Business and Professional Women's Monday Minute |
President's Message
A few days ago, on February 11th, Women and Girls in science was celebrated. On that day the critical role women and girls play in scientific progress and advocating for gender equality in STEM fields is celebrated. Katherine Johnson was the first African American woman to work as a NASA scientist. Ada Lovelace is considered an innovator of scientific computing even though she lived in the early 1800s. Ginni Rometty was the first female CEO of IBM.
Maybe not in STEM fields, but still outstanding in their own right, we would like to recognize members of BPW for their achievements in professional or service to the community. Please consider nominating a member of your local or affiliate organization for the Harriett A Myer Award. Send the information to robinvafiadis@gmail.com
Looking forward, March 1, Endometriosis Awareness Day, March 4, Observance of Equal Pay Day for 2026, and March 28 @ 10AM will be BPW / Michigan Spring Board meeting. Watch for the zoom link and details to be announced soon.
The Keweenaw has had over 225 inches of snow this season (yes, that is over 18 feet). The groundhog said more winter is coming our way. Stay warm.
Forging Forward,
Margaret Landsparger
MI BPW President 2025-2027
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Editor's Note
Hope you had a great Valentine's Day weekend, enjoying a President's Day off and make sure to honor and celebrate the Lunar New Year this week.
There is a lot of great information within this newsletter. There are meetings, updates and many other things going on in and around BPW and more.
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BPW Local Meeting Dates
If you are interested in travelling to a local BPW meeting in your are or another part of Michigan, please be mindful of their meeting, dates and times.
Albion BPW - Meets at 5:00pm, at the Sheridan Township Hall in Albion on the 4th Monday of the month.
Ionia - Meets 2nd Monday, noon
Jackson BPW - Jackson BPW meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at the Cascade Manor House in Jackson Michigan from noon - 1:15 p.m.
Keweenaw - Meets 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm
Wayne - Meets 4th Tuesday 6pm to 7:30pm at the Wayne Public Library
West Branch - Meets 2nd Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.
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BPW/Michigan Schedule of Events
2025-2026 Schedule
Happy Hour Thursdays (3rd Thursdays of the Month)
Spring Board - March 28, 2026 (online or hybrid)
State Convention - May 2, 2026 (location TBD)
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Member News
BPW/Michigan would like to honor the following birthdays:
February Birthdays
6 - Katherine Beeny, Wayne
9 - Margaret Landsparger, Keweenaw
20 - Heather Neihaus, West Branch
Jean F. Porter, Affiliates
21 - Cheri Lynn Lampinen, Keweenaw
If you want your birthday to be recognized, make sure to write it down when you renew or apply for membership. You just might get a nice card out of it.
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Affiliates Update
Our affiliates got together to hear Shirley Zeller discuss the benefts of being a member of NFBPWC. We also asked to find out if it is too late to join as a member or not. In addition, we also talked about our next meeting and we will be looking for speakers after the next few months with various national and international events happening that NFBPWC is partnered with. Stay tuned for upcoming details.
If you are an affiliate or know of one, please contact Sue Oser.
at angelbpw1719@gmail.com
Please keep those BPW sisters in your thoughts and prayers who are sick, struggling or otherwise. Take care of yourselves, your family, and each other. Check in on those older members and keep in touch in all forms of communication.
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Email warning
BPW members -
We continue to get messages phishing for you to buy gift cards and other items. The messages are pretending to be me or others on the EC, but if you look closely you’ll see it is not originating from my email address or those of our EC members.
Don’t reply or do anything with those email messages - delete them.
It has been a problem of ours for years.
The lesson is that we should always read the email address when you’re asked to do something that seems odd.
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NFBPWC News
The National Federation of Business and Professional Women's clubs (NFBPWC) develops the business, professional and leadership potential of women on all levels through education, advocacy, networking, mentoring, skill building and economic empowerment programs and projects.
The National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs (NFBPWC) of the United States of America is an affiliate of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women, which spans across five regions and over 110 countries of the world. In 2017 we celebrated 98 years of empowering women through our mission which is to develop the business, professional and leadership potential of women on all levels through education, advocacy, mentoring, networking, skill building and economic empowerment programs and projects.
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Theme for 2024-2026: Connecting Locally, Uniting Nationally, Igniting Globally
NFBPWC Executive Committee (2024-2026):
Barbara Bozeman, President
Maria DeSousa, VP Membership
Emily VanVleck, VP Advocacy
Nermin Ahmad, Secretary
Dr. Jo Naylor, Treasurer
Bryn Norrie, Young BPW
Megan Shellman-Rickard, Immediate Past President
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Important events and dates coming up (open to all NFBPWC members)
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National Events
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Just a few things on NFBPWC's Calendar for February
February 16 Membership (BPW members only)
February 17 Lifelong Leadership & Learning (BPW members only)
February 18 Virtual Club (Open to the public)
February 23 Health Committee (Open to public)
February 27 Finance Committee (BPW Members only)
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NFBPWC Virtual Presents:
10 Things You May Not Know About NFBPWC
Come explore the bigger picture and discover opportunities you may not have realized were part of your membership. Wednesday, February 18, 2025 at 5pm PDT / 8pm EDT
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Save the Date
July 16-19, 2026 NFBPWC General Assembly in Raleigh/Durham hosted by NFBPWC North Carolina
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Considering next month’s theme of Women’s History Month, this month’s editor’s question is about a time when you brushed up against our history.
- Maybe you experienced discrimination in the workplace or elsewhere because you identify as a woman, or you defended someone else.
- Maybe you’ve worked with other organizations devoted to improving the status of women.
- Maybe you helped convince a school or workplace to provide free menstrual products in their bathrooms.
Please
take a minute to share your memories with your NFBPWC sisters by
emailing me at magazine@NFBPWC.org.
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National Board Meetings
April 7, 2026 | July 7, 2026 5:00 pm PDT / 8:00 pm EDT NFBPWC Board of Directors Meeting (Open to All BPW Members)
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1st Tuesdays of the Month 5:00 pm PDT / 8:00 pm EDT Executive Committee Meetings (EC Only)
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International BPW News
What is BPW International?
The International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International) was founded by Dr. Lena Madesin Phillips in 1930.
BPW International is one of the most influential international networks of business and professional women with affiliates in over 100 countries in five continents. Its members include influential women leaders, entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, professionals and young business and professional women.
Mission:
BPW develops the professional, business and leadership potential of women through skill building, networking advocacy, mentoring around the world.
For Online BPW news, please visit BPW International web site www.bpw-international.org, International Federation of Business and Professional Women’s
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BPWinternational2020 and BPW International’s Facebook www.facebook.com/BPW.international.
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Dear BPW Sisters,
BPW International invites you to participate in our global survey, designed to listen to members’ experiences and priorities across all regions.
Anonymous | 10–15 minutes | 15 languages
ADD YOUR VOICE
Whether you are a long-standing member or newly engaged, your perspective matters.
If you would like more information before responding, you may consult the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Kind regards,
Diana Barragán Medina
International President
Every year, prior to the opening of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations in New York City, BPW International holds a special two-day event known as the BPW International Leaders' Summit.
The dates are March 6 - 7, 2026 and the deadline for registration is February 17th, 2026.
This event represents an opportunity for members interested in International engagement and leadership development to connect directly with BPW International and fellow members from around the world. For those who value in-person global collaboration and strategic discussion, this may be an enriching experience.
Please note this summit is in person only with no virtual component available for those who cannot get to New York City at that time.
Below is the link to the registration page for the event.
https://www.bpw-international.org/2026/01/18/bpw-international-leaders-summit-2026/
Message from IFBPW President, Diana Barragan:
https://www.bpw-international.org/2026/02/11/final-call-bpw-international-leaders-summit-registration-deadline-17-february/
For any additional questions, our Regional Coordinator Karin Gorgerat has graciously offered to serve as POC: karin.gorgerat@bpw-international.org
*If you do intend to attend, please let me know. There are a few of us from USA who are attending CSW and possibly the Leaders' Summit.
Barbara Bozeman
President, 2024-2026
National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs
president@nfbpwc.org
World Federation for Mental Health - Our mission is to promote the advancement of mental health awareness, prevention of mental disorders, advocacy, and best practice recovery focused interventions worldwide.
Some BPW Michigan History
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If you want to know a little bit more about BPW/Michigan, this is the section where you can learn about some fascinating and powerful women of the state. If there is a BPW/MI historical fun fact you'd like to share, please email editor Susan Oser at angelbpw1719@gmail.com.
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Above is a picture of a BPW/MI past picture. Who do you recognize? Where did these conventions happen? When were these pictures taken? Please make sure to share them with your locals to share part of the history.
These pictures came courtesy of Sue Oser from her historical files. What historic BPW information would you like to share?
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Michigan Legislative Platform Focus
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Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the Action Fund released a new policy report and fact sheet that details the full scope of the Trump administration’s destructive actions on access to sexual and reproductive health care. This includes a one-pager with key highlights of the effects of “defunding” Planned Parenthood on health centers.
The National Women's Law Center recent report titled “Trump’s War on Working Women.” provides an overview of how federal policies and actions over the past year have affected workplace protections, labor force participation, wages, and civil rights enforcement for working women, especially women of color and other historically excluded groups.
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ERA News
ABOUT THE ERA COALITION
The
ERA Coalition/Fund for Women's Equality was founded in 2014 to bring concerted, organized action to the effort to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Comprised of nearly one hundred organizations across the country, the Coalition provides education and advocacy on Constitutional Equality. The ERA Coalition’s groundbreaking research indicates that more than 94% of all Americans want an Equal Rights Amendment. The ERA Coalition/FFWE has offices in New York City and Washington, DC
For more information about the Equal Rights Amendment and ERA Coalition, please visit our website .
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Help us make 2026 a strong year for the 28th Amendment by supporting our work and programs, so that we finally realize its full potential. This year, we will focus on:
- Get Out The Vote (GOTV) efforts through our Equal Voice | Equal Vote campaign that targets key voting demographics, mobilizing voters who want to see a world where everyone's rights are protected.
- Informing voters of where their candidates stand on sex and gender equality using our Elect Equality platform, identifying which candidates proudly support the ERA and equality.
- Encouraging the public to claim the 28th Amendment as theirs through our It’s our Era: Claim the 28th Amendment campaign, by educating communities on the status of the ERA to make sex and gender equality the law of the land.
- Working with Congress to affirm the validity of the ERA as the 28th Amendment to the US Constitution.
- Supporting state Equal Rights Amendment efforts and related legislation.
Gender equality is not optional—it is the bedrock of a functional democracy, a constitutional foundation that protects us from sex discrimination and strengthens protections for reproductive freedom, workplace fairness, voting access, military service, and more.
The promise of equality belongs to all of us, and together we will see it fully realized.
Zakiya Thomas, President & CEO, ERA Coalition/ERA Coalition Forward
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Equal Pay Day Coalition News
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Equal Pay Day Coalition Partners
The Michigan Equal Pay Coalition is working to raise awareness of the wage gap between men and women and call for action from policymakers.
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MI EPD Coalition Partners
Supporting Organizations:
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Michigan Women’s Commission: A Voice for Michigan Women
The 15-member Michigan Women's Commission was created by statute in 1968. Commission duties include reviewing the status of women in Michigan, directing attention to critical problems confronting women, and recognizing women's accomplishments and contributions to Michigan. Commissioners are appointed by the Governor and serve three-year terms.
If you would like to get in touch with Shannon M. Garret, Chief Strategy Officer and the Luncheon Speaker at Convention, please connect with her here:
Shannon M. Garrett | Chief Strategy Officer
Michigan Women’s Commission
A Voice for Michigan Women
Email: garretts5@michigan.gov
Cell: 517-940-2422
Website | YouTube
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn
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Fighting for Mail-In Ballots
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February Webinars and Events
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Please join us on Wednesday, February 18, from 6:00–7:30 p.m. for Sexual Health in Recovery: Consent & Relationships, a webinar designed for folks in treatment or recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD), those who work within recovery communities, or anyone looking to build a deeper understanding of the role consent and relationships play in our overall sexual health.
This program is co-created and presented by our Sexual Health Ambassadors, a group of adults in long-term recovery from a substance use disorder who have completed PPMI's extensive training program and serve as a valuable community resource.
SIGN ME UP!
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WomanUp & Pitch Mid-Michigan
Is this Tuesday, Feb 17 at 5:30 p.m.
And you’re invited to watch it all unfold LIVE online.
Nine women entrepreneurs from across Mid-Michigan have spent months refining their business plans with expert coaches. Now it’s their moment to pitch live for cash prizes — and you get a front-row seat.
Why tune in:
- Watch pitches from Mid-Michigan women entrepreneurs — root them on!
- Real-time feedback from experienced judges
- Winners announced LIVE: Find out who wins $10,000, $5,000, and $2,500
- Vote for your favorite to win the $1,000 Audience Choice Award
- All from the comfort (and warmth) of home
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Sound as Resistance is a Black History Month community-curated playlist uplifting Black trans and queer artists whose work reminds us that music has always been a tool for memory, movement, and possibility. These songs hold our stories. They remind us who we come from. They help us imagine what freedom can feel like.
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VIA NFBPWC -
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)
We’re advocating to protect the IRA from rollbacks and ensure its historic investments in clean energy and climate resilience remain in place.
Take Action for the IRA
Stop the SAVE Act
The so-called SAVE Act would impose voter suppression tactics under the guise of election security. We're urging lawmakers to reject this dangerous bill. Take Action on the SAVE Act
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Speak up on the issues that matter.
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Some Michigan Trivia
Q. What revolutionary dental tool was patented by G.F. Green of Kalamazoo in 1875?
A. The electric dental drill
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Michigan Legislation
Governor Gretchen Whitmer will deliver her final State of the State Address on the evening of Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00PM. The address will be held in the Michigan House Chambers in front of a joint session of the Michigan House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate and broadcast live throughout the state.
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Know Your Rights, Michigan
All eyes are on Minneapolis this month, but federal agencies continue to escalate their attacks on communities nationwide, from Los Angeles to Chicago to Maine. In the face of these unprecedented operations, Planned Parenthood of Michigan reaffirms our commitment to serving all people regardless of immigration status.
Ensuring that PPMI health centers remain safe spaces for our patients and their loved ones is one of our top priorities. We do not allow law enforcement or federal agents into our health centers without valid judicial warrants, and we have policies in place to ensure that we are doing everything possible to protect patient privacy and safety.
In a time like this, it’s important that everyone remains informed and knows their rights. Below are some resources from trusted community partners designed to help you understand your legal rights, stay safe during encounters with federal agents, and support your communities.
- Know Your Rights with ICE: A helpful new guide from our friends at Michigan Voices, ACLU of Michigan, and the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center.
- Red Cards: Red Cards provide information on how to exercise your rights during encounters with immigration enforcement. You can order Red Cards online in a variety of languages or download files to print them yourself.
- ACLU of Michigan’s Know Your Rights mobile hub: Bookmark this page for quick access to the ACLU’s library of immigration rights resources.
- Michigan Immigrant Rights Center: MIRC connects detainees and their families with assistance, offers a guide to help prepare your family and community for encounters with immigration enforcement, and more.
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If you or someone you know needs to talk, here are lifelines where compassionate support is available:
- Stand with Trans Ally Parent Program: 833-435-7798
- Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741 or AYUDA to 741-741 for Spanish support
- Trevor Project Chat: (866) 488-7386 or Text START to 678-678
- National LGBT Hotline: (888) 246-7743
- LGBT Youth Talkline: (800) 246-7743
- LGBT Senior Hotline: (888) 234-7243
- Blackline: (800) 604-5841
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If you know of a school or school district that is violating students' civil rights laws, here is what you should do:
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It’s especially important to prioritize your well-being and be aware of resources for those who may need them. Here are some that could help.
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 1-800-656-4673 or chat at rainn.org for support after sexual assault including referrals to the closest rape crisis center.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free and confidential support from a crisis counselor.
- VictimConnect Resource Center: Visit victimconnect.org or call 855-484-2846 to learn about your rights and get emotional support as a crime victim.
- End Rape on Campus: Visit endrapeoncampus.org to learn about your institution’s sexual assault investigation policies, prevention efforts, and survivor support resources with the Campus Accountability Map + Tool.
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Hotlines and resources to provide support to survivors are always available. Make sure that you reach out for help if you, or someone you know, need it.
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Themes of the Month: February
African-American Cultural Heritage Month,
American Heart Month, Declutter For A Cause Month, International Boost Self-Esteem Month, International Month of Black Women in The Arts Link, Library Lovers Month, National African American Read-In Link, National Black History Month, National Children's Dental Health Month Link, National Mend A Broken Heart Month, National Self Check Month Link, National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Link, National Women Inventors Month, North American Inclusion Month (NAIM) Link, Relationship Wellness Month, Wise Health Care Consumer Month
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BPW/MI members making it
Celeste Bennett, BPW/MI member is working on her
next book in her Yarn Genie Mysteries. She has also been featured as
part of IFBPW Artslink. You can find more information about her books
at celestebennett.com.
Sue Oser, Affiliate member, is now a writer/blogger for Patheos. You can find her writings here:
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/theangelwriterspiritualreal/author/soser/
Pam Withrow has two books, an autobiography
called Welfare to Warden and a memoir called Madam
Warden. Both are available through Amazon or from her
at Pamelawithrow.com,
although you cannot order through the website. However, you can
contact Pam through it. Only Madam Warden is
featured on the website. She has also been a featured writer
through IFBPW Artslink.
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Who is getting the Monday Minutes in your local? Are those without email access staying informed to the latest? Please help in passing along information to those members via your local meetings or otherwise. If you know someone who is not getting a Monday Minute or other email information, please let us know how we can help.
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