About Broward International Women's Club
Our Story
The Broward International Women’s Club (BIWC) was founded in 1975 to support Fort Lauderdale Mayor Clay Shaw’s efforts to host international business events for the U.S. Bicentennial. His goal was to promote Port Everglades as a deep-water cruise port, welcoming tall ships from around the world.
Mayor Shaw enlisted Olga Ortiz, then Honorary Consul of Ecuador, to organize a group of international women to serve as official hostesses. They coordinated meetings with business leaders, the Chamber of Commerce, and visiting dignitaries.
The Broward International Women’s Club evolved into a cultural and philanthropic organization, fostering global exchange and raising funds to provide scholarships for deserving international students at NSU in need of financial assistant.
Today, BIWC is a vibrant, all-volunteer nonprofit with over 100 accomplished members from more than 40 countries. Based in South Florida, we champion education and celebrate the richness of our diverse cultures.