Those of you of a certain age will remember the old commercial that asked "What would you do for a Klondike Bar?" Now, I don't know about you, but I might be willing to do a few silly and zany things for an ice cream treat. But, here's a bigger question for you to consider as we prepare for this coming year; What would you do to support women in the workplace, at home, or in all the other places where you will find women? May I suggest that in BPW, we'll try (almost) anything to support our sisters, just as we've done for more than 100 years. We will ADVOCATE, EDUCATE, MENTOR, LIGISLATE, and CELEBRATE, to name a few things. We will be there through thick and thin, helping break the glass ceiling, grabbing a place at the table, and doing whatever it takes to ensure that women have the same opportunities as men. I want to thank all of you who have volunteered your time, talents and energy to BPW. Some of you are new to this organization; others have been a part of this organization for a long time. All of you are leaders in many ways. All of you bring your own unique and creative selves to serve and inspire the rest of us. I offer special thanks to 2024 - 2025 President Amelia Taggart, the EC, and the 2024 - 2025 Board for your support and assistance. I is my privilege to serve as your incoming BPW/Ohio President. Together, we will do good and maybe even grand things. If we're lucky, there might be ice cream treats. Best Personal Wishes,
Lora Manon
2025-2026 President
Advocate/Legislate: Stay informed and engaged in legislative updates and advocacy efforts.
Regularly check the BPW/OHIO Legislative News & What to Do page. Stay updated on important issues affecting women in the workplace and take action to support positive change. Your voice and participation can make a difference in promoting gender equity, equality and advancing the rights of all women.
CONSTITUTION AND CITIZENSHIP DAY
SEPTEMBER 17TH
Constitution Day, is an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. It celebrates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787
When the Constitution was ratified, women could not legally own land or property, and married women had no legal claim to their spouse’s money or children. It was not until August 26, 1920 when the Nineteenth Amendment was added to the Constitution that white women were allowed to vote in elections at every level. The 19th Amendment states: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.
However, obstacles like poll taxes, literacy tests and other discriminatory state voting laws would keep Black women (and men) disenfranchised for a further 45 years, until the Voting Rights Act was signed into law on August 6, 1965. It was not until 1943 and the passage of the Magnuson Act that Chinese immigrants could begin naturalizing as U.S. citizens.
In 1923, the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was first introduced. It states: Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. On January 27, 2020, Virginia became the 38th State to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (“ERA”) making it the 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution.
The ERA ensures United States laws embraces equality for everyone, thereby providing equal rights and protections to all human beings. If you want to learn about the ERA’s Journey to become the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, go to: https://tinyurl.com/ERAJourney
A 2020 8 ½ x 11 PDF version of the United States Constitution with the 28th Amendment can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/US-Constitution-2020
A 2020 5 x 4 PDF Pamphlet version can be found here https://tinyurl.com/US-Constitution-Pamphlet
For quantities over 500, of the Pamphlet, contact Curt Lepper at Rapid Press 203-348-8884 or curt@rapidpressct.com.
This 2020 version is in commemoration of the ratification of The Equal Rights Amendment. It is being provided by an informal group of women's rights advocates carrying on the work of their foremothers that started over a century ago. Please share this version far and wide!
Celebrate Women
Women are awesome humans who are at their best when celebrating each other.
Annually we come together to review; and celebrate our accomplishments, note improvements and plan the future.
BPW/Ohio has two awards that celebrate women who have shown through their actions how to help others become their best selves personally, professionally, and politically. Learn more at the links below.
* Joyce M Davis Distinguish Member
* Kathy Kellums Mentorship & Encouragement
And we celebrate the lives of our sisters who left us.
* Mariwyn Heath Memorial Service
Educate/Mentor Women
BPW/Ohio has many avenues for women to learn, share their knowledge, get out of their comfort zones and develop new skills. Follow the links below to learn more.
Individual Development (ID)
Young Careerist (YC)
Upcoming Events
SAVE THE DATE MAY 15 - 17, 2026
106th Ohio Business & Professional Women's Conference
Bowling Green State University
The 46th Ecumenical EventSun, Oct 19Encore on the Lake