Our work includes connecting, informing, inspiring and empowering un- and under-represented professionals to dream big, achieve their ambitions and lift others as they rise.
We envision an inclusive world where access to opportunity and pay is equal for all.
Our work includes connecting, informing, inspiring and empowering un- and under-represented professionals to dream big, achieve their ambitions and lift others as they rise.
Our origin story
1988
Founded by then California State Assemblywoman and now retired Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Professional and BusinessWomen’s Conference (PBWC) started as a small group of women gathered around a coffee table.
1989
With an attendance of about 1,500, PBWC hosted its first women’s conference, “Stepping into the 21st Century,” on Thursday, April 27, 1989 at Civic Auditorium, Brooks Hall in San Francisco.
2003
As part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to empowering future leaders, PBWC granted its first college scholarship. Since its inception, PBWC’s program has awarded dozens of scholarships totaling over $500,000 to deserving college students.
2013
Originally held within the annual conference for high school and college women, the Young Women’s Professional Summit became a stand-alone event to provide women in the first 5 years of their careers with skill development, coaching, and networking opportunities.
2014
PBWC’s Senior Leadership Summit was elevated from the annual conference program to a stand-alone event, convening senior leaders for a high-impact discussion about business challenges and how equality and inclusion can create opportunities and lasting change.
2017
At PBWC’s “Inclusion Now” conference, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton delivered her “Out of the Woods” speech to a sold-out crowd. The event was covered by major media worldwide.
2019
At PBWC’s “Unstoppable” conference, Geena Rocero shared her inspiring story of overcoming, achieving and empowering others as a courageous leader for transgender women.
PBWC 30th Anniversary
2019 marked a major milestone for PBWC: Congresswoman Jackie Speier convened the first annual PBWC Conference thirty years ago.
1988
Founded by then California State Assemblywoman and now retired Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Professional and BusinessWomen’s Conference (PBWC) started as a small group of women gathered around a coffee table.
1989
With an attendance of about 1,500, PBWC hosted its first women’s conference, “Stepping into the 21st Century,” on Thursday, April 27, 1989 at Civic Auditorium, Brooks Hall in San Francisco.
2003
As part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to empowering future leaders, PBWC granted its first college scholarship. Since its inception, PBWC’s program has awarded dozens of scholarships totaling over $500,000 to deserving college students.
2013
PBWC introduced the annual Young Women’s Professional Summit to provide women who are in the first five years of their career with skill development, coaching, networking and inspiration to fulfill their dreams.
2014
PBWC’s first Senior Leadership Summit convened industry leaders for an intimate, high-impact discussion of the most pressing business challenges and opportunities, including how equality and inclusion contribute to making progress and positive change.
2017
At PBWC’s “Inclusion Now” conference, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton delivered her “Out of the Woods” speech to a sold-out crowd. The event was covered by major media worldwide.
2019
At PBWC’s “Unstoppable” conference, Geena Rocero shared her inspiring story of overcoming, achieving and empowering others as a courageous leader for transgender women.
PBWC 30th Anniversary
2019 marked a major milestone for PBWC: Congresswoman Jackie Speier convened the first annual PBWC Conference thirty years ago.
Be
Inspired
Realize the power of a diverse and inclusive community supporting one another to achieve our goals and realize our dreams.
Meet the management team
Elizabeth Tunquist
Operations Director
Liz brings over a decade of experience in the marketing industry with a focus on operations management. Through her leadership, she has successfully overseen hundreds of projects through to completion and supported teams to drive productivity and profitability. As Operations Director at PBWC, Liz is responsible for ensuring operational excellence by… Read more
Meet the Board of Directors
Dominica C. Anderson
PBWC Chair
Managing pertner of Duane Morris’ Las Vegas office, Member of the firm’s governing partners board, and vice-chair of the Duane Morris Women’s Impact Network for Success steering committee.
Ms. Anderson has over 30 years of experience in high stakes commercial litigation, including banking: shareholder disputes: breach of contract: unfair competition; business interference… Read more