Corporate sponsor Highlight: BEMA

A huge thank you to one of our longtime sponsors, BEMA!

For over a century, Bakery Equipment Manufacturers and Allieds (BEMA) has been a cornerstone of the baking industry by fostering connections, educating members, and supplying resources to its members. Beyond business, BEMA champions community impact, both locally and globally. And for the past six years, BEMA has proudly partnered with TWB to help empower women through economic opportunity.

A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values

The partnership between BEMA and TWB began with a meaningful introduction. When BEMA president Kerwin Brown met Markey Culver, he was drawn to the organization’s mission: Create opportunities for women in East Africa to build lifelong skills, earn stable incomes, and lead their families and communities to a brighter future. The idea that something as fundamental as bread could transform lives resonated deeply, sparking a collaboration that continues to grow today.

BEMA’s mission, “to connect, educate, and provide resources for its members and the industries they serve,” aligns naturally with the mission of TWB. This alignment compelled Kerwin and BEMA to introduce TWB to its members, resulting in collective support for TWB. Industry professionals have rallied around TWB, reinforcing the belief that business can be a force for good.

Encouraging Others to Join the Mission

BEMA invites others in the baking industry to take a closer look at TWB’s work. They say that its impact is undeniable, and the opportunity to support meaningful change is within reach. Kerwin says, “Take a good hard look at the work they are doing and see how it is impacting lives.”

Visiting Rwanda and witnessing the bakeries in action was a defining moment for BEMA back in 2019. Seeing the pride and skill in our women bakers reaffirmed the power of opportunity and the role businesses can play in creating sustainable change.

2025 is a busy year for BEMA—they have their annual conference in June and the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) in September. Consider attending one of these events if you are in the baking industry. BEMA creates great opportunities for education and networking! Learn more at their website.

Learn about TWB Corporate Sponsorship

Contact us at hello@womensbakery.com