WIND SONG CHARTER CHAPTER
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA 92646
AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
Our mission is to bring together business women of diverse occupations and provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally, through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition.
2026 - 2027
ABWA WIND SONG CHAPTER
EXECUTIVE BOARD
EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
Lara Sinanian
PRESIDENT
Judie Bicknell
VICE PRESIDENT
Susan Lowe
SECRETARY
Felecita Ferera-Gabourel
TREASURER
Whether you are starting a new business, jump-starting a career, or searching for a job, the American Business Women’s Association is the place to be. Your membership in ABWA offers you a portfolio of benefits to fuel your personal and professional growth.
CONNECT, LEARN AND GROW IN THE
AMERICAN BUSINESS WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
Learn About ABWA Wind Song Charter Chapter
WIND SONG CHARTER CHAPTER WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Judie Bicknell
We are honored to celebrate Judie Bicknell as our 2026 Woman of the Year!
Judie’s enthusiasm, generosity, and commitment to the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) have made a meaningful impact on the Wind Song Chapter from the very beginning of her membership.
As a new member, Judie jumped right in, volunteering to help with the chapter’s conference and stepping up wherever support was needed.
Her positive attitude, dependability, and willingness to serve quickly made her a valued part of the chapter.
Judie truly reflects the spirit of ABWA women supporting women, building connections, creating opportunities, and helping one another grow.
In a short time, she has shown how one person’s willingness to get involved can make a lasting difference.
Please join us in congratulating Judie Bicknell, an enthusiastic volunteer, dedicated member, and the Wind Song Chapter’s well-deserving Woman of the Year!
Protégé of the Year: Pepper Russell
We are proud to recognize Pepper Russell as one of our 2026 Protégés of the Year!
Pepper Russell is truly deserving of being recognized as our Protégé of the Year. From the beginning, Pepper has shown an outstanding commitment to our chapter by attending all of our meetings and actively participating in chapter activities. She is always willing to lend a helping hand, often volunteering to assist with events, projects, and anything else that needs to be done. Pepper brings a positive attitude, enthusiasm, and genuine dedication to everything she does. Her willingness to learn, get involved, and support her fellow members is exactly what makes her an exceptional Protégé and a valued member of our ABWA family.
Congratulations, Pepper!
Protégé of the Year: Neeta Merchant
We are proud to recognize Neeta Merchant as our other 2026 Protégé of the Year!
This year, choosing our Protégé of the Year was especially difficult. We had two outstanding new members who demonstrated enthusiasm, commitment, and a willingness to become actively involved in our chapter. After much consideration, we realized that we simply could not choose just one—so we proudly selected a second Protégé of the Year Neeta Merchant. Neeta has consistently shown her dedication by participating in chapter activities, offering to help with events and projects, and being willing to step in wherever she is needed. Her positive attitude, enthusiasm, and commitment to our ABWA family have made her a wonderful addition to our chapter. We are delighted to recognize Neeta as one of our Protégés of the Year and celebrate the contributions she has already made.
Congratulations, Neeta!
UPCOMING EVENTS
EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Today’s scholarship recipients are tomorrow’s leaders. ABWA members have provided opportunities for women to achieve their personal and professional best by championing educational opportunities through the Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund (SBMEF). Since 1953, SBMEF has awarded almost 18 million dollars in scholarships to more than 17,000 women. To learn more about available scholarships, go to sbmef.org.
