Mexican American Business and Professional Women's Association

Mexican American Business and Professional Women's Association (MABPWA) (originally named Mexican American Business and Professional Women of Austin) was founded in 1974 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization by a group of Mexican American/Hispanic women wanted to establish goals that would strengthen the impact of Mexican American women on the community. The original Steering Committee was composed of women from diverse income levels, professions and represented different parts of the city. Members of the Committee included: Annabelle Valle, Amalia Rodriguez-Mendoza, Marta de Luna, Anita Sylvia Garcia, Inez Garcia, Martha P. Cotera, Hermelinda Rodriguez, Mary Helen Valdez, Norma Carreon, Susana Elizondo, Ora Gloria, and Carlota Cardenas Dwyer. On June 27, 1974 over 100 Mexican American women attended the "Founder" Meeting at the Sheraton Crest Hotel in Austin. MABPWA was chartered in 1981 and is not associated with the Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs.

MABPWA established "La Semana de la Mujer Chicana" (Mexican American Women's Week) in 1976; a week of activities sponsored by the organization to bring recognition to the accomplishments and achievements of Mexican American women. The organization also sponsored a Stay In School program to promote academic achievement by young women in school; recognized outstanding women in the community; as well as hosted a variety of speakers and events to promote their goals.

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