National Federation Of Business And Professional Women’s Clubs Sign – VS119

BPW was among the early women’s organizations to endorse the Equal Rights Amendment in 1937. During World War II, it helped identify women with specialized skills needed by the nation and supported the creation of women’s branches of the Armed Forces. The organization later played an important role in the campaign leading to the Equal Pay Act of 1963.

The Federation adopted this emblem at its 1921 National Convention. Every element was deliberately chosen to express the character and aspirations of American business and professional women.

• Nike, the Winged Victory: The large female figure represents strength, freedom, progress
  and triumph. She stands against the winds and waves of prejudice and the limitations placed upon women.
• The Torch: Represents light, knowledge, wisdom, principle and leadership.
• The Wand: Symbolizes the arrival of a new day for women—one of opportunity, equality, cooperation, healing and power.
• The Ship of Commerce: Represents women entering American business and industry, along with the continuing expansion of their economic opportunities.
• The Scroll: Represents achievement, leadership and the recorded accomplishments of women working to solve economic problems and establish equality.
• The Golden Circle: Surrounding the symbols, the circle signifies unbroken harmony, lasting fellowship and endless friendship among
  its members.

The initials NFBPWC stand for National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs.

Your mother, Mary Marabella Hardas, belonged to a generation of women who were helping redefine the meaning of leadership in America. Membership in this organization was more than membership in a social club. It was a public declaration that a woman’s intelligence, ability, labor and leadership deserved recognition in the business world.

This emblem therefore has a very personal meaning for your family. It represents the principles your mother lived by: independence, hard work, courage, professional achievement and the determination to create a better future for the generations that followed her.

A Legacy of Women in Business

This historic emblem represents The National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, founded in 1919 to advance the opportunities, recognition and equality of America’s working women.

The emblem was adopted in 1921. Its figure of Nike represents strength, progress, freedom and triumph over prejudice. The torch signifies wisdom and leadership; the wand, a new day of equality and opportunity; the ship, women’s entrance into commerce; and the scroll, their record of professional achievement. The golden circle represents lasting harmony and friendship.

Mary Marabella: A Single Woman in Business