History of the Women's Divison
From a historical perspective, women of color in particular have had a keen business interest for decades. The likes of Maggie Lena Bank Walker, (1865-1934) was the first African American woman to be a bank president, Annie Turnbo Malone, (1869-1957) made millions producing hair products, Biddy Mason,(1818-1891) realtor, Ruth J. Bowen (1930-?) booking and talent agency entrepreneur, and Mary Fields, (1884- ?) freight hauler, to name a few.
In 1990 a group of women became more interested in the business activities of the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce and banned together to create a support group for chamber activities.
At the fifth Annual Convention of the National Black Chamber of Commerce, held in Fort Worth, the ideal of a Women’s Division for black chambers emerged from an exciting and informational workshop on women issues.
The Women’s Division of the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce is the first in the nation to be affiliated with a Black Chamber of Commerce and it is a model for others to follow as recognized by the U.S African American Chamber of Commerce. Today, the Women’s Division recognizes the vast amount of renewed interest by women in business because the job market has changed, and small businesses are emerging.
Fashion with a Purpose
The Fashion With a Purpose Project (FWAPP) is a daylong workshop that occurs twice a year in partnership between the FWMBCC Women’s Business Issues and Tarrant County College South Campus-Vision Unlimited & Women in New Roles Program. FWAPP is a community outreach effort that is designed to coincide with the Interview Technique class of TCC.
During this one day workshop Fashion With a Purpose has expert speakers covering topics such as:
- Financial Planning/Management
- Professional Job Interviewing
- Professional Resume Writing
- Professional Dress/Hairstyles
- Wardrobing- Students will receive professional dress Donation
After the workshops students are outfitted in business attire that has been donated by members of the FWMBCC to help with them taking their first steps into the job market.
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