It Happened!
I am honoured to serve as President of BPW Canada for 2026–2028.
My journey to this role has been shaped by 25 years with BPW,
serving in many roles with my London club and BPW Ontario,
and most recently as BPW Canada First Vice President and Membership Chair.
Along the way, I have had the privilege of meeting BPW members across Canada
— solving problems together, hearing what excites and frustrates our members,
and building personal connections that go far beyond the work we do within BPW.
I begin this presidency with gratitude for those who have encouraged,
mentored and worked alongside me — and with great optimism about what
we can accomplish together.
BPW Canada at a Crossroads
BPW Canada — like many long-standing organizations — is navigating change.
We face challenges with membership, finances, member involvement and leadership.
At the same time, we are seeing renewed energy, new members, new clubs,
new leadership and new possibilities.
Our mission remains relevant. The issues facing working women have evolved,
and so must the ways in which we respond.
We need to embrace the technology and processes that will help us reach
women of different generations. We need to communicate more clearly
what BPW does today. And we need to continue creating an organization
in which women see a place for themselves.
It Is Time
LISTEN
to our members
EVOLVE
with new ideas and new ways of working
CONNECT
our clubs, members and partners
ACT
on the issues facing working women
BPW Canada was built on a purpose that remains as important today
as it was when our organization began. As reflected in
Action 2030, our 2026–2030 Strategic Plan,
our mission will not change.
What will change is how we communicate and work with our clubs and members,
how we engage women in the issues affecting their lives today,
and how we collaborate with organizations across Canada and internationally.
I am prepared to lead our Board and membership through this period of transition.
I know there are members across Canada who are ready to join in the work needed
to give BPW Canada continued relevance and direction.
2026–2028 President’s Priority
Count Us In – Women, Equity, and AI
Three pillars of action, built on our four cornerstones
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way we work,
communicate and make decisions. For women — and particularly
working women — it presents both tremendous opportunities
and significant risks.
BPW Canada has a role to play in helping women understand
this changing environment and play an active part in shaping it.
Advocate
For women’s experiences and perspectives to be considered
as AI transforms our workplaces and society.
Learn
How AI can become a practical and useful tool,
and how to ensure our security and that of society.
Lead
By educating the public and stakeholders on the risks,
challenges and implications of AI for women.
Collaborate
Partner with sister organizations to strengthen our voices
and action regarding AI research and advocacy.
Women’s
Economic
Security
Women’s
Personal
Security
Stay Tuned for More Updates
Save the Date
BPWC AI 101
Saturday, October 17, 2026
10:30–11:30 a.m. ET
Virtual
An introduction to the 2026–2028 President’s Priority:
Count Us In – Women, Equity, and AI
Speaker and registration information will be available soon.
The BPW “C”
Challenge
Ask what we can do better.
Connection
Strengthen our relationships with one another.
Community
Build a forward-thinking and forward-moving BPW Canada.
Change
Embrace new possibilities — together.
A Challenge for the Next Two Years
I give each of you a challenge: be with me for these next two years.
Join me in creating connections with each other.
Together, let us become a forward-thinking and forward-moving community
— ready to embrace change with excitement because we are doing it together.
Thank you, my BPW sisters.
Norma Yau
President, BPW Canada
2026–2028
From the 2026 BPW Canada National Convention
Norma Yau delivered her inaugural address following her installation
as BPW Canada President at the 2026 National Convention.
A PDF version of the full inaugural address is available for members
on the Convention page.
