As an active business woman in Rockville, Maryland, Mary joined the Rockville Chapter of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women's Club, Inc. of the United States of America (BPW).
 

She is shown here at a meeting of BPW with other local business women.
 

Mary joined BPW in 1990, soon after becoming a citizen of the United States.  She quickly became Chairman of the International Night featuring a very special guest speaker Mahnaz Afkhami, Executive Director of the Foundation for Iranian Studies. 
 

Ms. Afkhami also served as Consultant on Women and Development  in Palo Alto, CA; Minister of State for Women's Affairs, Government of Iran; Secretary General, Women's Organization of Iran; Chairman of the English Department, National University of Iran; and Lecturer at the University of Colorado.  In addition she has authored many publications
 

BPW focuses on several critical issues for women:
 

• Pay Equity

• Supporting Women in the Workplace

• The Changing Family

• Involving Women in the Political Process
   

BPW is aware that pay Equity conter-acts the affects of sex and race discrimination by using objective standards for evaluating salary levels and ensures women equal pay for equal work.
 

BPW recognizes employers who have been responsive to working women, and awards outstanding individuals who have recognized women by encouraging full participation, equity and economic self-sufficiency.
 

BPW is cognizant of  the changes in economics, lifestyles and ideals that have changed the structure of the modern family and works to accommodate those changes.
 

BPW focuses on including women in the political process to ensure their concerns are addressed and their voices heard.