| Seventy-four years of women helping women through education, mentoring, support,
and networking! Chartered in 1929, the Raton Business and Professional Women (BPW) still carries on the tradition of improving the lives of working
women. When a member joins Raton BPW, they also join the New Mexico Federation of BPW (BPW/NM) and the National Federation of BPW (BPW/USA).
Nationally there is a network of over 30,000 working women in 1,500 local organizations in every U.S. Congressional District including Puerto Rico and
the U.S. Virgin Islands. Organized in 1919, the mission of BPW is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and
information.
Jeanine Lucero, Muna Sandoval, PennySue Kuhns, Julie Swanson, Diane Tripp,
Mercy Swanson, Jackie Mares, Paula Cacciatore, Trudy Goldsmith and Shirley Prince.
Local BPW members are active in the community through involvement in programs that benefit working women. Raton BPW
encourages women to vote and assists in voter registration, as well as sponsor candidate forums and receptions. BPW encourages grassroots lobbying of
members of Congress in a non-partisan manner basing decisions on how an issue affects women and their families. In addition, the Raton Business and
Professional Women co-sponsor the Walk-A-Thon for Domestic Violence Awareness, benefiting the Alternatives to Violence program and the domestic
violence program serving Colfax, Union and Harding Counties. Likewise, the organization co-sponsors the Annual Business / Job Fair giving businesses
the opportunity to showcase their service or product as well as the opportunity to seek prospective employees. Employer of the Year programs have been
held to recognize employers responsive to the needs of working women. Raton BPW also participates as a team in the Annual Relay for Life of the
American Cancer Society. Another annual event is the Individual Development Retreat for members and non-members to help improve communication,
negotiation, networking and leadership skills. Each year workshops and support programs are provided to members to help them grow both personally and
professionally. A Young Careerist program is also offered to young women between the ages of 25-35. Raton BPW offers two scholarships each year - one
to a graduating high school senior and one for continuing education. BPW/NM also offers a state scholarship and BPW/USA offers national scholarships.
When asked, “What does BPW do for you?” one member responded, “It keeps me involved in women's issues and in my
community.” Another member replied, “It has given me the self confidence to go from an employee of a business to a business owner.” Networking
is a primary reason members join. It has helped members obtain jobs, further their education, and increase their business. The future activities
calendar includes an overnight retreat for members and non-members at the Mandala Center in Capulin, New Mexico, a Business Savvy day-long workshop
open to the public, a Valentine Dinner / Dance scholarship fundraiser, and the annual state conference in Silver City, New Mexico. Diversity in
membership is an asset to the organization as members come from all ethnic backgrounds, levels of education, and occupations, including retirees,
home-based business owners, housewives, and the unemployed. Membership is open to both men and women who support BPW's platform; and visitors are
always welcome at the meetings held on the third Thursday of each month to address workplace equity, work-life balance, stress management or other
issues of concern. For further information contact Raton BPW President Julie Swanson at 505/ 445-4266 or Raton BPW Membership Chair Mercy Swanson at
505/ 445-5358 or go on-line at www.bpwusa.org.
Local officers include:
Julie Swanson - Raton BPW President and BPW/NM Individual Development Chair
Paula Cacciatore - Raton BPW Vice President / Issues Management and BPW / NM Nominating Chair
Mercy Swanson - Raton BPW Vice President/ Membership and BPW / NM Past State President (2002-2003) and BPW / NM Vice President (2003-2004).
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