On September 22, we observe American Business Women’s Day.  Since the 1980s, it has been a day to reflect on the contributions and accomplishments of working women and women business owners.  Originally sponsored by the American Business Women’s Association, it is also a day to honor the Association’s mission, “to bring together business women of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition.”

The mission of Women in Housing and Finance of Pennsylvania (WHF-PA) is aligned with American Business Women’s Day. WHF-PA works to promote and support the professional growth of women in housing, finance, and development, particularly in the areas of affordable housing and community development.

This September 22 we encourage you to include in your observation of American Business Women’s Day a time to be thankful for WHF-PA and to challenge yourself to find new ways to live its mission.  WHF-PA’s members are a diverse group of accomplished individuals drawn from all aspects of housing and finance throughout Pennsylvania, and WHF-PA offers forums for networking opportunities through which members connect and share knowledge and experience.  Maybe today is the day to (a) volunteer for a WHF-PA committee, (b) attend a session at a conference where a WHF-PA member or other woman is presenting, (c) sign up for a networking event, (d) pick up the phone and connect with a member you don’t know well (check out the Members Only section of the website), (e) pencil in WHF-PA Wednesday (an informal virtual networking call to enable members to learn more about each other within our network held the first Wednesday of each month at noon) on your calendar or (f) celebrate and promote the women you know and admire through social media (like Twitter or LinkedIn) or referral.  Or, if you’re not a WHF-PA member, join us!