National & Local ABWA Chapters
The American Business Women's Association (ABWA) is your personal and professional development resource! ABWA is the educational and networking resource for all women in the United States. ABWA is a national network that connects and supports women from all walks of life and at all points of their career!
Our mission is to help members grows! ABWA brings together women of diverse occupations and provides opportunities for them to grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition.
In addition, the national ABWA organization offers members:
ABWA has a rich history! During World War II, when our men were overseas and industry needed help, women answered the call. We worked in the shipyards, steel mills, and ammunition factories. When the war ended and soldiers returned to the civilian jobs, many women relinquished their paid positions and returned home. But many chose to remain in the workforce. By 1949, more than 16 million women were balancing paid jobs and personal lives.
Back then, there were few places where women could go to find guidance and encouragement as they made their way in the business world. Their options increased in November 1949 when the first American Business Women's Association Chapter was formed in Kansas City, Missouri. The idea of business women encouraging business women caught on and within a year there were 21 ABWA Chapters. Today, there are 35,000 members in 850 chapters throughout the nation! www.abwa.org
The Eastern Michigan Council (EMC) is a regional council that supports 15 chapters in Eastern Michigan. The council's mission is to be a channel of communication among member chapters, to support and enhance self-growth of chapters, and to publicize and promote ABWA within our communities. It is hosted by member chapters in their various locations. The council meets on the second Saturday morning of every other month, February through December. www.abwa-emc.org
The following chapters are included in the EMC: