Did you know that Texas women could vote in 1836? For 10 years, women in the Republic of Texas had the right to vote and likely didn’t even know it. Women lost the right to vote when the Republic became a State.
When Texas was annexed by the United States in 1846, early women’s rights activists across the U.S. were calling their crusaders to defy the norm. Texans would not take up the campaign for many more years. Nevertheless, women played a crucial role in Texas history from before the beginning.
Texas Business Women’s History
Texas Business Women has a powerful history. Over the years many women have worked to pave the road that Texas women now walk. We appreciate their time, dedication, and service to the organization and each other.
Forty Texas women met in Dallas on July 12, 1919 and organized the Texas Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (BPW/TX). In later years, it was came to be known as Texas Business Women. The following women were elected as BPW/TX officers: President Minnie L. Maffett, M.D., Dallas; First Vice President Virginia Marr Find, Dallas; Second Vice President Bertha Ward, El Paso; Recording Secretary E. Vance Hay, Austin; Corresponding Secretary Sallie Louise Bridges, Houston; Treasurer Florence Sands, Dallas, and Publicity Secretary Mrs. B.H. Gibeau, Dallas.
In August 1948, a permanent state office was established in Fort Worth and BPW of Texas was incorporated under the laws of the State of Texas.
At that first BPW/TX meeting, three delegates were selected to attend and represent Texas working women at the inaugural National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s (BPW/USA) Convention to be held 2 days later in St. Louis, MO. Two hundred twelve delegates from forty-five states met to form a non-profit, non-sectarian, self-supporting, and self-governing organization with a definitive program. BPW of the USA was formed on July 16, 1919.
On Jun 8, 2024 TBW celebrated their 150 year anniversary with a tour of the Texas Women’s University viewing the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame museum
Created in 1984 by the Texas Governor’s Commission for Women, the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame recognizes women who have attained significant achievements in areas such as the arts, community service, education, leadership, health, science and business. Inductees include former First Ladies, astronauts, entrepreneurs and olympic athletes. The Texas Women’s Hall of Fame ensures the achievements and contributions of women from across Texas are written into the state’s legacy.
Texas Woman’s University was selected to house the permanent exhibit saluting these women. Since its founding more than a century ago, Texas Woman’s has become known for its contributions and leadership in the fields of education, nutrition, the arts, sciences, and especially in the nursing and health care professions. TWU holds a unique position in the Lone Star State and the nation today as America’s largest public university primarily for women.
Also known of their collection of the Texas First Ladies Historic Costume collection
This collection represents a living history of Texas women, with gowns of first ladies of the Republic of Texas, the state, and the U.S. Each of the 47 dresses has been loaned or donated by various sources. The collection originated in 1940 as a statewide project of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), headed by State Regent Marion Day Mullins. The gowns on display change at various times throughout the year, so visitors can enjoy different gowns with each walk through the hall. The collection is located on the second floor of the Administration Conference Tower.
We spoke with Karen Gray- President of Texas Business Women to understand more about the organization and its mission.
Texas Business Women has local chapters across Texas called Local Organizations (LO). Each LO is comprised of officers, a board of directors, committee chairs, and members. Local Organizations hold monthly meetings, offer scholarships and provide networking opportunities. When you join a Local Organization, you are automatically considered a member of TBW statewide.
