›› The History of BPW

Business and Professional Women/USA, founded in 1919, promotes equality 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 Foundation is the leading advocate for millions of workingwomen on work-life balance and workplace equality 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 Ammendment in 1937, BPW Foundation 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 Foundation members not only work at the grassroots level but support their beliefs financially.

›› BPW Working for Workplace Equality and Work-life Balance

BPW Foundation'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 working women among business leaders and legislators.
Signature Conferences, Events and Programs sponsored by BPW Foundation 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 and Action Committee held annually for grassroots members in Washington, DC to learn and lobby.


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, spotlighteed the accomplishments of women and 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

The BPW Foundation - Women Helping Women Achieve Success
In 1956, BPW members established the BPW Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, to promote equality for workingwomen through education, information, research and financial assistance as well as serving as a resource on issues affecting women in the workplace. Since 1969, the BPW Foundation has awarded more than 6million dollars in scholarships, loans and grants to over 8,000 women seeking to improve their lives.

›› BPW: Who We Are

BPW members are working women seeking to advance their career goals, earn higher salaries, build stronger business, achieve pay equality and equal opportunities, and establish rewarding careers. As all women gain earning power and spending power, they are reshaping U.S. consumer trends. And BPW members are on the leading edge of that trend.

Business and Professional Women/USA, founded in 1919, promotes equality 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 Foundation is the leading advocate for millions of workingwomen on work-life balance and workplace equality issues.