Building Connections Across Borders

I am honored to begin serving as Co-Chair of the International Relations Standing Committee and look forward to working alongside our Chair and committee members as we continue to strengthen the international relationships that make BPW such a unique global organization.

One of the greatest strengths of NFBPWC is that we are part of an international network of women who bring different experiences, cultures, and expertise to common challenges. Every international meeting one of our members attends offers an opportunity not only to represent the United States, but also to learn from colleagues around the world and explore ways to work together.

Over the past year, I have been present at BPW gatherings in Munich, Cyprus, Malta, and Montreal, as a member of NFBPWC and as UN HQ representative. Looking ahead, I hope to continue supporting opportunities for engagement at future meetings, including Cameroon, Cyprus, Montreal, the BPW Africa Regional Conference in Zambia, and other international events as they arise.

What excites me most is the possibility of creating practical collaborations between clubs and federations. These partnerships need not be large to be meaningful. Sometimes they begin with a single conversation around a shared interest. For example, members of our New York Club are exploring opportunities after meeting with BPW Senegal to continue to exchange ideas on addressing period poverty—an issue that affects women and girls in many parts of the world.

Conversations such as these can become the foundation for lasting partnerships, shared learning, and collaborative action.

As I begin this new role, I look forward to working with our committee to encourage international engagement, strengthen relationships across BPW, and help connect members whose interests and expertise complement one another.

Every international connection enriches not only the individuals involved, but also our clubs and our organization as a whole.

BPW is an international community. By learning from one another and working together across borders, we strengthen our collective ability to support women locally, nationally, and globally.

Nermin K. Ahmad
Co-Chair International Relations
international@nfbpwc.org