US Congresswoman Jackie Speier founded Professional BusinessWomen of California (PBWC) in 1989.
Sparked by the overwhelming response to a Women’s Day for San Mateo County Women event, which Speier led, she incorporated the Professional & BusinessWomen’s Conference as a nonprofit organization.
In the last 24 years, the board of directors has evolved from its initial membership of long-term volunteers from the public sector to its present composition of corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders from both the public and private sectors.
In 1998, the organization announced its new name, Professional BusinessWomen of California. This step acknowledged the far-reaching success of the organization’s efforts and its commitment to increasing the awareness and influence of PBWC throughout the state.
Today, PBWC is one of the largest women’s organization in California, boasting a diverse community of more than 25,000 remarkable individuals.
In this podcast interview we talked to Speier about:
- What inspired her to start PBWC.
- Why she got into politics.
- How she endured losing several political races.
- What her words of wisdom are for other women.
- The one thing she still wants to accomplish.
Download our podcast interview, at right.
