Uptown Business & Professional Women (BPW) in Midland will host its annual Women of Achievement Dinner on October 22 at the Petroleum Club from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Krista Escamilla will be honored as this year's Woman of Achievement, according to Heather Kruppi, President of the BPW Board of Directors.
"We are excited to celebrate the achievements of Midland women in business," said Kruppi.
Founded in 1976, Uptown BPW in Midland follows a national trend established by BPW International, which was created in 1919 to advocate for the rights of working women. Uptown BPW’s mission is to enhance the professional lives of its members through networking, community service, and recognition of accomplishments. The organization supports local nonprofits and offers scholarships to non-traditional women (ages 25 and older) returning to school or advancing their careers.
BPW International became the first organization to focus on workplace issues for women, advocating against discriminatory legislation that denied jobs to married women and promoted preferences for unmarried or male workers. In 1937, BPW was one of the first women's organizations to endorse the Equal Rights Amendment.
According to Kruppi, "BPW contributes a great deal to our community, including scholarships for women, and the proceeds from our silent auction go to the Chloe Monroe Fund at MD Anderson, named after a former BPW president."
BPW also launched National Business Women’s Week (NBWW) in 1928, an annual event celebrated in October that highlights the contributions of women in business. Today, women-owned businesses account for 40% of private companies in the U.S., generating $1.8 trillion in sales and employing nearly nine million people.
To purchase tickets and for more information visit Midlandbpw.com.