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Business and Professional Women's Monday Minute
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August is National Wellness Month. I hope you all find a moment to take care of yourself. Maybe for you that is a night out with girlfriends, a solitary walk on the beach, a reminder to get a checkup or trying a new craft. I hope you all have a healthy month (and beyond).
August 4th is primary election day. If you have not participated in early voting or mail in voting, I encourage you to get out and vote. Voting is our way of letting our voices be heard. What to see what if on your ballet before you hit the poles?
What's on the ballot?
August 12th is International Youth Day. A day to focus on young women’s empowerment by organizing workshops, mentorship programs or educational events highlighting girls’ leadership and contributions. August would be a great time to invite young people to a local BPW meeting. Let them know that we are here to stand with them and support them.
The Executive Committee has been working toward compiling data from the Michigan Convention held in May and looking forward to the Fall board meeting in early November. This year's fall board meeting will be in Lansing. I look forward to seeing many of you at that meeting and hearing how your local is helping to achieve equity for working women.
Forging Forward,
Margaret
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Editor's
Note
Happy August.
Below you will find information on a lot of events coming up for Women's History Month and beyond. Shirley Zeller wrote an article on the NFBPWC General Assembly with pictures, including a few from Susan Murphy.
So, if you want to send anything to be published, please contact me by the end of the month for the next issues from now on at angelbpw1719@gmail.com.
Since some of you are letting me know that you are not seeing all the information in the newsletter, I wantedto share the following informatin.
The newletter only shows part of the newsletter, you have to scroll to the bottom of your email message to click expand and it will open into a new Google window where you can see the whole newsletter.
So, the information has all been there. You probably just need to click on the right link to see the rest. However, with some email systems like AOL and others, you should be able to see the whole newsletter. It's just Gmail that's a little goofy.
This is what you should be seeing at the top of your email. If not, please check your SPAM folder. Sometimes the newsletter has ended up there for some people.
If you are on Google mail you should see something that says "View entire message". Click on that link.
When you click on the link in the email, it will open up to a new page like this and you should be able to see the entire newsletter in full.
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Announcements Around BPW
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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:
August Birthdays
15 - Brooke Harris, Keweenaw
22- Patrivia Gougeon, Jackson
30 - Brandi Eggleston, Albion
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:
"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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Happy Hour is taking a break this summer.
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Affiliate Liaison Updates
If you are an affiliate or know of one, please contact Sue Oser. at angelbpw1719@gmail.com. Right now, most of our communication will be VIA email unless we need to meet or decide to get together when we can.
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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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NFBPWC Executive Committee (2026-2028):
Barbara Bozeman, President
Nicole Mpouli, VP Membership
Barbara J. Davis, VP Advocacy
Nermin Ahmad, Secretary
Dr. Jo Naylor, Treasurer
Open, Young BPW
Megan Shellman-Rickard, Immediate Past President
Shirley Zeller, Parliamentarian
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Share your NFBPWC Magazine—share YOUR BPW
https://www.nfbpwc.org/emagazine
1. Post this link to the magazine page of the NFBPWC website wherever you share about your local organization: on your website, on your Instagram, on your Facebook page, on your TicToc.
2. Add it to the end of your club’s email signature and your own.
3. Add it to all your personal social media accounts as well
Next month’s theme is Beyond Hurricanes & First Aid Kits, Rethinking Preparedness for Business, Leadership, and Life
Please take a minute to share your thoughts with your NFBPWC sisters by emailing them to magazine@NFBPWC.org.
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INSPIRING! MOTIVATING! EXCITING!
Those are three ways to describe the experience of being part of the NFBPWC Biennial Conference. It’s always great to meet and greet friends from around the United States and even members from Regional BPW and International BPW. Five members from Michigan attended – Jean Porter, Susan Murphy, Shirley Zeller in person and Barb Henton and Sue Oser on zoom.
We arrived in time to attend the ERA Summit with the facilitator, Arlaine Rockey, re-affirming our need to encourage entry of the ERA into the United States Constitution.
The various workshops were so relative to what we do daily – grant writing, using AI to our advantage, branding, and bridges beyond borders. All the leaders were informational and made the topic relative. Lunch speakers included the North Carolina Secretary of State, Elaine Marshall, and Laura Davis, a financial expert.
Sponsors of the conference (see photo) were Mt. Olive Pickle Company and The Sock Factory. A “fake” pickle was included in each goody bag and crazy compression socks were door prizes throughout the conference.
Then on to the business of the convention:
- Candle lighting ceremony – impressive candles lit for all US, Regional and International BPW’s
- Election of officers – elected for 2026-2028 terms:
- Barbara Bozeman, NC – President
- Nicole Mpouli, WA – 1st VP – Membership
- Barbara Davis, CA – 2nd VP – Advocacy
- Nermin Ahmad, NY – Secretary
- Dr. Jo Naylor, NC (and other places) – Treasurer
- Shirley Zeller, MI (appointed, not elected) – Parliamentarian Sandy Thompson, PNP, installed the new officers.
- Bylaws – can be fun. There were 60 amendments to be considered. After only 5 amendments were considered (including a dues increase), the meeting was recessed to a scheduled zoom meeting on July 30 to complete the bylaws. That meeting was held for 4 ½ hours on the 30th and completed the consideration and the Biennial conference was adjourned at 12:30 a.m.(EDT) on July 31.
THE END – FOR NOW
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The new NFBPWC Executive Committe - Left to Right - Jo Naylor, Treasurer; Nermin Ahmad, Secretary, Barbara Davis, V.P. Advocacy, Nicole Mpouli, - V.P. Membership; Barbara Bozeman, President, Angie- Davis Wilson, Nominations Chair (Photo courtesy of Susan Murphy)
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Shirley Johnson, Past President (Photo courtesy of Susan Murphy)
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Attendes at the ERA Summit (Photo courtesy of Susan Murphy)
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A Compresion sock and a pickle (Photo courtesy of Shirley Zeller)
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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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Two topics: The Women in the Workforce Database of Resources and Women’s Empowerment at UN Women
BPW Canada’s Women in the Workforce Database of Resources:
Launch date is getting closer! The Women in the Workforce Database of Resources is continuing on the path to launch by mid-2026.
The Women’s Empowerment Committee is working with the Communications Committee to add the database of resources to the BPW Canada website.
If you become aware of additional resources for women in the workforce in any part of Canada, please keep track of that for a few more weeks. There will be a way for you to add and update the resources listed so that the database can stay current. We will ask for your help to do this before the database is launched to the public.
Thank you to the Women’s Empowerment Committee members: Gillian Morris (Hastings & Prince Edward), Shahina Suleman (North Toronto – Oct 2024-Jul 2025), Cecilia Omole (North Toronto – Oct-Dec 2025). It took all of us to get the project to this point.
Thank you to all the members of BPW Canada who responded to the WE Committee’s requests for help to identify resources for the Women in the Workforce Database of Resources.
Thank you to the members of the Communications Committee who are working with us to realize these objectives and complete the public launch of the Women in the Workforce Database of Resources.
Women’s Empowerment at UN Women
There are lots of opportunities to learn and connect with the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPS) Community at UN Women.
We invite you to
- register for upcoming webinars,
- revisit recordings of previous learning events, and
- explore new resources and reports
If your company or employer has not yet signed on to the Women’s Empowerment Principles, it’s not too late.
UN Women recently launched WEPs Learning Clinics, designed to help WEPs Signatories tackle areas of struggle, including induction information for new signatories and information sharing with other signatories. Some of these are for WEPS signatories only. Space is limited. I encourage you to check it out now. https://www.weps.org/
Kathryn MunnKathryn Munn
Chair, Women’s Empowerment Committee
BPW Canada
womensempowerment@bpwcanada.com
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Advocacy Alley
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Michigan Legislative Platform Focus
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2026-2027 BPW/MICHIGAN
LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM AND ADVOCACY PRIORITIES
PREAMBLE
The Equal Rights Amendment, as authored by Alice Paul, is the priority above all other issues that may appear on this advocacy platform until equal rights for women and men becomes guaranteed in the United States Constitution. The Equal Rights Amendment:
“Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.”
ADVOCACY PRIORITIES
Economic Equity and Justice
· Demand that all federal state and local governments recognize the protections of the ERA as the 28th Amendment—as ratified by 38 states and Congress.
· Support access to pay equity, retirement equity, and financial stability
· Support access to educational opportunity
· Support access to equal opportunities in the workplace and corporate boards
Human Rights
· Support the eradication of domestic violence, gun violence and human trafficking
· Oppose discrimination based on sexual orientation in all areas including marriage, housing, child custody and employment
· Support civil & human rights of all immigrants, including a sensible path to legal status
Health
· Support the constitutional right for all people to make the best healthcare decisions for themselves, their families and their future without governmental interference
· Support the development of health care research policies that recognize the special health care needs of women
· Support expansion of mental health coverage and services
Adopted at BPW/Michigan State Convention – 5/2/2026
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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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Get your copy of Equal Means Equal: The Case for Recognizing the ERA as the 28th Amendment, a fully revised and updated edition of the book written by ERA Coalition co-founder and President Emerita Jessica Neuwirth, with a foreword by Gloria Steinem, today! Equal Means Equal examines and explains “the current state of the (Equal Rights) Amendment and lays out the ever greater need for the Amendment through powerful contemporary legal cases and real-world examples. From pay inequity and pregnancy discrimination to violence against women, Neuwirth demonstrates how the lack of constitutional sex equality continues to harm women in the post-Roe era.”
You can support the ERA Coalition directly by ordering the book from The New Press:
Use promo code: ERACoalition at checkout — The New Press will donate $5 per book to the ERA Coalition.
We also encourage you to watch the powerful book promo and share it widely. Every book purchased using the code ERACoalition is a direct investment in the fight for constitutional sex equality.
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Equal Voice | Equal Vote: Your story matters. Share what gender equality means to you — in your own words, from your own life. Your voice will become part of our 2026 Equal Voice | Equal Vote digital campaign, amplified across our website and social media to inspire others and drive real change. Submit your story
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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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Save the Date!
Women's Equality Day Celebration
Saturday, August 29, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. ET
St. Mary's Cultural & Banquet Center
18100 Merriman Road, Livonia
Mark your calendar with the date of the annual Women's Equality Day celebration hosted by AAUW of Michigan. This year's luncheon will be held at St. Mary's Cultural & Banquet Center in Livonia on Saturday, August 29, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET. The theme for this year's celebration is "Education and the ERA," and we are assembling a panel of speakers representing K-12, College/University, and STEM Education. Registration opens June 15; stay tuned for upcoming emails with more information.
This event features inspiring speakers, delicious food, and a chance to connect with like-minded individuals. Let's come together to commemorate the progress made towards gender equality and work to finally pass the Equal Rights Amendment!
Don't miss this opportunity to honor and celebrate the 106th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, women's rights, and the achievements and contributions of women!
Link to Eventbrite online registration.
Link to offline registration and sponsorship.
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Other events around Michigan honoring Women's Equality Month
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Wins for Women – Women's Equality Day Event
Governor Whitmer has centered Michigan's women and families by pursuing policies that make a difference in their lives. The Michigan Women’s Commission (MWC) has worked with the Governor to implement many of these policies. The MWC wants to celebrate our collaboration with Governor Whitmer and the Governor’s incredible work to help Michigan women and families thrive.
MWC will host a virtual event to highlight and celebrate Gov. Whitmer and her administration’s wins for women from child care to workforce development.
Date & Time: Wednesday, Aug. 26, beginning at 9:45 a.m.
Location: Virtual
Registration TBA
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The Community Engagement Department is hosting our annual She Rocks Westland (Women of Westland) event on Thursday, August 27th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at City Hall (36300 Warren). Enjoy a delicious dinner, entertainment, and inspiring speeches as we celebrate the women of Westland and their accomplishments in business, education, and leadership! Call 734-722-7620 to reserve your spot at this free and uplifting event!
She Rocks Westland (Women of Westland)
- When: Thursday, August 27, 2026
- Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Where: Westland City Hall Gene McKinney Ballroom (36300 Warren)
- Age Group: All ages
- Registration: Encouraged on the Recreation Portal
- Details: An annual evening dinner event to celebrate the women of Westland and their accomplishments in business, education, and leadership.
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Celebrate year round with the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council. Follow us on Facebook and sign up
(www.ggrwhc.org/contact/) for our newsletter, if you haven’t already!
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Steps you can take to honor the work of women and men who fought for passage of the 19th Amendment:
Learn more about women's suffrage history and important local suffrage leaders by browsing the GGRWHC digital suffrage exhibit.
Register to vote (or share information on how to register to vote in Michigan)
Learn more about the candidates and issues on the ballot in your district.
Take action!:
Volunteer to help with local voter registration drives through the League of Women Voters or other nonprofits.
Sign up to be an election worker.
Learn about legislation and policies affecting voting rights in Michigan and express your views to legislators.
Run for office, work on a campaign, or find other ways to participate in the democratic process.
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Contact Your Representatives
Speak up on the issues that matter!
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Michigan Legislation
Gov. Whitmer Statement on DC
Republican Cuts Forcing Planned
Parenthood Closures
Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement on news that Planned Parenthood of Michigan will close three health centers due to cuts made by DC Republicans.
“Today is yet another consequence of DC Republicans’ historic attacks on reproductive freedom, health care access, and Medicaid.
“We’ve been clear about this since the passage of the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ last year: these devastating cuts would force key health care providers like Planned Parenthood to close doors and shutter services, cutting Michiganders off from the critical health care they need. Planned Parenthood provides critical care, like cancer screenings, routine checkups, menopause treatment, and more, which are all at risk due to the DC Republicans’ cuts.
“Republicans in Washington should be ashamed of themselves for putting women’s lives at risk.”
To read more about Governor Whitmer’s record fighting to protect reproductive freedoms, click here.
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Q. What safety and traffic flow feature was first introduced near Trenton in 1911?
A. Painted center lines
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New: 2026 Voter Issue Guide
AAUW and the AAUW Action Fund published a nonpartisan Voter Issue Guide to highlight what’s at stake in the 2026 elections — from public education and higher education access to equal pay, reproductive freedom, and voting rights. Use it to learn more, start conversations in your community, and ask candidates the questions that matter. You can also watch the webinar, From Issues That Matter to Actions That Count, to learn how to use the guide for voter education and community engagement.
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“Women, if the soul of the nation is to be saved, I believe that you must become its soul.” — Coretta Scott King
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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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Make sure you are following these accounts for the latest info on how to prepare for future extreme weather events and get alerted if there will be any extreme weather events in your area:
Follow these accounts on Twitter (X) and Facebook:
- National Weather Service, Grand Rapids: @NWSGrandRapids and NWSGrandRapids
- National Weather Service, Gaylord: @NWSGaylord and NWSGaylord
- National Weather Service, Detroit: @NWSDetroit and NWSDetroit
- National Weather Service, Marquette: @NWSMarquette and NWSMarquette
- National Weather Service, Northern Indiana: @NWSIWX and NWSNorthernIndiana
- Federal Emergency Management Agency: @FEMA and FEMA
- Ready.gov: @Readygov and Readygov
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: @NOAA and NOAA
In addition, check out these sites for other safety tips:
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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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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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