Rockland Business Women's Network

The Rockland Business Women’s Network (RBWN) supports and empowers women by providing networking and educational opportunities.

RBWN Board Members : 2012-2013

President: Arlene Levine

Vice President Programming: Irene Gutmann

Vice President Membership: Ellen DiVietro

Vice-President Fund Raising: Lourdes Pring

Treasurer: Cameron Spier

Secretary: RoseAnn Frey

Past President: Beth Blecker

Members at Large:

Cynthia Branca

Cecilia Halverson

Barbara Carroll

Janet Levitt

Amy Massimo

Lourdes Pring

Fran Reinstein

Ula Robertson

A Brief History

When a small group of women banded together in 1979 to form th RBWN, their ultimate goal was to enhance the members’ personal growth and expand their career goals.

Those early kitchen table and living room meetings produced workshops, lectures and open discussions, some held at Rockland Community College, to accommodate their thirst for knowledge, networking and female support. The “founding mothers” were also community minded, so they created an annual “In Celebration” event, to recognize individual Rockland County women’s accomplishments and community contributions. In the mid-80’s to early 90’s, several subgroups were formed: SOS for single/divorced women, Women in Business (WE) and the Rockland Women’s Bar Association. During the 1990's, many changes took place as women moved forward in business and in the workplace. The organization's structure once again evolved into the cohesive group that exists now as RBWN.

The RBWN Scholarship Fund, established in 1997, has donated over $33,000 to support local students with college scholarships and training and professional development opportunities for our members.
Over the years the organization has been recognized by local and county government officials for the value of our mission and for serving the needs of many women.

Today the RBWN continues to encourage, nurture, connect, and advise over 150 Rockland County and area business women.