Since 1978, Career Chapter has served as a platform for women in our community to enhance their professional skills, grow their network of contacts and help other women advance their own education. Our chapter maintains a diverse membership, representing many local companies as well as many different professions.
    Generally, our chapter meets over the noon hour on the third Tuesday of each month. Our meetings are streamlined and our programs are focused on professional development and community interest topics.
We provide networking opportunities at each meeting and a safe and fostering environment for women to connect, learn and grow. Visitors are always welcome at our meetings!
    Education is one of ABWA’s goals. Because of this, the visionary women of this chapter initiated a fundraising event to raise dollars to provide scholarships. The first luncheon was in 1983 and more than $260,000 has been raised since. Each March Career Chapter hosts its signature scholarship luncheon event at which we honor a local woman who has made a positive impact on Topeka. The proceeds fund scholarships to women attending Washburn University and new in 2012, women attending Washburn Tech.
    Through various activities, Career Chapter offers opportunities for our members to participate in committees. In fact, committee involvement is a significant element of Career Chapter membership as it is the vehicle which helps our members foster close working relationships and develops skills our members may not have known they had.
    If you would like to attend a meeting or get more information about Career Chapter, please contact our Membership Chair, Mary Lou McPhail at (785) 272-7632.

Annette Engroff
ABWA Career Chapter President