The American Business Women's Association was founded 71 years ago on September 22, 1949. The Novi Oaks Charter Chapter ("charter" meaning the first chapter founded in a particular city) was founded by Bettie Archer Johnson on January 29, 1990. We held our 30-year celebration on January 8, 2020.
A lot has changed in 30 years. We have more women business owners, many new members, a few very much younger student members (12, 18, and 19), and after all of these years, some newly retired members. The careers and occupations are widely varied. We truly epitomize the first line of the mission of ABWA, which is "to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations." As always, we are helping ourselves and others grow personally and professionally.
The mission of the American Business Women’s Association is 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.
In the past two years we have focused on bringing in great programs so we can continue "stretch and grow, reach and learn," as it states in the new member initiation script. Thanks to technology, we now communicate instantly online. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have learned to use Zoom - so we have gone virtual! We are looking forward to welcoming new members and learning together.
Guests are always welcome to attend our meetings. Men are also welcome! National membership in ABWA only costs $115 per year. Our local dues are $24.
One of the greatest things about membership in ABWA is knowing that our National Executive Director, Rene' Street, will always work to keep our organization current and vital. With the establishment of the Apex Campus (download curriculum on our Scholarships and Education page), our online learning system, she has provided all members the opportunity to learn vital business programs (5S, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing) and build personal life skills. Taking the courses that are offered by the GEMBA Academy through ABWA, our members can save thousands of dollars while not only increasing their knowledge, but increasing their value to potential employers.