About Us
The Black Women Professionals League (BWPL) is a membership-based company honoring influential Black women. BWPL provides leadership development, resources and support to emerging and established professionals. The annual 40 Under 40 Award and GEMS Award serves as the official induction into the Black Women Professionals League (BWPL).
Our mission is to support the holistic advancement of Black women by expanding our members professional network, enhancing their leadership skills, providing personal development resources and trainings, and creating opportunities for them to make a social impact.
Upcoming Events
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Our Core Objectives
Honor Black Women Leaders
Through our annual 40 of 40 Awards & Induction Ceremony and our GEMS of Chicago Award, we recognize and welcome outstanding Black women into BWPL’s leadership pipeline.
Create Opportunities For Social Impact
By partnering with organizations that address workforce development, college retention, mentorship, leadership development and holistic well-being for young women ages 16-24.
Build an Elite Network of Black Women Leaders
By facilitating high-impact networking and collaboration opportunities that connect our members to influential leaders, decision-makers, and resources.
Further Develop Leadership Skills
Through personal and professional development training that prepares members for roles in mentorship programs, civic service, policy influence, and nonprofit board management.
Our Executive Leadership Team
Reese LaFrances Purnell
Founder/CEO
MaToya Marsh
Chief of Staff
Lauren Cole-Henderson
Social Impact Coordinator
Lauren Jordan
Networking Program Coordinator
Lauren Jackson
Sisterhood Coordinator
Our Social Impact Partner
To fulfill the social impact portion of our mission, the Black Women Professionals League annually selects a school, nonprofit organization, or cause to be our Social Impact Partner.
We’re excited to announce our 2025 SOCIAL IMPACT PARTNER of BWPL, Inc., Simpson Academy For Young Women. Simpson Academy for Young Women is a Chicago Public School devoted to preparing, educating, and empowering pregnant and/or parenting teen mothers.
Stay in the Know
Check out our blog for more on culture, personal and leadership development, tips, and resources for professional Black women.
Hey Sis, You Don’t Have Anything to Prove!
Many of us don’t realize how much time we spend or actually waste trying to prove our...
Congratulations 40 Under 40 Class of 2022
Congratulations to the 41 Women Inducted into the League on Friday, October 7th. Arika J....
Founder/CEO Receives The Chicago Defender’s Women of Excellence Award
Congratulations to our Founder/CEO, Cheresa “Reese” Purnell on being inducted into the...