Deborah Gomez: Alaska Federation of Business and Professional Women; This organization is dedicated to helping women grow into leadership positions

Alaska Business Monthly, April, 2002 by Neil Mehta

In the summer of 1945, the membership chairwoman of National Federation of Business and Professional Women, Wilma Zimmerman, journeyed north to Alaska with one mission: to unite the working women of the state. While Alaska's Federation of Business and Professional Women had long existed, it maintained a limited presence, consisting of a mere two locations. Many obstacles threatened Zimmerman's quest to extend her organization's reach, most notably wartime restrictions and extraordinary travel distances.

However, the unrelenting chair refused to yield in the face of danger. With the aid of armed men, Zimmerman made the perilous voyage to Anchorage. After a safe arrival, she deliberated with a local, unaffiliated women's organization and absorbed them into her national federation. The spirited expedition extended north to Fairbanks, establishing a broad network that has served as the basis for today's BPW.

The product of Zimmerman's perseverance is apparent in the success of Alaska's Federation of Business and Professional Women. Since 1945, the state's BPW has grown to host 14 additional local organizations. Yet, the mission of BPW Alaska remains the same: "to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information." The association provides financial assistance for women looking to advance their careers or to reenter the work force. Moreover, BPW hosts various workshops to develop critical business skills.

The BPW network is headquartered in Washington D.C. With over 2,000 local organizations throughout the nation, the organization has a significant impact on the social and political landscape of our country.

Alaska President Deborah Gomez recently took time from her busy schedule to discuss the present and future of her organization.

ABM: What benefits can BPW provide to women in the Alaska work force?

Gomez: We enable women to sharpen their leadership skills. That constitutes developing abilities to run an organization, putting projects together as well as providing an opportunity to discuss issues that impact our personal and work life. Subjects discussed include equal opportunity for obtaining positions and training. Therefore, BPW serves as a practice ground to develop and exercise good business skills, as well as provide networking opportunities for women.

ABM: What expectations do members come in with?

Gomez: New members come in with the expectation of wanting to take part in an experience that will be beneficial for them as well as a righteous cause. Often, women in the workplace have limited decision-making opportunities. As a result, they want to have their voice heard. BPW teaches them how to speak out through the enhancement of communication, management and cooperative skills. Of course the adage of "women helping women" rings true. Members serve as resources of information for each other.

ABM: Do you believe women are well represented at all levels of the Alaska business community?

Gomez: Research suggests that while women are well represented in our business community, they are under represented in the senior management ranks. Even to maintain the positions women have today in Alaska we must work relentlessly. That is why BPW is fighting for equity. For once that basic objective is attained, we will be able to address the issue of more frequent promotion of women to ranks of higher management. I definitely see a need for women to take a more active part in formalizing policy. We need greater representation in our Legislature and other public and private governing bodies.

ABM: As per your prior response, one of BPW's fundamental goals is equity in regards to compensation, opportunity and benefits. What must be done to address the bias in the business environment?

Gomez: First, women themselves must prove they are qualified. It is therefore necessary to ensure that individuals vying for positions are educated, experienced and able to do the work. That is where we come into play. We help prepare and educate women.

Once a woman is qualified and capable it is essential for the business environment to provide them with equal opportunity for continued education and upward mobility. In order to achieve this state of equity we need to overcome the prejudiced, longstanding stereotype of women in the workplace. This traditional thinking suggests that women are feeble and emotional. We as a society must recognize that women are capable leaders and managers, able to make the tough business decisions.

Again, women must first develop themselves as formidable competitors, and society, in turn, must abolish its stereotypes of women leaders.

ABM: What are the current projects undertaken by Alaska's BPW?

Gomez: We are currently raising funds for scholarships. BPW places a great emphasis on this effort.

Then on April 16, we have our Pay Equity Day. That is significant, for it takes women the traditional 52-week-year-plus ... until April 16, to make up for what a man earns for the same position. This is a major focus-to educate women and the rest of society.