Business and Professional Women ® -- The Leading Advocate for Workingwomen

Mission Statement

To achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education, and information.

Business and Professional Women/USA ®, founded in 1919, promotes equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information. With 1,500 Local Organizations across the country and members in every congressional district, BPW/USA is the leading advocate for millions of workingwomen on work-life balance and workplace equity issues. BPW Local Organizations provide members with professional development programs, networking, participation in grassroots activism, and opportunities to support scholarships for disadvantaged women.

One of the first women’s organizations to endorse the Equal Rights Amendment in 1937, BPW/USA has been a successful leader in promoting and supporting legislation affecting workingwomen ever since. In addition, BPW educates its members on policy issues and provides them the tools to become effectively involved in policy development in their own workplaces and in grassroots efforts at the local, state and federal levels. BPW/USA members not only work at the grassroots level but support their beliefs financially. BPW’s Political Action Committee (BPW/PAC) provides contributions and endorsements to women and pro-women federal candidates who support the BPW legislative agenda.

BPW Working for Workplace Equity and Work-life Balance
BPW/USA’s commitment to America’s workingwomen is reflected in our Signature Events, programs and work that benefit local communities, aid in the personal and professional development of women, and raise awareness of issues affecting workingwomen among business leaders and legislators.

Signature Conferences, Events and Programs sponsored by BPW/USA and the BPW/Foundation are important tools for communicating the core values of BPW and connecting women across the country as they learn from each other, support each other, network, improve working conditions, and create lifelong friendships. Signature Events include:

Policy & Action Conference held annually for grassroots members in Washington, DC to learn and lobby

The National Conference held annually, brings together more than 800 women for a week of BPW business, professional development workshops, career coaching, networking and friendship renewal

Women Mean Business Awards recognize women who are leading the way

Equal Pay Day and Unhappy Hours highlight the continuing wage gap

Career Advancement Scholarships support women 25 years or older wanting to improve their lives and careers

National Business Women’s Week has, for more than 75 years, spotlighted the accomplishments of women and the their importance to American business

Virginia Allen Young Careerist Program helps young women and men, 21-35, hone their professional skills

Individual Development Programs help women build the skills that will enable them to take that next important step in their career

WOMENomics forums address issues that affect workingwomen in order to gain a better understanding of what they need and want to achieve work-life balance