About Schenectady Business & Professional
Women's Club Inc.
In 1927, a small group of working women met at the Hotel Van Curler (now Schenectady County Community College) to discuss the establishment of a Business and Professional Women's Club in Schenectady. It was their desire to promote women in business and the professions, to foster their educational advancement, and to improve and aid their community. Inspired by Jessie Lee Hall and led by Laura Hutchins and her committee of 11, the Schenectady Business and Professional Women's Club was federated on May 11, 1927. There were 51 Charter members, Ella Magill Talbot was the first president. The Schenectady Club was a member of the New York State, National, and International Federations of Business and Professional Women's Clubs and became incorporated in 1936.
Taken from the BPW Schenectady 60-year summary.
Schenectady BPW is in its 98th year working on behalf of all working women!
BPW Beginnings
The National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs was founded on July 15, 1919, and financed through a federal grant established by the War Department to organize the resources of professional women. Throughout the years, BPW has supported the elimination of gender discrimination in employment, the principle of equal pay, and the need for a comprehensive equal rights amendment.
Founded in 1919, BPW is the leading voice of business and professional women.
This organization provides experiences in fundraising for our scholarship fund, self-improvement, and educational opportunities. Monthly our members come together for regular meetings and special programs to grow professionally, to explore career strategies, and to advocate for women regarding important social issues. BPW works to support women personally, professionally, and academically.
1929 BPW Glee Club
1938 BPW Glee Club
2024 - 2025 Schenectady BPW Board Members
Mary Mortka
President
Susan Daly
Co President
Cyndie Powell
Vice Pesident
Tammy James
Treasurer
Barbara Metcalfe
Secretary
Directors:
Lisa Geren
Director
Paula Fidalgo
Director
Donna Christensen
Director
Website Administration Contact: Jean Senecal at jeanmsenecal@gmail.com
Meeting Information for Members of Schenectady BPW
We usually hold our business meetings on the 4th Tuesday of each month, except for July and August, at The Turf Tavern. Networking starts at 5:30, and dinner is usually at 6 pm. The cost of dinner is $36 for members & $39 for non members, which you can register & pay online https://www.schenectadybpw.org/upcoming-events or at the door either by cash, credit card or a check made payable to Schenectady BPW. Our hospitality committee works with the restaurant directly and must provide a number count for each meeting by the Wednesday before each meeting. Please be aware that as a member, your reservation is automatically made for you for each meeting. You would only need to contact our Hospitality Committee if you cannot make it to a meeting by emailing Robin Quintin rquintin@nycap.rr.com or calling Robin on 518-331-9064 by the Wednesday before each meeting. (Also, please be aware that occasionally our business meetings will be held at an alternative location or date. You can check our website anytime to find out where and when the next meeting is being held.)
Our Board of Directors Meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday of each month (except July and August) at Cyndie Powell's office, First National Bank of Scotia, 1476 Balltown Road, Schenectady NY. Only Board Members are required to attend these meetings, but all members are welcome to attend if they choose. This is when we discuss the recent and future business of the club. If you plan on attending a board meeting, please email
rquintin@nycap.rr.com.
Contact us today for any questions.