About Us
History of ABWA
Women have always worked, whether it was in the home or in the business sector. During the height of WWII, women were not only encouraged to enter the workforce, they were deluged with propaganda to join the workforce because it was their patriotic duty. When the war was over, many women lost their jobs, and were reminded that their first responsibility was to their home and their family.
On September 22, 1949, Shirley Cupp, Irma Beisel, Frances Stuckey and Mr. Hilary Bufton Jr. met in a coffee shop in downtown Kansas City to incorporate the American Business Women’s Association at a time when it was considered socially unacceptable for women to pursue a full-time career, have a girls night out or even join an association.
A statement made by Mr. Bufton in the early 50s summarizes ABWA’s impact on societal norms: “In many ways, the first generation of ABWA members were the breaking tradition…Without even knowing it, I guess they were paving the way for today’s women.”
While women’s opportunities and pay in the business sector have evolved, there is still work to be done. Breaking barriers for women and on behalf of women is nothing new in ABWA. We’ve been doing so since 1949!
Mission Statement
The mission of The American Business Women’s Association is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition.
Our Vision
The Oxon Hill Charter Chapter is a professional organization devoted to the building of interpersonal relations and dedicated to the development of members personally and professionally. Further, the chapter is a resource for partnerships with professional organizations, entrepreneurs, and small businesses that allow us to empower members while making a positive impact on our community.
We are a Level One ABWA
Best Practices Chapter!
We fulfilled the Best Practices criteria for good standing.
We fulfilled the Best Practices criteria for membership.
We fulfilled the Best Practices criteria for annual planning, budgeting, and standing rules.
We fulfilled the Best Practices. criteria for the League Curriculum.
We fulfilled the Best Practices criteria for Member and League Recognition
We fulfilled the Best Practices criteria for maintaining the ABWA Brand Standards in all Broadcasting.
Executive Board 2024-2025
Dr. Sandra Newsome
PRESIDENT
Ruby Christian
Vice President
Sharon Welch
Secretary
Daisy Capers
Treasurer
Tiarra Taylor
Financial Secretary
Local Dues
$100.00
Dr. Sandra Newsome
President
Ruby Christian
Vice President
Sharon Welch
Secretary
Daisy Capers
Treasurer
Tiarra Taylor
Financial Secretary
Local Dues
$100.00
Proud Code of Conduct
- As an ABWA member, I will serve as a goodwill ambassador for the American Business Women's Association.
- As an ABWA member, I will adhere to the Association's Bylaws and comply with the Association's Brand.
- As an ABWA member, I will not use my personal powers or influence to advance my own interests.
- As an ABWA member, I will not allow my personal beliefs or convictions to alienate other members, prospective members, and sponsors at any level of the ABWA organization (local, regional, or national).
- As an ABWA member, I will always treat member colleagues, the ABWA National team, guests, speakers, vendors, and sponsors with dignity and respect.
Our value
ABWA Core Values
- Giving Members a Voice
- Treat People With Dignity
- Lifelong Learning
- Focus on Creating Value for Members
- Focus on Creating Value for Members
- Achievement
- Visionary Leadership
- Focus on the Future
- Focus on Results
- Manage by Fact
- Manage for Innovation
Our value
ABWA Core Values
- 1. Selfless Leadership - Be committed to doing the right thing, always. Be transparent in your actions even when no one is looking.
- 2. Building Community - Be committed to creating sustainable ABWA communities where women connect, learn, and grow together.
- 3. Value and Seek Diversity - Be committed to recruiting new members from diverse cultures, ages, work industries, and experiences.
- 4. Manage for Innovation and Excellence - Be committed to original thinking and delivering excellence in everything you do.
- 5. Lifelong Learning - Be committed to enhancing your own business knowledge skills, and acumen. Be unafraid to make mistakes, iterate, err, and try again.
- 6. Focus on Facts and Own Results - Be committed to using "data" to drive your decisions and actions and be accountable for your performance, good and bad.
- 7. Choose to Make a Difference - Be committed to unlocking a member's potential and inspiring/motivating her to become the best version of herself.
- 8. Celebrate - Be committed to celebrating members' achievements.