40 of 40 Awards & Induction Ceremony | 2025

The BWPL 40 of 40 Ceremony is the Black Women Professionals League (BWPL)'s annual event in Chicago that honors 40 exceptional Black women professionals who have made significant contributions to their fields.

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10 Years of Honoring Black Women Professionals

The ceremony not only celebrates achievements but also serves to induct these leaders into the BWPL, fostering a powerful network for growth, mentorship, and social impact. The 9th Annual ceremony, held in October 2025 at the DuSable Museum, celebrates rising Black women leaders who are thriving in their professions and committed to positive change.

The Black Women Professionals League (BWPL) is a leadership network dedicated to building legacy through service, sisterhood, and strategic connections.

This fall, we’ll celebrate a major milestone of 10 years of honoring Black women professionals through our signature 40 of 40 Awards & Induction Ceremony. By the end of this year, 360 women will have been inducted into BWPL, each stepping into a year of community, leadership development, and impact.

10 Years, 10 Champions of BWPL

Who Will They Be?

A Personal Message from Our Founder, Reese LaFrances Purnell

Ten years ago, what began as a simple idea of how to connect, celebrate, and empower Black women professionals has blossomed into a powerful movement and community that I could have only dreamed of.

The Black Women Professionals League was built on one core belief: when Black women rise, entire communities rise. Over the past decade, we’ve honored 320 trailblazing women, impacted the lives of over 1,000 young women, and cultivated a network that is rooted in sisterhood, service, and strength.

This year is more than a milestone; it’s a Decade of Dedication. A decade of grit, grace, growth, and the unwavering commitment to ensure that the next generation has the tools, the access, and the community to soar higher.

On Friday, October 3, 2025, we will gather for our 10th Anniversary and 9th Annual BWPL 40 of 40 Awards & Induction Ceremony. This is a night that will not only celebrate the outstanding women leaders of today but also reaffirm our vision for the future.

I invite you to join us for this historic evening. Come celebrate the women who embody excellence, leadership, and impact. Come experience the magic of what happens when we honor one another, lift one another, and stand proudly in our power together.

From my heart to yours, thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to see you in the room.

Thank you!