The mission of ABWA is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition. Members of ABWA are involved in achieving their own career goals through continuing education and networking. Members also raise funds for scholarships to help others have the opportunity to earn college degrees, retrain for the workplace, or take continuing education courses. Our chapter also supports community organizations that improve our quality of life right here in our own community.

We welcome you to join the Lakeland Downtown Chapter.

The Lakeland Downtown Chapter was chartered July 30, 1996. The chapter charter with 44 members has rapidly grown and was  awarded the prestigious Star Award for Best Practices at National Conventions in 1997 - 2006. In 2007, the award was renamed Best Practices for Group Management, and this chapter is one of only 25 in the nation to receive the award in 2007 and 2008.

The Lakeland Downtown Chapter of ABWA is a business league with the focus on professional development of members, but we are involved in our community on a charitable level as well. We are a member of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and Presidents' Roundtable. We support several charities including The American Cancer Society, PACE Center for Girls, Make a Wish Foundation, The People's Princess Charitable Foundation and Polk Education Foundation.