About Us

The Greater Downingtown Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) Club is a member of the national BPW Foundation. Our mission is to empower working women to achieve their full potential and to partner with employers to build successful workplaces through education, research, knowledge and policy.

Club meetings are held every 2nd Wednesday of the month. We discuss current and future activities, invite a guest speaker for a timely presentation, network over dinner and foster friendships. We raise money through fundraising activities and return it to programs for women. Visitors are invited.

25-Year Anniversary of Greater Downingtown!

The Greater Downingtown Chapter celebrates its 25-year Anniversary in 2010. Congratulations Ladies!

Greater Downingtown, which branched off of the West Chester, PA club, was chartered on February 13, 1985. Carol Schmidt was our first President, and Carol Brown is our one remaining charter member. Carol Brown, who now lives in Arizona but still keeps her membership, is celebrating her 50th year with BPW; she joined West Chester in 1960.

Fulfilling the Mission

In 1956 Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) Foundation became the first 501(c)(3) research and education institution of national scope solely dedicated to issues that affect working women. BPW Foundation’s work influences, informs and educates Presidents, members of Congress, state officials, policymakers, employers and working women – making research and resources available that accurately portray the challenges faced by and the important role of working women.

Today, BPW Foundation engages the public through research, education, policy and knowledge to create systemic change. It is this change that empowers individuals to transform workplaces for women and their families. BPW National has 30,000 members in more than 1,600 local organizations represented in every congressional district in the country. Its members include women and men of every age, race, religion, political party, and socio-economic background.

2011-2012 Officers

President: Mary Coyne
1st Vice-President:
Treasurer: Jane McDade
Recording Secretary: Meghann Gumpper
Corresponding Secretary: Carole Gallo
Parliamentarian: Janis Nippes

Installation of Greater Downingtown BPW Officers, 2011-2012: BPW’s Board, from left to right: Jane McDade, Treasurer; Meghann Gumpper, Recording Secretary; Mary Coyne, President; Janis Nippes, Parliamentarian; and Carole Gallo, Corresponding Secretary.