An organization for all professional women

The American Business Women’s Association is a national professional association for women, established by Kansas City businessman, Hilary Bufton, Jr.**

On Sept. 22, 1949, Mr. Bufton and three Kansas City businesswomen incorporated the American Business Women’s Association.

“It was my feeling all women were seeking and deserved equal business opportunities.” He later wrote, “They had gained tremendous business knowledge during World War II, through necessity, and I felt a new organization for all businesswomen was needed.”

Unlike profession-specific associations, ABWA is a professional organization for women in all stages of their career and in all professions. Members include everyone from teachers and administrative assistants to CEOs and small-business owners.

Membership data includes:

* 25,000 members nationwide

* 850 chapters

* Located in all 50 states

* 7,000 members are business owners

* 36% of members are Executives, Managers, Professionals and Business Owners

* 36% are Administrative, Clerical and Technical Support

* 28% are Retired Businesswomen

* Over 97% of members have graduated from high school

* Over 34% of members have attended college

* Over 29% have earned college degrees

* Over 10% have earned Masters/Doctorate degrees

* 64% live in major metropolitan area

* 36% live in a town (less than 50,000) or rural area

**This information is from the Wikipedia entry about the American Business Women’s Association.