BPW International

Recipient of the Lena Madesin Phillips Award 2008-2011

This the highest award given by BPW International to recognize a BPW member who makes a significant contribution to the development of BPW at the international level and or  improves  the status of women with the leadership and dedication inspired by Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips, the founder of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International).

Dr Ruegg served as the National President of Switzerland from 1995-1999,

Vice President of BPW International from 1999-2002 and ultimately as the BPW International President from 2002-2005. BPW International made significant strides under her leadership and following her presidency Dr Ruegg continued as the Chair of “New Dimensions of Leadership “under the BPW International theme established by her for the 2005-2008 triennium. She has travelled extensively throughout the world to BPW affiliates sharing her knowledge and expertise on the subject of Emotional Intelligence. Dr Ruegg attended and contributed at all the BPW International Regional Conferences, as well as many national conferences where she was invited.

In addition Dr Ruegg led the “Leadership and Lifelong Learning” taskforce in the 2008 -2011 triennium and significantly contributed to the annual Leaders Summit (previously known as the president’s seminar) held in New York City, 2009, 2010 and 2011.Her ongoing commitment and dedication to BPW International is known and loved by all the members.

Dr. Antoinette Rüegg attained a degree in Biology. For twenty years, she taught biology at a Grammar School and held the post of Head of the Biology Department. She used her skills to focus on learning behaviour and headed the Committee on ‘Learning Behaviours and Working techniques’ for 10 years in the Swiss Office for In-service Training of Upper Secondary Teachers. In 1991 she established her own consultancy business. She undertook secondary studies in applied Psychology and specialized in Career Development, Leadership and Emotional Intelligence. From She currently conducts lectures on gender issues at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland.