The American Business Women's Association (ABWA) was founded on September 22, 1949. The women's organization (men are welcome) was founded after World War II by Mr. Hilary Bufton and three Kansas City businesswomen to help women build their business skills and grow personally and professionally, and that mission still applies today:
ABWA MISSION STATEMENT
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.
ABWA will celebrate its 70th anniversary at the National Women's Leadership Conference on October 2 - 6, 2019, in Kansas City, Missouri. ABWA's headquarters is located in Overland Park, Kansas.
The NWLC features world-class keynote speakers, and members attend classes, such as "Women as 21st Century Leaders," presented by Park University, and the KU MBA Essentials series, presented by the University of Kansas. Those not participating in these two tracks may take classes aimed more at personal and professional development.
Annual national membership dues are $115, which includes newsletters, a quarterly magazine - Women In Business, and access to the ABWA Apex Campus. Courses include the GEMBA Academy Six Sigma and School of Lean courses, which may be taken at the learners own pace. Additional training includes the Job Suite (resumes and interviewing), and How to be Heard (negotiating, brainstorming, and making presentations more powerful by using stories). All excellent skill enhancement tools. Visit our Scholarship and Education page for details on the Apex Campus course offerings and costs.
Local chapter dues vary. The Novi Oaks Charter Chapter annual dues are $24 per year. Those interested in finding out more about ABWA can visit www.abwa.org. Chapters across the U.S. may be found at https://www.abwa.org/abwa-chapter-express-networks/.