ABWA History

Founded in 1949 by Hilary A. Bufton Jr., a Kansas City, Mo., businessman, ABWA has thousands of members in chapters and Express Networks nationwide. The organization provides business training and networking opportunities for women of diverse occupations and backgrounds. ABWA has dedicated more than half a century to women's education and provided workplace skills and career development training for more than 545,000 members.

Post World War II, Mr. Bufton recognized the positive impact women had on the economy. On September 22, 1949, Mr. Bufton and three Kansas City businesswomen incorporated the American Business Women’s Association, and the American workforce was changed forever.

“It was my feeling all women were seeking and deserved equal business opportunities.” He later wrote, “They had gained tremendous business knowledge during World War II, through necessity, and I felt a new organization for all businesswomen was needed. "
Celebrating over 60 years ...