Nominatedby BPW New York

Nomination form signed by Eileen Brennam on 17 April 2008

Nominee Information

Address: 4222 Oak Beach, Oak Beach, New York USA 11702-4608
E-mail: liz.benham@bpw-international.org
Occupation: Business Executive

Active in Occupation

Club:

• Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, President, (4) 2 years terms 1990-2003

District:

• Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant District Director

Federation:

• Founding Member, Vice President 1996-2003, President 2003-2006

BPW International:

• Vice President 2005-2008; Chair, Membership 2005-2008; Chair, Friends and Fellows 2005-2008; Chair, Fund Raising and Taskforce 2004-2005; Member International Planning Committee 2005-2008; UN Alternate Delegate, New York 1998-present

Other Voluntary Positions:

• Vice President: Toys of Hope Charity
• Board Member: Women Builders Council, New York
• Member NAWBO: National Association of Women Business Oweners
• Board Member: Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society

Related Experience/Qualifications:
Business Management, Sales and Marketing: Owned a successful company for 13 years with sales revenue of $5 million USD per annum. Inventor of the footle featured on the Business Page. I have travelled the world extensively for business handling imports, exports, procurement, negotiations, sales and marketing at wholesale and retail levels. I have also served as an International Skydiving Judge at (4) World Championships. Previous Career: Registered Nurse Midwife Specializing in high risk obstetrics. I have attended (4) International Congresses and many Regional Conferences around the world. During this past term as Membership Chair I have travelled to over 30 countries.

BPW International is at a crossroad and a new chapter will be written for its future.

Having joined this great organization some 20 years ago, I was immediately drawn to its rich history; its people and their ability to create international understanding and cooperation. I became a member because I believe in BPW; I believe in the aims, the mission and in the organization’s principles.

I am running for President because this is a defining moment in our history and there is much work to be done to provide the high standards of service that members deserve and have come to expect.

My goal as your President is to improve on the capacity constraints and to invest in our organization by expanding and setting up systems and processes for greater efficiency, recognizing that we are a voluntary organization and thereby maximizing all our efforts.

A new system needs to be initiated for improved communication catering to all our members and enhanced by easy access and support from members’ services for all Affiliates. This integrated system will share the vertical and horizontal flow of information and best practices between BPW International, its members, clubs, federations and regions – for the benefit of all. We must strengthen the regions by providing tools and support for conferences and communications; provide annual ongoing “new BPW Presidents” with adequate training and leadership seminars to provide a platform for unity and information exchange. My extensive travels have given me a wealth of knowledge in the international arena and I have developed and fine tuned a level of intercultural understanding that provides an essential foundation for the President of an esteemed international organization. Furthermore, as your Vice President and Membership Chair during this current term, I have traveled to many countries and met countless members face to face gaining first hand knowledge and understanding of the membership needs.

I ask for your support in my Nomination because if we unite around this common purpose, and act on the responsibilities that we have to each other and to the International Federation, then we can launch a new era of opportunity and prosperity for BPW with solid growth and financial viability and sustainability.

Now it again falls to us to carry the light that was first ignited by Lena Madesin Philips; we need to cherish and build on the legacy she left behind as one of the greatest and most well respected women’s organizations, that is known to many around the world. We have the responsibility to continue the work that began almost a century ago – to renew our common purpose for a new organization and to write the next chapter in the story of BPW’s success. I would like the opportunity to carry that light and together, we can do this – we can make it happen!
I would be honored to serve BPW International "In Pride and With Promise".