(Atlantic) On Thursday, May 8th, 2025, the Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors visited with the Atlantic Business & Professional Women (BPW) organization. The Ambassadors congratulated the Atlantic BPW on their 90-year milestone and learned about their significant community impact.
Chartered in 1935, the Atlantic BPW is the largest chapter in Iowa, with 33 members. It is an inclusive organization open to women and men of all ages and employment statuses. The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month, except in July and August. The broader Business & Professional Women organization was established in 1919 with a mission to develop and empower women in all stages of their careers through education, awareness, advocacy, and a supportive network.
Current president Jolene Roecker highlighted the organization’s long history of philanthropy, supported by their Craft Fair fundraiser. The Atlantic BPW has contributed to numerous local initiatives, including the region’s fire departments, law enforcement, EMT services, Little League, school lunch programs, and Atlantic Rising just to name a few.
The Atlantic BPW actively contributes to the community through volunteer work, scholarships, and events, notably their annual Craft Fair held on the fourth Saturday of October for the past 53 years. Funds raised support community projects and annual scholarships for area high school seniors, including the BPW scholarship, Bev Mendenhall Nursing Scholarship, Colin STEM Scholarship, and Don Sonntag Memorial Nursing Scholarship. Additionally, the Iowa BPW Foundation offers five scholarships for non-traditional students seeking further education or training for business and professional careers.
To learn more, visit the Atlantic Business & Professional Women’s Facebook page: Business and Professional Women; Atlantic Iowa.
