This month, the L3 team wants to share the history of the Lifelong Leadership and Learning program – 71 Years in the Making.

Lifelong Leadership and Learning - How it all began

Barbara J. Davis, Past State President-CFBPW, member NFBPWC L3 Committee

In 1954, the leadership of Sierra Mar District, a district in the California Federation BPW, felt there was a need for a specific aid for members’ leadership development and club orientation of Federation principles among their fifty-six clubs. In answer to this need, the Leadership Development Project was born. The initial course developed was seven months long and members attended a monthly training.

Credit for development of the program goes to Julia K. Arri. Ms. Arri was President of CFBPW in 1966-67, President of BPWUSA in 1979-1980, and served as International BPW Treasurer. Ms. Arri was dedicated to the cause of developing membership potential not only in the field of leadership but in the overall betterment of Business and Professional Women on the job and in their community.

The resource materials for the earliest courses were the California Handbook of Federation Procedures (CFBPW), Handbook of Federation Procedures (BPWUSA), “How To” manual (BPWUSA), Roberts Parliamentary Law, Sierra Mar District Procedure Manual, and “Time to Speak Up”- A Speaker Handbook for Women by Jessie Haver Butler (published in 1946).

The Leadership Development Project was renamed Individual Development Program in the early 1970s. The training materials were shared with other districts in California and State Federations nationally. Many of the districts added to the materials, topics important to their members and eventually a California Federation BPW Individual Development Program was developed and used consistently through California.

In July 1992 BPWUSA launched a three-year plan called BuildingWomenPower. This plan encompassed three aspects to increase working women’s total effectiveness: Politically – by supporting working women’s issues through BPW’s nationwide network; Professionally – by accessing the tools needed for career advancement and entrepreneurial success; and Personally – by developing skills through BPW’s Individual Development Program, the Young Careerist Program and the partnership of CHOICES.

The Individual Development Program was published in 1994 with a program developed by Rosemary Agonito, Ph.D. The program and materials were copyrighted in 1994 by the National Federation of Business and Professional Women. All Clubs and Federations were instructed to utilize this program rather than the separate programs previously used by Clubs and Federations.

Shortly after the 1994 update, the Individual Development program added a speaking competition which included progressive competitions with winners from Club competitions, going to State competitions and those State winners, participating in the National Competition. The prepared speech portion of the IDP was a challenge for many attendees. However, many attribute their ability to speak both at work and publicly because they overcame that challenge through IDP. The other portion of the speaking training was through impromptu speeches. The participants were given a topic, ten seconds to consider the topic, and then they were to speak on that topic for two minutes. I recall an instructor said the reason for impromptu speeches was “the fact that you didn’t leave home every morning prepared for questions you would be asked that day, so you needed to be able to think on your feet.”

In July 2004, the Individual Development Program was updated recognizing that the Individual Development Program was one of the key programs of BPW/USA and a testament to the belief in making a difference for women today and for the future of BPW. Dr. Trish Knight, BPW/MI, Past National President, was recognized for her leadership, dedication and hard work in updating and producing the materials.

At the 2005 National Conference, a training meeting was held for the Individual Development Chairpersons from each State Federation and any members who were seeking certification to conduct the IDP course. The materials were shared with that group on a CD which we were all delighted to take home instead of a 3” binder containing the facilitator’s guides, participants guide and resource handouts.

In 2020, the NFBPWC Individual Development Committee accepted the challenge to update the 2008 program, developing PowerPoint slides for easier presentation and update the programs. Additionally, the program name was changed to Lifelong Leadership and Learning (L3) Program.

The L3 Committee continues to update the modules as necessary and expand the topics. Originally the program consisted of lessons in conducting meetings, parliamentary law, and club leadership.

Topics such as Teamwork, legislation, BPW History and Women’s History, Officers and Chairs leadership were added over the years. Lessons for public speaking, both prepared presentations and impromptu topics, were also added.

In 2005, topics including Business Etiquette, Advocacy, Writing your legislators, and media relations were added. The current program includes fifteen topics with more topics being added to include The Art of Networking, Leadership vs Management, Time Management, Project Management, and Stress Management-Self-care.

If you ask some of your more seasoned members, they will likely respond that the Individual Development Program is one of the best experiences they have had during their BPW membership. The goal of the current L3 Chair includes working with all of the NFBPWC committee chairs to hopefully incorporate L3 programming with that specific committee’s goals as well as creating any new modules that would be beneficial for members.

Please follow the activity of the L3 Committee on the NFBPWC website and in the NFBPWC magazine. Members are encouraged to work with their State Federation or Club leadership to ensure L3 activities are happening for their state/club membership.

You can direct questions to L3Chair@NFBPWC.org

“The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you” B.B. King

NICOLE MPOULI

LIFELONG LEADERSHIP & LEARNING COMMITTEE CHAIR

(2025-2026)

I asked Microsoft Copilot how to support Women’s Equality. This is what it stated:

Supporting women's equality in your community is both impactful and achievable through consistent, thoughtful actions. Here's a structured guide to help you get started:

Practical Ways to Support Women’s Equality Locally

Action How It Helps

Support Women-Owned Businesses Boosts local economies and empowers female entrepreneurs

Mentor or Sponsor Women Provides guidance, advocacy, and career development

Promote Equal Pay & Opportunities Advocates for fair compensation and workplace equity

Challenge Gender Stereotypes Breaks down limiting norms in schools, media, and daily life

Volunteer with Women-Focused Orgs Offers direct support to survivors, entrepreneurs, and students

Advocate for Inclusive Policies Drives systemic change through local legislation and community efforts

Educate Yourself & Others Builds awareness and fosters informed allyship

Create Safe Spaces Encourages open dialogue, healing, and empowerment

Celebrate Women’s Achievements Amplifies voices and shifts cultural narratives

Encourage Male Allyship Engages men and boys in promoting equality and dismantling bias

Quick Tips for Everyday Impact

• Read & Share: Books, articles, and media that highlight women’s stories and achievements

• Vote: Support candidates and policies that prioritize gender equality

• Speak Up: Challenge sexist remarks and advocate for respectful language

• Shop Smart: Choose brands and businesses that promote gender equity

• Reflect: Attend workshops to uncover and address unconscious bias

Start Small, Think Big

Even one action—mentoring a young woman, donating to a shelter, or attending a women’s empowerment event— can ripple outward. Empowerment begins with awareness and grows through community.

I couldn’t have stated it any clearer. We can’t give up and small efforts mean a lot! Cheers,

Interested members who would like to serve on the committee, please send an email to Deb Fischer, legacyfundchair@nfbpwc.org indicating contributions you can make to this committee.

DEB FISCHER

NFBPWC LEGACY FUND CHAIR

2024-2026

(720) 280-3513

Save the Date: 7th BPW Mediterranean Symposium Set for November 14-15, 2025

BPW Cyprus has announced that the 7th BPW Mediterranean Symposium will take place in Nicosia, Cyprus on November 14–15, 2025. The two-day event will bring together leaders, changemakers, and advocates from across the Mediterranean to champion gender equality and inclusive leadership. Hosted by BPW Cyprus, the symposium is open to anyone committed to advancing these values. This year’s gathering promises powerful dialogue, meaningful connection, and shared purpose. Full agenda and registration details will be released soon.

Mark your calendar and join a growing movement shaping the future of leadership.

Our health committee meetings are held on the 4th Mondays of the month unless there is a conflict or a holiday. Our next meeting with be August 25, 2025 at 8pm ET.

If you are a former member of the health committee or would like to find an area where you could be involved, please contact me at health@nfbpwc.org and I will put you on my list. The more you can contribute, the easier it makes it for me. I’d love to have you.

Notes from the Chair:

Hope you are doing well this summer by keeping cool and taking care of yourselves. The Health Committee has been busy with our project in connection with Houston Medical for the year. More details are mentioned below (which were also put into the reports to the Board of Directors las month). We are also planning an event scheduled (tentatively for September 20th) that will be done virtually on various health topics. Please keep an eye on more information through the next couple of weeks.

More Information on the Houston Medical Project:

Project Title: Collaboration Based on the Heart of a Woman Project

Brief Description: (what are you doing and what is the positive impact you anticipate for members and the organization?)

The committee decided that since we already help sponsor and have our name on the Heart of a Woman event (which we have done for the past several years) that it would be imperative for us to continue to connect with Houston Methodist Hospital and work in collaboration with them.

Our goal is to build on our shared commitment to advancing health equity, supporting underserved populations, and more. This could be done through various health and wellness initiatives, or educational outreach through articles and presentations. We hope it can open doors for greater potential in working together with each other and with a greater community.

Contact has already been established with the Health Committee Chair attending pre- and post-event follow-up meetings. A contact person has been established to ask any questions and foster more communication moving forward. The next formal communication with Houston Medical will be in August as they plan their next Heart of a Woman event. At that time, the Health Committee chair will attend and discuss the project as planned and presented in detail. This will include inviting them to our health event, being active in our meetings, contributing to our magazine or allowing us to publish any articles online. In addition, there will be discussion on bringing attendees and speakers to the Heart of a Woman event next February. A potential project could also be discussed at this time as well.

After the meeting in August, there should be a clearer idea of what projects we could work on together. Any suggestions or ideas from the board of directors or otherwise would be greatly appreciated.

Health Awareness Dates:

August is – Children's Eye Health & Safety Month; Children's Vision & Learning Month; National Minority Donor

Awareness Month; National Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month; National Traffic Awareness Month; National Wellness Month; Neurosurgery Outreach Month

Child Support Awareness Month - https://supportpay.com/child-support-awareness- month/

Happiness Happens Month -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secret_Society_of_Hap py_People

National Breastfeeding Month -

https://lllusa.org/celebrate-national-breastfeeding- month/

National Cheerleading Safety Month -

https://usacheer.org/safety/national-cheer-safety- month

National Immunization Awareness Month - https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/php/national- immunization-awareness-

month/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2 Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fvaccines%2Fevents%2Fniam%2Fi ndex.html

National Water Quality Month - https://nationalwaterqualitymonth.org/Psoriasis Action Month -https://www.psoriasis.org/advance/psoriasis-action- month-here/

How the Health Committee uses the SDGs:

SDG stands for Sustainable Development Goals.

Here is a little history from the official SDG UN webpage:

“The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global

partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

The SDGs build on decades of work by countries and the UN, including the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs”

Many organizations use these goals to help them focus on the goals of their respective organizations. In NFBPWC, each committee also has a focus as well. The SDG goals that the Health Committee follow are #3, #4, and #17.

In this section, we are going to focus on SDG #4 – Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Here is the information graphic:

If you would like to know more about the SDGs.

Please see this link for more information: https://sdgs.un.org/goals

Other articles related to the theme of Women’s Equality:

Hundreds of thousands of children have type 1 diabetes. Now, there’s a Barbie who has it, too - https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/08/health/barbie- diabetes-doll-wellness

'I needed help with menacing thoughts about my son'

- https://tinyurl.com/52mn834k

This Menstrual Pad Doesn’t Just Collect Blood—It Analyzes It - https://tinyurl.com/4am2853t

Highlighting Women's Disability Figures in History - https://www.rcpd.msu.edu/news/ability-

blog/highlighting-womens-disability-figures-history

Healthy Thinking of the Month:

Understanding Narcissism: “I come first!” See the next page for the graphic.

If you are a former member of the health committee or would like to find an area where you could be involved, please contact me at health@nfbpwc.org and I will put you on my list. The more you can contribute, the easier it makes it for me. I’d love to have you.

We will meet on the 3rd or 4th Monday of the month unless there are any conflicts or holiday forthcoming. Next meeting is August 25, 2025.

The theme for this issue is Women’s Equality. One of the largest disparities between women and men is the amount of pay that they receive. Here are some reasons that women should be paid equally.

Women should make the same money as men for doing the same work because of basic principles of fairness, equality, and economic efficiency. Here's a breakdown:

1. Equal Pay for Equal Work

• If two people do the same job, with the same skills, experience, and performance, they should be paid the same—regardless of gender. Anything else is discrimination.

2. Human Rights & Legal Standards

• Equal pay is a human right. Many countries (like the U.S. under the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act) have laws requiring gender pay equality.

3. Economic Benefits

• When women are paid fairly, they have more to spend and invest, which stimulates the economy. Families benefit too, especially in households where women are primary earners.

4. Workforce Morale & Retention

• Fair pay improves job satisfaction, reduces turnover, and builds a culture of trust. Unequal pay can lead to resentment, low morale, and higher recruitment costs.

5. Closing the Wage Gap Builds a Better Future

• The gender wage gap contributes to long-term financial inequality—affecting women’s retirement savings, access to capital, and generational wealth.

6. Bias, Not Merit, Causes Pay Gaps

• Studies consistently show that pay disparities often arise not from merit, but from systemic bias, undervaluation of work traditionally done by women, and fewer opportunities for advancement.

In short, fair pay is not just about justice—it’s about smart economics and a healthier society.

SANDY THOMPSON

NFBPWC FINANCE CHAIR

Digital Empowerment: Securing Innovation in Honor of Women’s Equality

I appreciate the profound power that digital innovation holds. Not only to transform industries but to amplify voices once marginalized or lost in the chorus.

This August, as we commemorate Women’s Equality Day and the landmark ratification of the 19th Amendment, it is fitting to consider how the digital world presents both extraordinary opportunity and new challenges for women everywhere.

The 19th Amendment secured women’s right to vote, an essential step toward inclusion and equity. Today, innovation and infrastructure (hallmarks of Sustainable Development Goal 9), enable our voices to rise globally

through digital platforms. However, with this reach comes the responsibility to safeguard our digital presence against ever evolving threats.

Digital security is foundational to building resilient industries and inclusive innovation ecosystems. Without it, our ability to connect, collaborate, and lead is at risk. Women entrepreneurs and professionals must champion strong cybersecurity practices – not only to protect their information (personal and professional) but to preserve the integrity of movements advancing gender equality and social progress.

Honoring the legacy of the 19th Amendment means embracing the digital age with vigilance and confidence. By securing our digital identities, we make our infrastructure(s) that support innovation and inclusion stronger.

What can you do?

- Implement strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to

protect key accounts

- Regularly update privacy settings and

perform security audits on digital tools and platforms.

- Promote awareness of cybersecurity’s role in fostering sustainable, innovative industries that empower women.

AUGUST CALL TO ACTION:

In tribute to Women’s Equality Day, commit this month to strengthening your digital security.

- Choose one critical account – email, business platform or cloud storage – and enhance its protections.

- Then share a message highlighting the vital role of innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9) in empowering women’s voices worldwide.

Together, we can safeguard the digital foundation of progress – ensuring that the legacy of women’s equality is carried forward into a future defined by innovation, security and inclusion.

Submitted by

Barbara Bozem

an President

NFBPWC 2024-2026

Connecting, Uniting, Igniting: The Role of Bylaws in Equality’s Evolution

Fellow BPW Members,

As Chair of Bylaws and Resolutions, I see firsthand how structure fuels progress. Our bylaws aren’t simply pages in a binder—they’re the pulse of our purpose, connecting local voices, aligning national commitments, and empowering global change.

Historically, women were bound by procedures they never wrote. Exclusion wasn’t accidental, it was codified. But when trailblazers like Susan B. Anthony and Mary Church Terrell learned the rules, they reshaped the game. They turned bylaws into blueprints for justice and procedure into pathways for participation.

Today, BPW continues that legacy. At the local level, we craft policies that welcome every member. Nationally, we uphold standards that ensure fairness and transparency. Globally, the structured approach sets a precedent for inclusion and leadership that crosses borders.

Every motion passed, every amendment proposed, is part of a greater momentum. We are not just refining language—we are redefining leadership. Our bylaws are the scaffolding beneath our slogan. They make it possible to connect deeply, unite purposefully, and ignite change far beyond our immediate reach.

As we move forward in this biennium, let’s remember structure amplifies spirit. And with each revision, we don’t just govern, we grow.

In sisterhood and strategy,

Angie Jackson-Wilson

NFBPWC Bylaws and Resolution Chair

2024-2026

Engage with NFBPWC on Social Media

Organization Page:   https://www.facebook.com/NatlFedBPWC/

Group Page: https://www.facebook.com/NatlFedBPWC/

Organization Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nfbpwc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2l_ciIxLyvbu1dbBOsV9Tg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nfbpwc_usa/

Dear Friends and Members,

We’ve come a long way in NFBPWC in how we educate and get the word out to our members on the goings on politically locally, globally and internationally.

The PAST: Before coming on board as the Newsletter Chair for NFBPWC, I was the Communications Chair for BPW Colorado from June 2014 to July 2017. One of my responsibilities was to create newsletters for Colorado. I officially started as an NFBPWC Newsletter Chair in August of 2017 with the first edition being sent to our members in September of 2017. Elizabeth Benham was NFBPWC President at the time. Before that time, we did not have a national newsletter.

The PRESENT: Now, we have a jam-packed Magazine (not a newsletter) that is distributed to over 440 active members monthly.  We have collaborated with the local State Affiliate President to update us on what is going on locally. And, we have news coming in from all of the world in our International Relations section.

The FUTURE: As I step down from my role as Magazine Editor (my last edition will be September), I hope that someone will be able to take up the mantle in sharing the valuable information to our membership. Is that someone you?

I thought I would share some images with you as to the progression of the NFBPWC Newsletter starting out as an 8-page newsletter (September 2017), to becoming a full-blown 50+ page Magazine. There have been many additional format changes and additions to the Magazine, including adding national, regional and international event links. And, offering advertising.

September 2017 – NFBPWC’s First Newsletter

November 2020 – Started adding a Cover Image

September 2021 – No Longer a Newsletter; Officially titled a Magazine

Michele Guarino
Magazine  Editor 
(2017-2025)

L3 Program – Reimagining Leadership

In a world marked by constant change and growing complexity, leadership can no longer be viewed as a fixed destination—it must be nurtured as a lifelong journey. It is with this vision in mind that we proudly announce the relaunch of our L3 Program: Lifelong Leadership & Learning.
The L3 was initially designed to equip women with the leadership tools, mindset, and community support necessary to thrive in every phase of life—personally, professionally, and civically. Now, as we relaunch and reimagine this transformative program, we are answering a new call: to build an intergenerational pipeline of resilient, purpose-driven, women leaders prepared to lead with clarity, courage, and authenticity.
What’s New in the Reimagined L3?

• Updated Curriculum: We've refreshed the content with modern leadership themes such as emotional intelligence, digital transformation, inclusive leadership, Project Management Framework, Social Styles.

• Modular Learning Format: Participants can engage with individual modules based on their interests and availability—building a personalized path toward leadership mastery.

• Mentorship Across Generations: The new L3 fosters intentional intergenerational dialogue, connecting emerging leaders with seasoned professionals to foster growth.

Our Vision: Connect. Cultivate. Catalyze.

As Chair of the L3 Committee, I am both honored and excited to steward this program’s next chapter. Our goal is to connect women across backgrounds and borders, cultivate their leadership potential, and catalyze collective action for a more equitable And empowered future. 

Whether you're a student finding your voice, a mid-career woman seeking renewal, or a seasoned changemaker ready to give back, L3 is for you.

Together, let us reignite the spark of leadership in every woman and ensure that lifelong leadership becomes not just an idea, but a lived reality.

For more information about the program, or how to get involved as a participant or facilitator, email l3chair@nfbpwc.org

Nicole Mpouli
Lifelong Leadership & Learning Committee Chair
(2025-2026)