The Business and Professional Women’s Club of Calgary (“BPW Calgary”) is a supportive network of professional women from diverse industries whose focus is developing the leadership potential of women in Calgary. Through education, awareness, advocacy and mentoring, we strive to improve the economic, employment, political and social conditions for all working women.
Our monthly events, feature guest speakers who discuss topics of local and global importance. We also offer a free mentorship program for our members and host quarterly professional development sessions exploring issues that matter most to women.
Our club is rich in history. Originally formed in 1927 by Nellie McClung, a member of the “Famous Five,” BPW Calgary became one of the six Charter Members of the Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women’s clubs established in 1930. Today, we are proud of our 94 year old history of developing the leadership potential of women in Calgary, as well as across Canada, as a member of BPW Canada, and the world, as part of an International Federation of Clubs now established in more than 88 countries. Globally, we have General Consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council through BPW International.
BPW Canada’s 5th National Convention (first Biennial) held in Calgary, Alberta in 1935.
BPW Calgary Local Presidents’ Timeline: 1978 to 2023
Ira MacInnis (1978-80); Judy A. Lloyd (1982-84); Sylvia M. Farrant (1984-86); Susan G. (1986-87); Jerilyn Wright (1987-1988); Laura Carberry (1988-90); Lynne Garrison Thomas (1990-91); Denise R. Dixey (1991-92); Lori carter Maclean (1992-93); Pamela York (1993-94); Patricia Tolppanen (1994-96); Shannon McEwing (1996-98); Romana Kaspar-Kraft (2000-02); Donna O’Grady (2002-03); Pamela York (2003-04); Lila Smith (2004-07); Barbara Francis (2007-09); Mary O’Sullivan (2009-10); Lia Robinson (2010-12); Jenny Gulamani-Abdulla (2012-14); Sophie Blais (2014-16); Nancy Stapley (2016-18); Sharon Irvine (2018-2020); Marlene Cameron (2020-21); Nimet Manji (2021-2023).