[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 45 (Monday, March 16, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E671]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN RECOGNITION OF ELIZABETH BENHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 16, 2009

  Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Elizabeth Benham, 
who is being honored this month in New York City by the International 
Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW International) for 
her work as its President. Founded in 1930, BPW is an international 
organization of women business owners with links to more than 90 
countries on five continents. BPW is a wonderful way for businesswomen 
to network and support one another.
  After more than two decades of dedicated work on behalf of BPW, Ms. 
Benham became the organization's President last year. She is being 
honored at the annual Conference on the Status of Women that is being 
held this month at the United Nations, located in New York's 14th 
Congressional District that I am privileged to represent.
  Elizabeth Benham is the twentieth president of BPW International and 
the first American to serve at its helm in 28 years. She demonstrated 
her commitment to BPW International as the chair of its Fundraising 
Taskforce from 2004-2008. In 2005, she served the organization as the 
Vice President, Membership Chair, Friends and Fellows Chair, and as a 
member of the International Planning Committee. In these roles she 
traveled extensively, meeting with members and chapters around the 
world, and developing a broad and deep understanding of the needs of 
the organization's diverse membership. Since 1998, Elizabeth Benham has 
also served as an alternate delegate to the United Nations on behalf of 
BPW International.
  When she became BPW International President in 2008, Elizabeth Benham 
not only had extensive prior experience working with BPW International, 
but had also achieved notable success as a businesswoman. Before going 
into business, she was a certified nurse midwife in high risk 
obstetrics. Throughout her life, Elizabeth has demonstrated her 
compassion and motivation in her volunteer work as the Vice President 
of Toys of Hope Charity, a Board Member of Women Builders Council in 
New York, and a Board Member of the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation 
Society.
  Elizabeth Benham has worked tirelessly in her professional life and 
leadership roles to support the accomplishments of women throughout the 
world. In her role as President, she is working to form connections of 
improved communication among all members and affiliates for a better 
flow of information. She has dedicated her efforts to expanding and 
improving training for future leaders of BPW International and for 
greater efficiencies in managing the vast organization. She has 
consistently demonstrated her commitment to the mission of the 
International Federation of Business and Professional Women in helping 
women in the workforce achieve their business and professional goals.
  Madam Speaker, I request that my colleagues join me in paying tribute 
to Elizabeth Benham and the International Federation of Business and 
Professional Women, which under her able and inspired leadership 
continues to ensure that women gain equal participation and success in 
the workforce.

                          ____________________