ABout Us
ABOUT US
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!
ABWA’S MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together business women 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.
OPPORTUNITIES
More than 5,000 business/networking meetings are hosted each year in hundreds of cities across the nation. Find a local ABWA community near you. If an opportunity is not available, start a new Chapter in your city. Contact the ABWA National Headquarters at webmail@abwa.org for more information on how to get started!
PARTNERSHIPS AND OUTREACH
ABWA partners with other organizations to promote important dates and events that will have a positive impact on women’s lives including:
- The American Cities Business Journal. ACBJ hosts Biz Mentoring Monday Event in 43 different cities in the U.S.. The event attracts more than 10,000 women nationwide each year. As an ABWA, you are eligible for a discounted registration.
- A member of the Small Business Saturday Coalition sponsored by American Express and Women Impacting Public Policy. Small Business Saturday promotes “shopping small.” Small Business Saturday, the first Saturday following the Thanksgiving holiday.
- Starr Women’s Hall of Fame (Kansas City Based) recognizes women from the Kansas City area for their contributions to the community.
Executive Director, Rene’ Street
Rene’ Street’s journey is a testament to her commitment to excellence and empowering women to reach their potential. Her philosophy of “perfect practice makes for perfect performance” reflects her belief in the power of consistent effort and preparation. Starting her career as a professional ballet dancer, she later became a successful ballet school owner in New York and Ohio, with students who went on to join prestigious ballet companies.
Her career took a turn when she pursued a master’s degree in technical education, becoming an exercise physiologist. She worked on developing programs to improve strength, endurance, and agility, including one for women aspiring to become firefighters. Her work was impactful, and one of her program participants went on to become the first woman hired by the Cleveland Heights Fire Department.
Rene’ then transitioned into healthcare, where she specialized in cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation, diabetes management, and wellness for over a decade. Her expertise in health and fitness led her to leadership roles in several organizations, including the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association.
Now serving as the Executive Director of ABWA, Rene’ is dedicated to helping women build their professional skills, supporting them in showing their value in the business world. Her role includes collaborating with other leaders to ensure that ABWA helps women share their voice, grow their value and succeed in the workplace or business. Her greatest fulfillment comes from seeing women develop new skills, support one another, and achieve their professional and personal goals.
Her leadership, experience, and passion for helping women thrive are evident in her ongoing contributions to both professional and personal development.
2024-2025 NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS & SBMEF TRUSTEES
The National Board of Directors is a volunteer board that governs the national bylaws on behalf of the members of the American Business Women’s Association.
BARBARA PEDERSEN
National Secretary – Treasurer
Member of the Heart of the Piedmont Chapter
Greensboro, NC
American Business Woman and TOP TEN BUSINESS WOMEN OF ABWA, CLASS OF 2025
Congratulations to the American Business Woman and the Top Ten Business Women of ABWA – Class of 2025
As a leading organization for working women, the American Business Women’s Association takes recognition to a national level with the prestigious Top Ten Business Women of ABWA program.
The Top Ten is the highest honor awarded annually to ten business women recognizing them for their career and educational achievements, community involvement, and contribution to the American Business Women’s Association.
American business Woman & THE Top ten Business Woman, CLASS OF 2025
Dr. Gail Hamilton was selected as the 2025 American Business Woman at the ABWA National Women’s Leadership Conference, in September of 2024. ABWA celebrated its 75th Anniversary at this year’s conference.
Dr. Hamilton graduated with a Doctorate of Philosophy from Kennedy Wesleyan College in 2006. She brings over 45 years of experience in behavioral health and human services, including notable positions with the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Health and Human Services, during her military career.
In addition to her role as an adjunct professor at Florida State College at Jacksonville, where she contributes to the School of Education (Go Manta Rays!), Dr. Hamilton is also an accomplished entrepreneur. In 2017, she founded Business Education and Enterprise Solutions LLC, where she applies her expertise to support and develop business education.
Dr. Hamilton is involved in several organizations such as Save the Children, St. Mary’s Chamber of Commerce, and the SBA (Small Business Association) Business Development Center.
Dr. Gail Hamilton is an active member of ABWA’s EmpowerHer Chapter, an award-winning chapter located in Orangeburg, South Carolina. To meet Gail and learn more about membership in the the EmpowerHer Chapter, CLICK HERE.
top ten business woman, sUSIE CHANDLER
With a Master’s degree of Science in Health Care Administration, Susie Chandler initially embarked on her career as a licensed registered nurse, performing highly technical nursing skills in the operating room. However, her career path took an exciting turn when she discovered her passion for financial management.
Currently, Susie serves as the Director of Investments at Oppenheimer & Company Inc., where she applies her expertise to make significant financial impacts on behalf of her clientele.
Susie also volunteers with the United Way of Central Florida’s Reading Pals program and offers financial guidance and education to the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 46.
Since 1999, Susie remains an engaged member of the Lakeland Downtown Chapter (Florida) where she has chaired numerous high-profile events such as their annual leadership symposium. To learn more about membership in the Lakeland Downtown Chapter membership, meetings or events, CLICK HERE.
top ten business Woman, ELIZABETH GONZALEZ
Joining ABWA in 2020, Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Gonzalez, serves as the Chief Officer at the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent, in Victoria, Texas, where her leadership and expertise is vital in supporting those in need.
Liz said of ABWA, “I want to be an example of what a woman can achieve when life doesn’t go as planned.” Meaning you can still achieve your goals.
Her dedication to supporting others in achieving their goals is reflected in her extensive community outreach. For example, Liz actively supports several non-profits including the Northside Rotary, the Victoria Boulevard Lions Club and the Bluebonnet Youth Ranch.
As an ABWA member, she has served as VP of Finance for her league, the Victoria Professional Express Network for two consecutive years. To learn more about membership in the Victoria Professional Express Network, CLICK HERE.
top ten business Woman, CAROLYN GRAVES
Carolyn Graves from Fort Myers, Florida, holds an MBA and has applied her business acumen across various careers, both in the private sector and within the public school system. She is currently a Senior Consultant with Mary Kay Beauty.
In her spare time, Carolyn is deeply involved in her community, volunteering with the several community-based organizations including the Girl Scouts of America, serving on the board of directors for the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, and contributing to the local Women’s Life Chapter.
She reflects that her 35 years of membership in ABWA have been a catalyst for her career and personal growth but above all, she treasures the time she spends with her family. In fact, she doesn’t have to go far, her daughter lives next door!
To learn more about membership in the Palms of Edisonia Chapter click here. https://abwa-palms-of-edisonia.square.site/
TOP TEN BUSINESS WOMAN, KELLY GRAY
Kelly Gray’s involvement with ABWA began at the young age of 21 when she was a SBMEF scholarship recipient.
Kelly holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, and a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation from the Board of Realtors. Kelly has also made significant contributions in elevating the franchise industry. She is the co-owner and Sr. Vice President of Hot Head Franchising LLC.
Kelly’s has been widely recognized by the Dayton, Ohio media. She has been honored six times as a Power 50 Business Woman by the Dayton Business Journal. Beyond her professional achievements, Kelly volunteers with students at Wright State University, helping them to realize their full potential.
Kelly is a charter member of the Gem City Chapter. For more information about membership in the Gem City Chapter, CLICK HERE.
TOP TEN BUSINESS WOMAN, CINDY GROSSMAN
A valued member of the Oceanside Charter Chapter since 2021, Cindy Grossman has demonstrated adaptability and vision. During the COVID era, she was on a mission to help women feel confident and embrace their own beauty. Her journey began with Mary Kay. Cindy’s ambitions to reach a wider audience led her to create a range of self-care topics and host two popular radio shows broadcasted in the Vero Beach, Florida area.
Cindy partnered with another female entrepreneur top open a full-service salon. In the fall of 2024, she opened a second store location.
Beyond her business ventures, she is active in several non-profit organizations including; the Children’s Hunger Project, Take Stock in Children, and the Supply Zone for Teachers – making a tangible difference in the lives of many.
Meet Cindy and all of the members affiliated with the Oceanside Charter Chapter. For more information, CLICK HERE.
tOP TEN BUSINESS WOMAN, dR. DAWN KAISER
Dr. Dawn Kaiser has been with the Northeast Sunrise Charter Chapter in Oscoda, Michigan for 14 years. She not only contributes her business expertise but also enriches the community through her editorial features, “The Power of You,” in their chapter’s monthly newsletter.
In her professional realm, Dr. Kaiser serves as a lead faculty member at Colorado Tech University, overseeing 39 college faculty members and shaping the curriculum in the College of Business and Management.
Her leadership extends beyond the classroom as she actively volunteers with educational organizations, serving on the boards of the Iosco Regional Education Services Agency and the Michigan Association of School Boards
Meet Dawn and all of the members affiliated with the Northeast Sunrise Charter Chapter. For more information about membership, meetings or events, CLICK HERE.
Top Ten Business Woman, DONNA PALMISANO
Donna Palmisano is the owner and chief instructor at Palmisano’s ATA Martial Arts, a pillar in College Station, Texas for 16 years. She is dedicated to creating leaders and black belts. Her commitment to martial arts is exemplified by her impressive rank of 6th degree black belt (received in 2023), signifying her mastery and ability to pass on her deep knowledge of the art.
Beyond her martial arts expertise, Donna holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Texas A&M, showcasing her diverse skill set.
In her spare time, she actively volunteers at Taekwondo tournaments and organizes an annual fundraiser to support educational scholarships in this art form.
Donna has been an active member of ABWA for over 12 years. Including serving as President of the Leading Women Express Network. To learn more about this league, their meetings and events, CLICK HERE
Top Ten Business Woman, ELAINE REDUS
With a goal to share her expertise on retirement systems, financial pitfalls, and strategies to optimize financial plans at numerous women’s networks and conferences, Elaine Redus has become a distinguished speaker. She offers financial solutions that ensure the financial security and success of generations to come.
As the co-founder of Project 1000 Mission and Women Worthy of Wealth, Elaine is on a mission to empower 1,000 San Francisco Bay Area families toward financial security by 2024.
In addition, Elaine volunteers with two prominent organizations in the Bay area: College Prep Institute and Bayview Citizens Advisory, demonstrating her commitment to community and education.
Elaine has also been an active member of the Enterprising Women Networking SF Chapter for four years. To learn more about membership CLICK HERE.
Top Ten Business Woman, KRINA SNIDER
Krina Snider proudly follows in the footsteps of her mother, a first-generation ABWA member. Krina, an ABWA member since 1991, has made significant contributions to the Mo-Kan Chapter, Lenexa, Kansas, through her service in various leadership roles, from Program Chair, Membership Chair to Chapter President.
With over 25 years of experience in marketing and communications, Krina is an award-winning subject matter expert in the cybersecurity industry. Her expertise is in program awareness and cybersecurity, and she speaks across the United States on these topics.
Krina volunteers with the Women in CyberSecurity – Kansas City Affiliate, serving on their Board of Directors.
She is also serving as the Communications Officer of the Kansas City Area Council and a national conference co-lead for the past two years. For more information about membership in the Mo-Kan Chapter, CLICK HERE.
ABWA's Executive Director - Rene Street
Rene' Street & Anne O'Neill
Nat'l President - Anne O'Neill
Nat'l Vice President, Kim Stengel
Nat'l Secretary-Treasurer - Barbara Pedersen
Vice President, District I - Dior Davis
Vice President, District II - Kristena Hackett
Vice President, District III - Eileen Caspers
Vice President, District IV - Michelle Ferguson-Miller
Vice President, District V - Renee Clement
