Discover the new BPW Barbado brochure !

First report on "Growing Despite Adversity"  an action program developed by BPW Port-au-Prince in partnership with organizations in Port-au-Prince, Haiti to address the psycho-social needs of women traumatized by the earthquake.  Donations by BPW International members have provided financing and have made a huge difference to the success of this project.

Report on the Organization of American States, by Kathleen Ray who is our Regional Representative.  Kathleen attended the 40th General Assembly in Lima, Peru June 6-8, 2010.

From the desk of Doris Hall, Sub-Regional Coordinator for the US, Canada and Bermuda.

BPW Canada is excitedly preparing for our 42^nd National Convention on June 19 & 20^th.  It will be held at the beautiful Horseshoe Resort in the Muskoka area of Ontario.  As one of the founding members of BPW, Canada will celebrate its 80^th anniversary along with BPW International.  We are looking forward to receiving guests from out of the country, International President, Liz Benham, International 1^st Vice President, Gabriella Canonica and a member, Henrike Von Platen, from Germany.  Our Regional Coordinator, Jill Worobec, will also attend.

Twelve members from Canada attended the Committee meetings on the Status of Women this year in New York.  It was a particularly important time to attend since there was also a review of Beijing + 15.  Approximately 7,000 people attended from the many NGOs around the world.

Across the country, Ontario will hold its provincial conference in June, one day prior to national convention.  Quebec held its provincial conference in Baie Comeau this past weekend.

British Columbia held its conference in Langley the same weekend.

BC Minister of Children and Families, Mary Polak (second from right) with Connie Friesen, BPW Provincial President, BC & Yukon, Doris Hall, President elect BPW Canada and Jill Worobec, Regional Coordinator North America/Caribbean.

We are happy to report that clubs across Canada have been working on many projects and holding Awards Events to honour women in their community.

We are pleased to welcome the newly formed EPW-USA to the North American Region and look forward to meeting the members at the Regional Conference in Las Vegas.  Many members from Canada are planning to attend.  The program consists of some exciting workshops with valuable information, and will also provide loads of time for fun and comradeship.

BPWA honours outstanding women: ISLAND NOTEBOOK by Ira Philip

http://www.royalgazette.com/rg/Article/article.jsp?articleId=7da36af30030005&sectionId=80

Three women who have excelled in their chosen professions were singled out for honors by the Business and Professional Women's Association of Bermuda (BPWA), at its 34th Anniversary Banquet and Candle-Lighting Ceremony.

President Patty Ann Flood and Bermuda Members

The gala event at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club, Paget was highlighted by BPWA's 2010 "Lifetime Achievement Award" being accorded to Dr. Norma Jean Hendrickson. She's a former Secondary School Principal. Mrs. Judith Burgess, the Executive Director of PRIDE Bermuda, was cited as “ Woman of the Year”.

 Diana Darrell had the honour of being inducted as BPW Bermuda’s newest member.

 Miss Darrell is currently the Reinsurance Reporting and Administrative  manager at the American International Reinsurance Company.

ongratulations to Rocio Esau and the new executive as they begin their term of office.

ENTERPRISING AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN USA

EPW-USA

FIRST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

September 26 – 27, 2010

The Stratosphere Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada USA

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the interim Executive Committee, it is my privilege to invite you to the 2010 General Membership meeting of EPW-USA.  It is with excitement and anticipation that we welcome you to join us, members and guests, at this eventful meeting.

EPW-USA is one of about 90 countries that comprise the International Federation of Business and Professional Women.  BPWI is celebrating its 80^th Anniversary this year with the theme “Power to Make the Difference Through Action”.  During these 80 years BPWI has helped women around the world to seek equality and empowerment that will make them successful in a global economy and be prepared to competitively function in the evolving world in which we live.

This is a historic event for our members.  Through our affiliation with the International Federation and our national membership, we will be able to continue the efforts started by founder Lena Madesin Phillips; through advocacy, training and networking, we will be able to work for those issues that affect working women and their families, providing the tools and strategies needed to succeed during this time of fiscal crisis; and through friendship, networking and educational opportunities, we will improve our lives and those of our communities and country.

Your attendance means a great deal to this new Federation.  This is a grass-roots organization of the members and for the members.  During this first general meeting you will have the opportunity to shape EPW-USA to fit your needs.  You will vote on key issues such as the new budget, bylaws, elect the new leaders, and choose the direction you wish for EPW-USA. We are looking forward to meeting you, working together, and succeeding together.

Bessie R. Hironimus, Interim President

"I am committed to achieving our goal, which is protecting the rights and opportunities of working women in California. It promises to be an exciting and exhilarating year ahead."  Lesa Rasmussen

California Business and Professional Women's 2010-2011 Executive Committee
President Lesa Rasmussen, President-Elect Sandy Thompson, Vice-President Marjory Hopper, Treasurer Lila Hines, Recording Secretary Pat Long

Thank you California members for your kind hospitality.  I will see you in Las Vegas!  

Jill