BPW International

The International Federation of Business and Professional Women (IFBPW) was founded in Geneva, Switzerland, on August 26, 1930, on the initiative of Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips. As President of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs of the United States of America, she organized several "Goodwill Tours" to Europe in 1928 and 1929. Hundreds of American women participated in these tours with the purpose of meeting business and professional women in Europe and promoting affiliation with them. The founding member countries of the international federation were Austria, Canada, France, Great Britain, Italy and the United States of America. Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips was elected as the first IFBPW President and served until 1947.

The International Federation of Business and Professional Women is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that has had Consultative Status with the United Nations through the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1947. At present there are a total of twenty-one members serving as representatives of IFBPW at the United Nations and its subsidiary organs, specialized agencies and related organizations.

Today the International Federation of Business and Professional Women is also called BPW International.

Read the Blog about Lena Madesin Phillips written by Peg Nichols (Click here)

1930-1968	Foreword 1930-1968
	1930: Hours of Destiny
	1931-1935: First Sign of Growth
	1936-1939: Forward or Back?
	Late 1939 to July 1946
	1947-1949: Consultative Status is Granted
	1950-1953: Wider Resources
	1954-1955: Fine Arts Build Up
	1956-1960: A New Venue
	1961-1963: Reviewing the Aims
	1964-1966: New Emphasis
	1967-1968: Greater Impact
	Epilogue 1930-1968
	Officers
	Appendices
	Directory 1969

1968-1996	Foreword 1968-1996
	1968-1971: Patience R. Thoms
	1971-1974: Nazla L. Dane
	1974-1977: Beryl Nashar
	1977-1980: Mildred Head
	1980-1983: Maxine R. Hays
	1983-1985: Rosmarie Michel
	1985-1987: Tuulikki Juusela
	1987-1989: Tuulikki Juusela
	1989-1991: Yvette Swan
	1991-1993: Yvette Swan
	1993-1996: Livia Ricci
	Epilogue 1968-1996
	International President's Badge and Chain of Office
	IFBPW Regional Membership Map 1995