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The American Business Women’s Association’s membership options are all about women joining forces to further themselves both professionally and personally to amazing proportions. Not only do our members get the inside track on the issues facing their local communities, but they also are plugged into the trends and events that drive today’s national businesses. Succeeding today is all about what you know, who you know and who knows you. If you want to be successful, ABWA’s chapters and networks give you the upper hand.
Enhance your business acumen in the Apex Campus, our exclusive online learning portal. Stay current on business concepts and topics with your complimentary subscriptions to ABWA’s Women in Business® Magazine and Achieve Newsletters. And, save thousands of dollars on discounted business products and services!
Whether you are starting a new business, jump-starting a career, or searching for a job, the American Business Women’s Association is the place to be. Your membership in ABWA offers you a portfolio of benefits to fuel your personal and professional growth. Grow your professional network by attending ABWA’s National Women’s Leadership Conference.
Build meaningful connections that move you forward. ABWA LAEN brings together women who are serious about growing professionally, expanding their circles, and opening doors for one another. Through monthly meetings, small-group gatherings, and shared opportunities, you’ll connect with women who encourage your goals, share insights, and help you stay engaged with both local and national business trends. Because success isn’t just about what you know—it’s also about who you know and who knows you.
Be part of something bigger. ABWA LAEN is more than a network—it’s a supportive community where women show up for one another, celebrate successes, and walk through challenges together. Here, relationships go beyond business. You’ll find encouragement, genuine connection, and a sense of belonging with women who care about your growth—not just professionally, but personally as well.
Women have always worked, whether it was in the home or in the business sector. During the height of WWII, women were not only encouraged to enter the workforce, they were deluged with propaganda to join the workforce because it was their patriotic duty. When the war was over, many women lost their jobs, and were reminded that their first responsibility was to their home and their family.
On September 22, 1949, Shirley Cupp, Irma Beisel, Frances Stuckey and Mr. Hilary Bufton Jr. met in a coffee shop in downtown Kansas City to incorporate the American Business Women’s Association at a time when it was considered socially unacceptable for women to pursue a full-time career, have a girls night out or even join an association.
A statement made by Mr. Bufton in the early 50s summarizes ABWA’s impact on societal norms: “In many ways, the first generation of ABWA members were the breaking tradition…Without even knowing it, I guess they were paving the way for today’s women.”
While women’s opportunities and pay in the business sector have evolved, there is still work to be done. Breaking barriers for women and on behalf of women is nothing new in ABWA. We’ve been doing so since 1949!
Join our local ABWA-LAEN chapter by filling out our membership application and paying the fee.
The annual Local membership fee is $50. It's due in January. Special consideration is given to those applying in October, November or December.
Click HERE for the application, then proceed to the payment button below.
Go to ABWA National and complete the application. Please indicate that you plan to join a “chapter” on the National application and Select Lancaster Area Express Network as your chapter.
The annual National fee is $125, paid on anniversary date.
If you were referred (or sponsored) to our chapter by another member, please write that person’s name on your national application.
We'd love to hear from you. Whether you're exploring new possibilities, have a question, or simply want to connect, don't hesitate to get in touch.
