Chicago, IL — September 15, 2025 — The Black Women Professionals League (BWPL) will host its highly anticipated 10th Anniversary Celebration and Annual 40 of 40 Awards & Induction Ceremony on Friday, October 3, 2025, in Chicago, IL. This milestone event will honor a decade of empowering, connecting, and celebrating Black women professionals who continue to shape industries and communities nationwide.
Since its founding in 2015, BWPL has inducted nearly 360 women leaders and provided hundreds of young women with opportunities for workforce development, mentorship, and college completion support.
The 40 of 40 Awards & Induction Ceremony remains BWPL’s signature event, recognizing 40 Black women under 40 for their outstanding achievements, innovation, and leadership. These honorees represent the broader community of trailblazers who embody BWPL’s mission to support the holistic advancement of Black women by broadening professional networks, enhancing leadership skills, and fostering collective social impact.
“This milestone is a testament to the love, patience, healing, and growth it takes to sustain a vision for 10 years,” said Reese LaFrances Purnell, Founder and CEO of BWPL. “What started as a simple initiative to engage, empower, and encourage young women to serve has grown into one of Chicago’s premiere organizations for Black women. I am overjoyed with a heart of pure gratitude to have made it this far.”
In addition to the awards ceremony, BWPL’s 10th Anniversary Celebration will include:
- A special recognition of BWPL’s “10 Years, 10 Champions”, honoring inductees from 2015–2019 who have remained deeply committed to advancing the League’s mission.
- A commemorative 10th Anniversary Yearbook highlighting the stories, impact, and achievements of BWPL members.
Over the past 10 years, BWPL has:
- Impacted over 500 young women through leadership and workforce initiatives.
- Inducted 360 Black women leaders across multiple industries.
- Contributed more than 1,000 hours of community service.
- Expanded its programs to address issues including mental health and wellness, and generational wealth.
Tickets for the 10th Anniversary Celebration + 40 of 40 Awards & Induction Ceremony are available now at [Insert Ticket Link].
About Black Women Professionals League (BWPL)
Founded in 2015 by Social Entrepreneur Cheresa “Reese” LaFrances Purnell, the Black Women Professionals League is a membership-based organization dedicated to honoring influential Black women, cultivating leadership, and expanding opportunities for personal and professional growth. With the declaration “I Support Black Women,” BWPL continues to serve as a national catalyst inspiring women leaders of color to lead with GRACE — grit, respect, accountability, compassion, and excellence.
Press Contact:
Black Women Professionals League
Email: info@bwplinc.com
Website: www.bwplinc.com
