About Us
2025 Executive Committee
BPW Colorado's Collaborative Partners
BPW Colorado partners with various organizations to advance our mission, objectives, and advocacy efforts.
About BPW Colorado
History of BPW Colorado
The mission of Business and Professional Women (BPW) of Colorado is to promote equity for all women through advocacy, education, and information dissemination. Since 1919, we have been empowering women in personal, professional, and political spheres. We are affiliated with the National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs (NFBPWC), which was established by Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips in 1919. In 1930, Dr. Phillips also founded the International Federation of Business and Professional Women (IFBPW) to advocate for women on a global scale. This organization has evolved into one of the most influential networks of business and professional women worldwide.
BPW Colorado is linked through BPW International to members in 100 countries across five regions. Our membership includes esteemed leaders, entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, professionals, and emerging career women. Membership provides access to valuable benefits and opportunities at local, state, national, regional, and international levels. We have been, and remain, at the forefront of the struggle for women's rights. As a fully volunteer-run advocacy and membership organization, we are shaped by the diverse individuals from both large cities and small communities who make up BPW Colorado.
At the state and national levels, we implement various educational, advocacy, monitoring, and tracking strategies aimed at addressing the following advocacy priorities: Economic Equity and Justice; Health Equity and Justice; and Human Rights. During the 2016 National Congress, members unanimously resolved that the Alice Paul Equal Rights Amendment should take precedence over all other items on the advocacy agenda until Equal Rights are enshrined in the United States Constitution.
On the international front, BPW holds consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and participatory status with the Council of Europe. The foundation of BPW’s advocacy is deeply rooted in our engagement with the United Nations. BPW played a pivotal role in lobbying for the establishment of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and has championed numerous women's issues. Today, BPW continues to represent women's interests at UN Headquarters in New York, Vienna, and Geneva, as well as at various UN regional offices (UNECA, UNECE, UNESCAP, UNESCWA, UNECLAC), alongside agencies such as UNESCO, UNICEF, ILO, WHO, UNCTAD, UNIDO, FAO, and UN DPI, as well as collaborating closely with the Council of Europe and the European Women’s Lobby, while maintaining a strong partnership with UNIFEM.
Websites:
NFBPWC
The theme for NFBPWCs 2024-2026 term is Connecting Locally, Uniting Nationally, Igniting Globally. This theme represents our shared aspirations and vision for what lies ahead.
Connecting Locally
Means nurturing our immediate networks and communities. Our local connections are the heart of our organization. It’s about ensuring that every member has access to the support, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed. By strengthening these local ties, we build a solid foundation for broader initiatives. Your local efforts and collaborations are what make us a strong and resilient community.
Uniting Nationally
Involves coming together across all states, sharing best practices, and working as a cohesive force. Together, we will share best practices, support each other's initiatives, and work towards common goals. Your involvement is what will drive our national success and amplify our collective voice. National unity amplifies our voice and enhances our ability to advocate for change and progress on a larger scale.
Igniting Globally
Is about reaching out beyond our borders, learning from our international peers, and making a global impact. Every connection we forge and every collaboration we undertake will contribute to a more inclusive, empowered and interconnected world.