BPW History

Historical Timeline:

The following showcases the rich history of BPW, and how MBPW became apart of the movement.

1919 The National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. was founded as the first national association for business and professional women.  The group was formed as a result of the need for a coordinated women’s effort during the First World War.  Lena Madesin Phillips was selected as Executive Secretary.  The first National Convention was held in St. Louis, Missouri.  The North Carolina Federation was organized in June of 1919 at the Mint Building in Charlotte.  It was the eighth Southern State to federate.  Julia Alexander of Charlotte was elected President.

1920  BPW/NC joined the North Carolina Legislative Council as one of the founding members.

1928 BPW established the first “National Business Women’s Week” (NBWW)

1937 BPW became the first women’s organization to endorse the Equal Rights Amendment.

1955 BPW/NC Spotlight on Women’s Conference was held for the first time.

1956 BPW established the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation.
BPW/NC Legislation Committee came into being and in 1959 saw the passage by our state such measures as the minimum wage law and inheritance laws.
   
1959  BPW/NC bought land in Carrboro, NC for a state headquarters, which was built in 1960-1961.

1960’s BPW/USA led the fight for Title IX, equity in education and credit, prohibition of sexual harassment, as well as the ERA.

1964 Metropolitan BPW held its first meeting in March with 25 members.  Marybelle Scroggins was the first president.  Metropolitan BPW was the first luncheon local organization in the country and was organized by the Charlotte BPW.  Ruth Moss Easterling and Mary Rogers spearheaded the organizing of the group
 Governor Terry Sanford established the Commission on the Status of Women.

1964 The Young Careerist (YC) program was initiated.

1968 The Individual Development (ID) program was developed.

1975 BPW/NC membership reaches 4000 women.
 
1980’s Metropolitan BPW began awarding annual scholarships.

1990 BPW/USA held the National Convention in Charlotte.

2007 Metropolitan established the Ruth Moss Easterling Scholarship Endowment Fund at UNC-Charlotte to provide scholarships for women.

2008  BPW/NC establishes 3 Regions for the State replacing the former 7 Districts established in 1990.

2009 BPW/USA Federation merges with BPW/Foundation.  BPW/NC votes to remain the North Carolina Federation of BPW Clubs, Inc.

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