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Our Mission

The PBWC exists to promote career momentum and open access to a large network of leading business professionals in California and beyond. The mission of PBWC is to provide a forum in which businesswomen from all industries and of all levels can share their wisdom and experience, ignite new thinking, move confidently in the direction of their dreams, fulfill their potential and live remarkable lives.

Our History

Professional BusinessWomen of California (PBWC) was founded in 1989 by United States Congresswoman Jackie Speier. The spark for its creation was lit by the overwhelming response to a Women's Day for San Mateo County Women event led by Speier in 1988.

In April of the following year, the Professional & BusinessWomen's Conference was incorporated as a non-profit organization. Since then, 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 over 25,000 remarkable individuals.