Wow! We're finally in New York and loving it. Our hotel room has an incredible skyline view and I've learned it is larger than many apartments (and has a kitchen, which will help with expenses). The BPW Colorado contingent, Sarah, Kathy, and Megan (me), managed to ride the subway from Midtown to Uptown (after getting directions from 2 police women as to where to find the entrance). The summit is being held at a gorgeous venue, called the Harmonie Club, which is about 50 feet from Central Park. We're working and still getting to see some beautiful parts of the city as we travel to and from events.
Participants include women from all over the world: 30 countries and all 5 regions are represented. This organization is so vibrant and participating at this level is inspiring. The business and professional women attending this summit have varying careers and experiences. We've met doctors, lawyers, executives, managers, entrepreneurs, and businesswomen. We began the summit with personal introductions from all 100 attendees...and I had goosebumps. Their level of commitment to BPW is admirable and I am proud that we are such a diverse organization.
After an absolutely incredible day with our BPW sisters and learning even more about this organization, we went for a walk in Central Park with a Young BPW member from Canada. Sarah and I returned to the hotel for a quick refresh and joined a group of Young BPW women for dinner. The dinner resulted in a great idea for a member initiated taskforce: BPW Mamas. A group of young women from 4 different countries will be collaborating to help working mothers all over the world navigate the maze of parenthood. It was an incredible 14 hours with my BPW sisters. (Did I mention that the subway ride back to the hotel was a bit harder than in the morning? We got a little turned around, but made it home.)