Welcome to the web site of the Illinois Federation of Business & Professional Women’s Organization (IFBPW).  When our organization was founded 90 years ago, women were just beginning to enter the work force.  Now we represent the driving force behind the economy, hold positions in every conceivable career and profession and are starting our own businesses in record numbers.  Yet in many areas women still lag behind their male counterparts by earning lower wages, holding significantly fewer top-level positions and being denied health insurance, paid sick leave and other benefits.  Through education, networking and advocacy, IFBPW is striving to help women achieve equity in the workplace.

 Following this year’s theme of "Extreme Makeover", we are reaching out to working women throughout the State to offer them opportunities for personal and professional growth.  If you are looking to make yourself over personally or professionally this is the organization for you.  At local monthly meetings our members network, hear speakers on topics of interest to working women, learn about current legislative issues, get involved in local service projects, offer scholarships and form lasting friendships.  At the region level, we provide officer & committee member training, personal and professional development and Womenomics forums.  At the state level, we are building coalitions with other women’s advocacy groups, offer scholarships through the Celia M. Howard Fellowship Fund, provide mentoring to college-age women, publish a quarterly Newsletter available on-line and in print form and are planning a lobby day next Spring.  We also recognize the achievements of individual working women with our Young Professional competition and our Outstanding Working Women of Illinois (OWWI) Award.

Mary Manin Morrissey can be quoted as saying, “Don't wait for something big to occur. Start where you are, with what you have, and that will always lead you into something greater.” As an organization founded on the concept of “women helping women,” we work hard to provide today’s working women with the tools necessary to not only survive in their workplaces, but to get ahead.  So I am inviting you to start with the Illinois Federation of Business and Professional Women. Give us a try.  I’m confident this organization will change your life for the better, just as it has changed mine. 

Best Personal Wishes                                                                                 

2010-2011 President