What is ABWA:

• National Association Web Site

Association Facts:

• Our 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.
  
• History
  In the 1940's, working women were making new inroads to the business world.  Women were changing the face of industry and having a positive economic impact.  Hilary A. Bufton Jr., a Kansas City businessman, recognized women's potential, but saw the need for an organization to support and empower them to reach their goals.  As a result, in 1949, Bufton founded the American Business Women's Association.  Professional Development remains the cornerstone of ABWA today.
  
• Chief Executive Officer
  As the CEO of ABWA, Carolyn Bufton Elman carries on the work of her father with the belief that regardless of status, women deserve the right to fulfill their expectations through unlimited opportunities for professional development and training.  A recognized expert in women's issues, Elman is actively sought for her insight and serves on the Board of Directors of the Private Industry Council of the Kansas City Full Employment Council, the Board of Directors of the Crittenton Behavioral Health Center, the Board of Advisors for the Women on Their Way Program for Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, and the Office Depot Women's Advisory Board.
  
• The ABWA Board of Directors
  The National Board of Directors governs the affairs, policies and business of ABWA on behalf of its members.  Board members also serve as trustees of the Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund (SBMEF), ABWA's national scholarship trust.
  
• Membership
  ABWA is a prestigious organization made up of workingwomen across the nation. A majority of members belong to local chapters and Express Networks®. Nearly 1,000 chapters and networks throughout the U.S. offer networking and professional development programs via monthly meetings. Whether you are actively seeking to advance to the next level, or to stay current with business trends and skills; whether you dream of breaking out on your own or are running your own business; whether you are looking to stay active in retirement, are a stay-at-home mom ready to reconnect or are a full-time student looking to explode onto the job scene - ABWA has a membership option that is right for you. Regardless of which you select, your first step is to join the Association as a national member. When you pay your national ABWA membership dues, a whole world of opportunity will open up to you!
  
• Professional Development
  The American Business Women's Association offers learning opportunities for women who are taking their business careers to the next level.
  
• Annual District and National Conferences:
  ABWA offers conferences led by professional speakers and educators from many industries.  Quality seminars and workshops feature topics relevant to the needs of today's working women.

The American Business Women's Association:
9100 Ward Parkway ■ Kansas City, MO 64114 ■ phone (816) 361-6621■ fax (816) 361-4991 ■ Visit us online at www.abwa.org. © 2006

• ABWA-KU MBA Essentials:
  One outstanding and exclusive opportunity is the ABWA-KU MBA Essentials program, a product of a special partnership between the University of Kansas School of Business and ABWA. Each MBA Essentials course delivers critical business subjects at a master's degree level including "Accounting Tools for Financial Success," "Organizational Behavior and Management Principles" and "Human Resources: Principles and Practices."
  
• Scholarships
  The Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund (SBMEF) has contributed to date more than $14 million to women's professional success through education.
  
• National Publications
  ABWA offers a vast collection of informational tools to their members. Women in Business®, the award-winning national magazine of ABWA, offers articles on a blend of personal and professional development topics. Published six times a year, Women in Business features a continuing education series that helps members improve their business and career skills. Members also enjoy custom-designed online newsletters to serve the individual needs of different groups: Company Connection® for business owners, Leadership Edge for chapter and network officers, Express Network® for busy professionals and Council Communications for council officers. PrimeTime Connection® is mailed to retired and PrimeTime members.
  
• Annual Events
  Members have the opportunity to experience ABWA on a grand scale at regional district conferences and at a national conference. They participate in workshops and seminars, leadership training, tours and entertainment opportunities while exchanging experiences and networking with other ABWA members.

---

Site created by computer moms