The American Business Women's Association

The American Business Women's Association (ABWA) has long been accepted as one of the leading business women's associations in the U.S. and its far-reaching influence has touched the lives and careers of many. It's incredible to realize that it all began more than 60 years ago, when the term "business woman" was an oddity and an association dedicated to advancing women's careers was simply unheard of.

Today, ABWA spans the nation as the world's most diverse professional organization for women. Tens of thousands of members gather throughout the country, united by a common goal - to support each other in professional development and career advancement.

For more than 60 years, the American Business Women's Association has been a significant thread woven tightly in the fabric of American history. Its unparalleled success in supporting the dreams and aspirations of working women across the nation shall continue well into the future, changing women's lives for many years to come.

ABWA in Richmond

ABWA has a long and successful history in Richmond, Virginia. The first ABWA chapter in the city, Virginia Capital Charter Chapter was chartered in 1963. Over the years, chapter mergers and consolidations have changed the names and memberships of the various local teams, but the enthusiasm and support of the local members for the national association has never waned.

The local teams have sponsored three association regional conferences: 1989 in Richmond, 1994 in Colonial Williamsburg and 2007 in Norfolk.

Richmond hosted the 2004 national convention of ABWA. Almost 2,000 business women from across the country gathered in the River City for the five-day event which featured noted keynote speakers, seminars and workshops, national board elections, networking and fun. (More history...)

There are currently five local ABWA teams in Richmond:

Cavalier Chapter
meets every third Tuesday

Maggie L. Walker Chapter
meets every second Wednesday

Mary McLeod Bethune Chapter
meets fourth Wednesday

River City Express Network
meets every first Wednesday

Virginia Randolph Chapter
meets every third Saturday

Richmond area meetings and events

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.

Link to our Contact Page for a list of local chapters and networks.