Welcome to the web site of the Illinois Federation of Business & Professional Women’s Organization (BPW/IL).  When our organization was founded 88 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, BPW/IL is striving to help women achieve equity in the workplace.

 Following this year’s theme of "BPW is the Place to B - Believe, Belong, Become", we are reaching out to working women throughout the State to offer them opportunities for personal and professional growth.  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 leadership training, an Individual Development Course (IDC) 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 Careerist (YC) competition and our Outstanding Working Women of Illinois (OWWI) Award.