About ABWA's Mission

To bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership; education, networking support and national recognition.

Together: We believe our collective wisdom is the professional woman's greatest untapped resource. Everyone has a skill, ability or advice that will benefit the woman next to you. It's the ultimate networking circle.

Diversity: ABWA is all-inclusive. Here diversity is more than race, age, creed or color. It's blue-collar, white-collar, CEOs, MBAs and telecommuters who never leave their home office. Our members own their businesses, or aspire to become the next entrepreneurs. They are public speakers, chairmen of boards, or presidents of local PTAs.

Professional Development: Lots of groups claim they offer professional development, but that's a promise we honor. Do you want to be a better public speaker? Learn it here. Do you need marketing ideas for your small business? Look no further!

National Recognition: We offer members the opportunity to run for national office, a seat on our National Board and a leadership position listed on your resume. Our members also compete for the Top 10 Business Women of ABWA, an illustrious role in the organization based on your personal and professional achievements.

About ABWA

"ABWA is all encompassing. You make friends all over the country, do community service and improve your business skills."

Connie Feeney, member/New Horizons Chapter

Today, the American Business Women's Association spans the nation as the world's most diverse professional organization for women. Tens of thousands of members gather throughout the country, united by a common goal - to support each other in professional development and career advancement.

ABWA has long been accepted as one of the leading business women's associations in the United States and its far-reaching influence has touched the lives and careers of so many. It's incredible to realize that it all began more than 50 years ago, when the term "business woman" was an oddity and an association dedicated to advancing women's careers was simply unheard of.

The American Business Women's Association has been a significant thread woven tightly in the fabric of American history. Its unparalleled success in supporting the professional development of workingwomen has in fact, changed women's lives, one woman at a time.

About the Founder

Post World War II, Kansas City, Mo., businessman Hilary A. Bufton Jr. recognized the positive impact women had on the economy. On September 22, 1949, Mr. Bufton and three Kansas City businesswomen incorporated the American Business Women's Association, and the American workforce was changed forever.

"It was my feeling all women were seeking and deserved equal business opportunities." He later wrote, "They had gained tremendous business knowledge during World War II, through necessity, and I felt a new organization for all businesswomen was needed.

Throughout the decades, the Association continued to grow and prosper. ABWA's place in American history was cemented when, in 1983, a joint Congressional resolution signed by President Ronald Reagan proclaimed Sept. 22, the date of the Association's founding, as American Business Women's Day. The proclamation set aside this date to annually recognize the achievements not only of ABWA members but also the millions of employed women in the United States.

In January 1986, the Association welcomed Mr. Blufton's daughter, Carolyn Bufton Elman, as chief executive officer. "ABWA is not the same association that it was 50 years ago," says Elman. "By continually reinventing itself, ABWA is able to give women what they want today in a professional organization. We follow business trends very closely, and with years of experience upon which to draw, ABWA is able to provide members with the professional tools they need to stay current and to succeed in today's market."

© Copyright 2008 American Business Women's Association