards,