By Camila de Moura
On September 15, we pause to remember the birth of Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips (1881–1955), a trailblazer whose life continues to inspire every member of BPW International.
To those just entering our global sisterhood, those who have heard the name but not yet met the story, may this be a journey of discovery, of connection, and of renewed commitment. Because through her life, we find the roots of our purpose: to inspire, innovate, empower, and transform.
A life of courage and firsts
Born in Kentucky, Lena grew up with curiosity, determination, and a refusal to accept limits. At age 11 she adopted the name “Madesin”, symbolizing her admiration for education and professional achievement.
She dreamed of becoming a pianist, but when life closed that door, she turned toward law and women’s rights. In 1917 she became the first woman to graduate with full honors from the University of Kentucky College of Law. She quickly realized that one voice alone was not enough to break barriers—she needed to unite women into something greater.
Building a movement
- In 1919, Lena founded the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (USA).
- In 1930, she founded the International Federation of Business and Professional Women in Geneva, Switzerland, bringing together founding members from Austria, Canada, France, Great Britain, Italy, and the United States.
- She spent decades traveling across continents, connecting women, and raising awareness for economic and social equality.
Her vision was clear: when women in business and professions unite, societies change.
Words that still inspire
“Each woman, as a citizen, must bring to the national policy of her own country, the contribution of forward-looking and constructive thought followed by determined action. Each woman must dedicate herself to protect and promote the interest of all other women in business and the professions.”
“You are now pioneers in the dream of peace and social justice, of international understanding and goodwill. This dream will come to pass. It matters little whether you or I live to see the day. It is only important that each of us struggle without pause towards that day.”
What Lena means for BPW today
I see in Lena Madesin Phillips both a compass and a spark. For new members, she is proof that one life, devoted to principles of equality, professional excellence, and global connection, can create institutions that outlive her.
Lena’s vision continues to guide us because the principles she stood for equality, leadership, and empowerment, remain the foundation of BPW International and continue to shape our future.
- Inspire: Her story urges us to believe that dreams of equality, justice and professional dignity are worth pursuing—even when few have walked that path before.
- Innovate: Lena did not merely repeat what existed; she imagined new forms of connection (clubs, federations, international gatherings), new standards, new policies.
- Empower: Economic equality was central to Lena’s vision—that women’s professional and economic power is not a luxury but a foundation for broader social equality.
- Transform: Her work shows that change at the individual level (education, practice, courage) can grow into institutional, cultural, international transformation.
A Note of Gratitude
I would like to add a personal reflection. On this day, we do not only remember the birth of Lena Madesin Phillips. We give thanks for her life. Because through her life, many other lives were transformed. She chose to rise above limitations and, by doing so, opened paths for countless women across the world. Today, BPW members in over 100 countries are living proof of the power of her vision.
For me, her legacy is a reminder that one life, when dedicated to purpose, can inspire generations. She was a true changemaker.
On this September 15, let us not only celebrate the beginning of Lena’s life. Let us carry forward her courage and vision, by inspiring, innovating, empowering, and transforming together.
Because we are BPW. And we honor her legacy by shaping a sustainable future.
And if I ask again, "Who was Lena Madesin Phillips"?
She was the visionary who ignited women worldwide for equality, leadership, and empowerment.
