Government recognized the need for a cohesive group to coordinate identification of women’s available skills and experience. A Women’s War Council, financed through a federal grant, was established by the War Department to organize the resources of professional women. The National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs was founded on July 15, 1919. The organization later filed to “d
o business as” (dba) Business and Professional Women/USA (BPW/USA). Throughout the years, three major issues shaped BPW/USA’s legislative agenda: elimination of s*x discrimination in employment, the principle of equal pay, and the need for a comprehensive equal rights amendment. The Kentucky Business and Professional Women's Foundation was established in May 1984 by the Kentucky Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. The mission of the Kentucky Federation is to promote full participation, equity and economic self-sufficiency for women. The focus of this foundation is to prepare workers for the challenges of the future and to enhance the economic development of the Commonwealth by increasing the educational level of Kentucky's workforce. The Kentucky Business and Professional Women's Foundation is a non-profit, charitable and educational foundation. The funds of Kentucky Foundation are separate from the money held by the Business and Professional Women of Kentucky Federation (KFBPW). The Foundation is governed by a nine-member Board of Trustees, appointed by the Kentucky Federation President with approval of the Executive Committee. Each term on the Board of Trustees is for three years. The board members rotate, with two or three members being replaced each year. Each board member is limited to serve only two consecutive terms. The Kentucky Federation President is a Board member for the year of her presidency.
