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Business and Professional Women's Monday Minute
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Thank you to all that were able to attend the 108th annual convention this past weekend. We had massages, a raffle,
an amazing speaker, good food, great fellowship and snuck a little business in there also.
Congratulations to the new members of our Executive Committee: Janet Wolfinger (Jackson) is the new Secretary and
Brooke Harris (Keweenaw) is our new Treasurer.
Regardless of whether you attended or not, there will be a survey coming to your inbox in the next day or so. Please
help us make the next convention even better by giving us a few minutes of your time with some feedback.
Remember, May Days are Pay Days.
We need your membership forms sent electronically to our membership chair Sandy (dadmomashben@yahoo.com ) and a list
of who those members are, with what they are paying (could be a duos duo situation), along with your entire locals
dues sent as one check* to our treasurer Kathy (yes we just elected a new treasurer but until she is able to set up
signatures on the accounts, Kathy is our gal).
*Affiliates, please electronically send your form to Sandy and payment to Kathy.
Whether you are a mom, a step-mom, a mom to fur babies, or support a friend like a mom, Happy Mothers Day.
Forging Forward,
Margaret
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Editor's
Note
Happy May everyone!
This is your Monday Minute Captain writing to you.
I'm making a few changes to the Monday Minute that will make my work easier and kind of streamline the process a
little bit.
I want to make sure there is more of a BPW focus as well as a focus on those areas that are important to the
organization at every level.
I am hoping to get lots of pictures and announcements from your local organizations and also any pictures you took
during Convention. (Maybe that could be a contest in the future?)
If you are a committee chair, please let me know what information you'd like me to post for each issue and I'll
make sure it gets in.
As always please contact me at angelbpw1719@gmail.com.
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Announcements Around BPW
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State Convention Follow-up
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At the May BPW Convention,
Keynote Speaker Greg Peters gave a fun and informative presentation on networking and how we should think
about it just a bit differently.
Greg's website: https://thereluctantnetworker.com/
(Photo courtesy of Sue Oser)
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BPW/Michigan
Schedule of Events
2026-27 Schedule
Happy Hour Thursdays (3rd Thursdays of the Month)
Fall Board - November 7, 2026
Virtual Spring Board - March 18, 2027
State Convention - May 1, 2027
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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 a local restaurant at
5:30pm 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 would like to honor the following birthdays:
May Birthdays
1 - Terry Hale, West Branch
6 - Kerri Sleeman, Keweenaw
Samantha Ringler, Ionia
12 - Pamela Hilts, West Branch
18 - Angela McIntyre, Wayne
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. Also please update your membership chair of any birthdays or updates.
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As quoted from President Margaret (above):
"We need your membership forms sent electronically to our membership chair Sandy (dadmomashben@yahoo.com) and a list of who those members are, with what they are paying (could be a duos duo situation), along with your entire locals dues sent as one check* to our treasurer Kathy (yes we just elected a new treasurer but until she is able to set up signatures on the accounts, Kathy is our gal).
*Affiliates, please electronically send your form to Sandy and payment to Kathy."
Membership form link download.
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If you have any photos to contribute for any events, sent them to angelbpw1719@gmail.com. |
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Affiliate Liaison Updates
We were happy to be represented at this May's Convention. It was great to see everyone in attendance. Hopefully we can get together on Zoom again for a recap and a look forward into the 2026-27 term.
If you are an affiliate or know of one, please contact Sue Oser. at angelbpw1719@gmail.com.
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Michigan Democratic Legacy Dinner
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My name is Karen Hunt, and I have an assignment from Michigan History Magazine to write an article about the Detroit Business Women's Club, which later became part of Business and Professional Women's Foundation. I would very much like to talk with someone about your organization and its history at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Karen Pier Hunt
248 906 9434
Email:
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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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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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If you have any photos to contribute for any events, sent them to angelbpw1719@gmail.com. |
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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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Link to NFBPWC National Newsletter - Click Here for current issue and archives. |
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National Events
Please click on here for a schedule calendar of monthly events. IF you are registered on the website, please sign in so you can sign up.
Highlights of some events are included below:
Every Friday: Friday Night Conversations (BPW members only)
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You are invited to join us for:
BPW Paso del Norte Presents: Identify and Engage Sponsors
When: 2 May 2026 12:00 PM, EDT
Where: Zoom (BPW Members Only)
EVENT DETAILS:
BPW Paso del Norte Presents Part 3 of their 3 part Leadership Series
Join us for "Identify and Engage Sponsors"
Saturday, May 9nd, 12pm - 2pm EST
We look forward to seeing you there!
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You are invited to join us for:
Who are You and What Do You? Making Your Pitch Work in Real Conversations
When: 13 May 2026 8:00 PM, EDT
Where: Zoom (open to the public)
Join us for a practical and engaging program designed to help you introduce yourself, your business, your goals, or your expertise with greater clarity and confidence. Whether you are a business owner, professional, job seeker, leader, volunteer, or simply someone who wants to communicate more effectively, this session will help you strengthen the way you present yourself in everyday conversations and unexpected opportunities.
We’ll explore what makes an introduction memorable, how to speak about what you do without sounding rehearsed, and ways to adapt your message for networking events, meetings, conferences, and real-life connections. Come ready to learn, reflect, and refine one of the most valuable tools you carry with you every day—your voice
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"Igniting Potential, Strengthening
Skills,
and Expanding Reach"
Members of NFBPWC are invited to attend the California Federation's
Annual Conference.
Agenda:
Friday, May 15th, 12:45pm - 2pm PDT Presentation: "Outstanding Women in Space"
2pm - 5pm PDT CFBPWC Board of Directors Meeting
Saturday, May 16th, 8:30am - 12pm PDT CFBPWC Business Meeting
2pm - 5pm PDT Panel Discussion Sustainable Development Goals
Sunday, May 17th, Post Conference Board of Directors Meeting
If you have questions, please contact:
· CFBPW President Sher Singh at president.cfbpw@gmail.com.
· Barbara Davis, CFBPW L3 Chair at bjdavis1001@gmail.com.
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The California Federation's Annual Conference will start out with a presentation from
Dr. Pascal Lee. Join us by Zoom.
Dr. Lee is a planetary scientist with the SETI Institute, the Mars Institute, and the NASA Ames Research Center
in Mountain View, California as well as professor of planetary sciences at Kepler Space University. He is
internationally known for his research on the Moon and Mars and planning future exploration by humans.
https://zoom.us/j/92246208008?pwd=Yp7Qp6ESBNoWzDnfPbtaV89yoqON12.1
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Save the Date
July 16-19, 2026 NFBPWC General Assembly in Raleigh/Durham hosted by
NFBPWC North Carolina
REGISTER HERE
Be Visible. Be Vocal. Be Visionary.
IGNITE 2026, welcomes members and partners from around the United States and around the world for focused
learning, leadership development and connection...
and FUN!
Light your torch and join us.
You can attend in person or via limited access through Zoom.
More Details available - including the link to Hotel Registration on the Biennial Hub page.
Click Here!
NFBPWC will pay up to two members per eligible affiliate/federation $500 for attending the NFBPWC 2026 Biennial
Conference in person, to assist with travel and hotel expenses.
Eligible Affiliates/ Federations are:
Arizona, California, Colorado, Michigan, New York City, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virtual and
Washington.
This is payable to the BPW Affiliate Club for distribution to its member(s) after confirming conference
attendance.
Contact your Affiliate or Federation President if you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity.
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National Board Meetings
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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From the NFBPWC magazine editor:
This month I’d love it if you’d share some of the books you enjoy that spotlight neglected elements of women’s history or feature strong female protagonists. Please take a minute to share your treasures with your NFBPWC sisters by emailing magazine@NFBPWC.org.
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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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Regional Coordinator’s Message
– Spring Momentum: Celebrating Leadership, Listening to Members, and Looking Ahead to NAC Conference 2026
Greetings everyone – Spring is finally here and I am sure we are all very happy about that.
BPW International hosted a wonderful Leader’s Summit in New York City on March 6 & 7th, led by PIP Liz Benham and Past NAC RC Dawne Williams. It was an excellent event with lots of opportunity for participants to interact and share and Liz and Dawne did a fantastic job. We had participation from members from Canada, St Kitts, USA and St Martin and they are prepared to share what they learned with their affiliates. A gala dinner was held on March 7th to celebrate BPW International’s 95th anniversary year with a moving Candle lighting Ceremony.
BPW Listens – Your Voice Matters has now come to a close. I thank all of you that participated from the start – attending the meetings last fall so we could put together questions/input from the NAC region, being involved in the Pilot survey and those of you that completed the survey. Now the work begins to analyze the results and put together actions/projects/programs to meet the needs of our members. Results will be shared once the team has had a chance to review them.
Our NAC conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada is getting closer and I hope many of you have August 23 – 25, 2026 in your calendars. Everything you will need to know is on the website so please check it out – the link for our special hotel rates are posted there – each room has a view of either the Canadian or US Falls at a wonderful rate, considering it’s summer time in one of the busiest areas of the country. Our NAC Young BPW Rep Deanza is putting together a great Young BPW Symposium for August 23rd (everyone is welcome), so I hope we will have a great turnout to support her and the Young BPW members.
NAC 2026 Regional Conference - HOME - BPW Canada
I wish you a joyful and peaceful holiday time filled with meaning and happiness.
Karin Gorgerat
Past President 2022-2024
BPW Canada
Regional Coordinator North America and the Caribbean, BPW International
karin.g@sympatico.ca
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Advocacy Alley
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Michigan Legislative Platform Focus
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A new copy of the updated Legislative Platform is on it's way. Please stay tuned.
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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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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.
Supporting Organizations:
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Think you know the facts about the gender pay gap?
Take our quick quiz to test your knowledge. |
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2026 Equal Pay Day Calendar
- All Women’s Equal Pay Day – March 26
- Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Women’s Equal Pay Day – April 9
- LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day – June 17
- Black Women’s Equal Pay Day – July 21
- Moms’ Equal Pay Day – August 6
- Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) Women’s Equal Pay Day – September 15
- Latina Equal Pay Day – October 8
- Disabled Women’s Equal Pay Day – October 20
- Native Women’s Equal Pay Day – November 19
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Contact Your Representatives
Speak up on the issues that matter.
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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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Women Who Move Detroit
- Women Who Move Detroit is a tribute to the power of ambition and a reminder of the incredible impact women have when they lead with purpose. Read on to learn more about these movers and shakers and their contributions to metro Detroit.
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Michigan Legislation
Gov. Whitmer Statement on Appeals Court Decision Effectively Banning Telemedicine Abortions
Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement after the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted a stay instituting a nationwide ban on prescribing mifepristone via telehealth, effectively prohibiting FDA-approved telemedicine abortions:
“This decision is another dangerous, partisan attempt to erode reproductive freedom. Mifepristone has been approved by the FDA and safely used for decades. Banning it in this way is based on politics, not science.
“It’s clear that extremists have no intention of stopping at Roe. We must remain vigilant as the nationwide assault on abortion and all forms of reproductive health care, including birth control and IVF, continues.
“Here in Michigan, we repealed our criminal bans on abortion and surrogacy, enshrined abortion rights in our state constitution, and made it easier to access birth control and IVF. We will keep fighting like hell in Michigan to protect people’s fundamental freedom to make their own decisions about their own bodies.”
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“A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman.” — Melinda French Gates
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Women’s Declaration of
Independence - July 2026
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Here’s a link to a version of the US Constitution with all 28 Amendments.
https://tinyurl.com/muupzn9c
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While the November Midterm elections are already on many Americans’ minds, did you know that Michigan actually has two other elections this year?
The first one is on May 5, when many communities will hold local municipal elections and there is a special election in Michigan's 35th State Senate District to fill a vacancy in the state Senate. To find out whether your community has a local election on May 5, visit mi.gov/vote.
Primary elections will also be here before you know it: Tuesday, August 4. Every seat in the Michigan Legislature is on the ballot this year, and the primaries will determine which candidates advance to the November midterms.
With so many important elections on the horizon, now is a great time for Michiganders statewide to make sure their voter registration is up to date. Eligible Michiganders can register online, by mail, or in person.
To learn more about your rights as a Michigan voter,
visit MichiganVoting.org.
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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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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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Other 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: May
Better Hearing & Speech Month Link
Better Sleep Month Link
Bladder Cancer Awareness Month Link
Building Safety Month Link
Celiac Awareness Month Link
Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month Link
Lupus Awareness Month Link
Military Appreciation Month Link
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Link
National Allergy/Asthma Awareness Month Link
National Electrical Safety Month Link
National High Blood Pressure Education Month Link
National Inventors Month Link
National Lyme Disease Awareness Month Link
Oncology Nurses Month Link
Personal History Month Link
Skin Cancer Awareness Month Link
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Register now for CPR/First Aid and BSAC classes on
demand!
Visit the website at cadycprsolutions.com
Triple P provider. Contact Marsha
Riibner-Cady for details!
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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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