ABWA's purpose is to provide working women an environment where they can improve their skills and develop them for success in their workplaces. Over the years, thousands of women have benefited from ABWA's instructional programs and interactions with fellow members to advance their careers. We firmly believe that success deserves recognition.

Woman of the Year - annually, our CyFair Express Network will recognize a woman affiliated with our league for her outstanding achievements and contributions to the network by honoring her as our Woman of the Year. Click on this link  for the criteria required to earn this prestigious award.

Top Ten Business Woman of ABWA - this award is the highest and most prestigious award presented by ABWA. Each year, our league will nominate one candidate affiliated with our league to be given the Top Ten Application to submit on or before the May 15th deadline to the National ABWA Judges. Each year, only ten members are recognized nationally for exceptional achievements in the areas of ABWA contribution, community engagement, and professional development. Women who achieve this award serve as important role models for all working women. Click on this link for the criteria required to earn this prestigious award.

The FHPW Woman of Excellence - this program was designed so local women's organizations can annually recognize a member who has made notable contributions and outstanding achievements to their organization and community involvement. It is a once in a lifetime award. Click on this link for the criteria required to earn this prestigious award.

The Protégé Award - Annually, an Express Network will recognize a deserving first year member for making a valuable contribution to the League in the first year of membership. 

  • Must be a Primary member in good standing with dues
  • Attended a minimum of 10 monthly meetings
  • Sponsored at least one (1) new member
  • Served on a Committee or served as a Board member - showing significant contribution to the League

CYFEN has funded the Lone Star College-CyFair Endowment and will complete the funding for the CyFair Educational Endowment in 2019. Please review these two opportunities along with the FHPW Educational Foundation Scholarship and the SBMEF scholarships to learn more about how to receive these scholarships.

The mission of the Federation of Houston Professional Women Educational Foundation (FHPWEF) is to award scholarships and gifts to aid and advance the education and knowledge of women in the community.

Founded in 1993, FHPW EF received non-profit status under the IRS Code Section 501© 3 in 1994 and continues to be a non-profit all volunteer organization. Since 2000, the Foundation has given in excess of $400,000 in scholarships and educational grants to women and young ladies in the greater Houston area.

Ways to contribute to the Educational Foundation:

Organizations (particularly those which do not have IRS non-profit status) make scholarship contributions to FHPW EF, then FHPW EF selects and awards the scholarship(s)

Individuals and organizations may make outright gifts to FHPW EF

Randall's Grocery Store Good Neighbor Program, Code #1736

Attend the FHPW Annual Gala and participate in the Silent Auction

For more information about the Educational Foundation - making donations, supporting activities or our ongoing scholarship program - send an email to ef@fhpw.org or visit the FHPW website.

For more information on scholarships and the selection criteria, see the scholarship application. (applications accepted January 1 - March 31 each year).

The Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund exists to provide educational grants and scholarships to women pursuing post-secondary educational goals as well as ongoing professional development in order to support their career advancement and to help them become the role models, mentors and leaders of the future.

The Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund (SBMEF) is one of the country's most highly respected grant and scholarship funds for women. SBMEF has been supporting businesswomen for more than 50 years. The fund assists women pursuing advanced educational goals enabling them to achieve business and professional success.

The National Board of Directors of the American Business Women's Association (ABWA) serve as the SBMEF trustee's, overseeing the funds administration. Each year the trustees strive to maximize funding to provide hundreds of American women with financial assistance to attend college, trade school and professional development.

The Key to SBMEF is the energy and commitment of ABWA members who sponsor applicants, make contributions, and raise money to champion the important mission of this fund.

For more information, go to http://sbmef.org/Site/Scholarships.cfm