About

Lakes Area Professional Women

Our Vision: To be an advocate for women.

Lakes Area Professional Women gather to uplift and support each other and our community. Members benefit from the networking, support, and professional opportunities that the organization provides.

The mission of Lakes Area Professional Women is to promote equity for all in the workplace through advocacy, education, and information. We strive to elevate the standards for everyone in business and in their professions, to advocate for business and professional growth, and to bring about a spirit of cooperation among business and professional women.

We are here to extend opportunities to our members, and to connect business and professional women to develop personally, professionally, and philanthropically.

Lakes Area Professional Women began in June 2009. Prior to this time, our organization was known as Alexandria Area Business and Professional Women (AABPW). AABPW starting in 1944 and has a long history of being an advocate for women.

Our Mission:

Connecting Women

Personally, professionally, and philanthropically.

Leadership

President
Katelyn Steffel Spangrud
President Elect
Emily Geris
Past President
Cassandra Johnson
Treasurer
Stacy James

Secretary
Katie Stokesbary
Member At Large
Darla Hacker
Member At Large
Paige Meier
Member At Large
Lynn Barton

What Members Are Saying

I joined BPW (LAPW’s predecessor) in 1987 (it may have actually been earlier). I wanted to connect with other professional women on a personal and professional basis and the organization provided me with both. I have especially valued the opportunities BPW and LAPW provided after I became self employed working from home.

The educational, philanthropic and social aspects have all been important. And the more involved I became, the more I got out of the organization.

Nancy Doebbert

I looked into joining LAPW when my employer wanted me to get involved in an organization in the community. My friend, Tara Bitzan, had been President of LAPW and honored as Woman of the Year. I figured if this was an organization that Tara was a part of, it must be a great group of women. I attended a few meetings as a guest and joined shortly thereafter. As a result, I’ve met so many great women since joining and participating in LAPW activities.

Jaci Stepan

Bell Bank

two women smiling at a lakes area professional women's event

six women at a lakes area professional women's event

two women smiling at the camera at a lakes area professional women's event

five women at a lakes area professional women's event

two women at a lakes area professional women's event

panel of five women at a lakes area professional women's event

two women in a photo booth at a lakes area professional women's event

ready to take the next step?

Join Lakes Area Professional Women today!

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