About
Women have always worked, whether it was in the home or in the business sector. During the height of WWII, women were not only encouraged to enter the workforce, they were deluged with propaganda to join the workforce because it was their patriotic duty. When the war was over, many women lost their jobs, and were reminded that their first responsibility was to their home and their family.
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On September 22, 1949, Shirley Cupp, Irma Beisel, Frances Stuckey and Mr. Hilary Bufton Jr. met in a coffee shop in downtown Kansas City to incorporate the American Business Women’s Association at a time when it was considered socially unacceptable for women to pursue a full-time career, have a girls night out or even join an association.
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A statement made by Mr. Bufton in the early 50s summarizes ABWA’s impact on societal norms: “In many ways, the first generation of ABWA members were the breaking tradition…Without even knowing it, I guess they were paving the way for today’s women.”
While women’s opportunities and pay in the business sector have evolved, there is still work to be done. Breaking barriers for women and on behalf of women is nothing new in ABWA. We’ve been doing so since 1949!
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We believe all women can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and can change the world.
Our Mission
The mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together business women of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition.
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OPPORTUNITIES
More than 5,000 business/networking meetings are hosted each year in hundreds of cities across the nation. Find a local ABWA community near you. If an opportunity is not available, start a new Chapter in your city. To get contact Angela at azuba@abwa.org .
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PARTNERSHIPS AND OUTREACH
ABWA partners with other organizations to promote important dates and events that will have a positive impact on women’s lives including:
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The American Cities Business Journal. ACBJ hosts Biz Mentoring Monday Event in 43 different cities in the U.S.. The event attracts more than 10,000 women nationwide each year. As an ABWA, you are eligible for a discounted registration.
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A member of the Small Business Saturday Coalition sponsored by American Express and Women Impacting Public Policy. Small Business Saturday promotes “shopping small.” Small Business Saturday, the first Saturday following the Thanksgiving holiday.
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Starr Women’s Hall of Fame (Kansas City Based) recognizes women from the Kansas City area for their contributions to the community.
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The American Business Women’s Foundation (ABWF) whose purpose is to educate women about issues and opportunities impacting parity in the workplace.
National Networking
With a cross-country network of like-minded business women, the Douglas County Charter of the ABWA in Douglasville, Georgia supports women throughout their careers with national recognition in the largest network of working women in the country.
​Learning Leadership
Through the Douglas County Charter of the ABWA in Douglasville, Georgia, women have opportunities for hands-on leadership experience and skill set development on local, state and national stages. Need a great place to start advancing your career? The ABWA is an excellent resource for you!
National Recognition
The Douglas County Charter of the ABWA in Douglasville, Georgia is proud to recognize and congratulate Dr. Deborah Johnson-Blake as the 2021 American Business Woman of the Year and a 2021 Top Ten Business Woman of the American Business Women's Association.
Training & Education
The Douglas County Charter of the ABWA in Douglasville, Georgia is affilliated with the ONLY professional development organization for women. You'll have opportunities to learn and grow with monthly speakers and Connections - an exclusive online learning and social platform.