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, Elizabeth
Johnson, CAE

Elizabeth Johnson, CAE, is a seasoned and mission-driven association executive with more than 15 years of experience supporting some of the nation’s prestigious trade associations. Her expertise spans membership strategy, sponsorship development, and revenue-generating initiatives that drive organizational growth and member value.

As Executive Director of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA), Elizabeth leads national programs that empower women to achieve their personal and professional best through education, networking, and advancing opportunities for women in business across the country.

Elizabeth began her career with Marriott Global Sales at the company’s headquarters in Bethesda , MD, where she sourced large-scale citywide conventions for major association clients. She later supported meeting planners in placing events in charming Old Town Alexandria, VA, before joining a start-up specializing in association membership and sponsorship sales. As the company’s first hire in 2010, she helped grow the team from two to nearly 30, providing consulting and strategic support to a wide range of association partners.

Elizabeth earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential – the highest certification in the association management profession — and is recognized for her collaborative, values-driven leadership style.

She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from James Madison University. Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys beach getaways, trying, new recipes, and spending time with her husband, Andrew, and their two children, Summer and Miller.

2025-2026 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.

The National Board of Directors also serve as trustees for the Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund (SBMEF). Aside from fiduciary responsibilities, the Trustees determine the value and the eligibility criteria for each scholarship as well as the selection of the scholarship recipients.

BARBARA PEDERSEN

National President

Member of the Heart of the Piedmont Chapter

Greensboro, NC

DIOR DAVIS

National Vice President

Member of the Airport Charter Chapter

Atlanta, GA

DR. TRACEY G. JACKSON

National Secretary – Treasurer

Member of the Oxon Hill Charter Chapter

Washington, D.C.

DR. DEBOARAH JOHNSON-BLAKE

Vice President, District I

Member of the Douglas County Charter Chapter

Douglasville, GA

KRISTENA L. HACKETT

Vice President, District II

Member of the Charisma Charter Chapter

Humble, TX

LESLIE MCMILLIN

Vice President, District III

Member of the Kansas City Express Network

Blue Springs, MO

LINDA B. JOHNSON

Vice President, District IV

Member of the Limitless Ladies Chapter

Charlotte, NC

RENEE CLEMENT

Vice President, District V

Member of the Gem City Chapter

Dayton, OH

KAREN FITTING

Vice President, District VI

Member of the Pathfinder Chapter

Twain Harte, CA

American Business Woman and TOP TEN BUSINESS WOMEN OF ABWA,
CLASS OF 2026

Class of 2026 American Business Woman and the Top Ten Business Women of ABWA

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.

2026 American business Woman

J Franco was selected as the 2026 American Business Woman at the ABWA National Women’s Leadership Conference, in November of 2025.

J is a digital marketing strategist with over 10 years of experience in the industry and a double master’s graduate from USC Annenberg, the #1 communications school in the nation. She is the CEO and Founder of Franco Innovative Media & Marketing, a prestigious award winning boutique digital marketing agency based in Houston, TX, with a focus on providing unparalleled white glove services.

J leads a team of 8 innovators in delivering exceptional hands-on support to my clients. Her expertise and dedication set her agency apart in the ever-evolving world of digital marketing. As a founder of CreateHer™ Society J uses her digital marketing expertise & experience to coach female business owners, consultants, service providers, & coaches by helping them build a profitable online business.