INTRODUCING OFFICERS OF THE 2024-2026 GFWC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

2024-2026 GFWC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

55th International President Suellen B. Brazil of Alabama the first GFWC International President to represent her state.

Middle Row (l to r): GFWC
President-elect Wendy Carriker of NC, GFWC Second Vice President Mary Beth Williams of CO; and GFWC First Vice President Jolie Frankfurth of FL.

Back Row (l to r): GFWC Treasurer Juliet Casper of SC; GFWC Secretary Dr. Susan Gettys of MO; and GFWC Director of Junior Clubs Shannon Bailey of FL.

Washington, DC, August 16, 2024 — The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) is pleased to introduce members of the 2024-2026 GFWC Executive Committee: GFWC President-elect Wendy Carriker of North Carolina, GFWC First Vice President Jolie Frankfurth of Florida, GFWC Second Vice President Mary Beth Williams of Colorado, GFWC Secretary Dr. Susan Gettys of Missouri, GFWC Treasurer Juliet Casper of South Carolina, and GFWC Director of Junior Clubs Shannon Bailey of Florida.

“I am delighted to serve with these six extraordinary women,” said GFWC International President Suellen B. Brazil. “Each brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her position and has proven themselves to be dedicated and enthusiastic about GFWC and the causes for which it advocates. Their strength in leadership will positively impact GFWC’s future.”

2024 GFWC Contest Winners

Photography Contest Categories

Living the Volunteer Spirit

First Place

“Planting Pots on the Square”
– Sheila Frye
GFWC Monroe Woman’s Club (WI)

Second Place

“We Got This!”
– Ellen Van Vranken,
GFWC Winterport Woman’s Club (ME)

Third Place

“Funnel Cake Ladies”
– Jacqie Hegarty,
GFWC Papillon Junior Woman’s Club (NE)

Natural Wonders

First Place

“Quiet Drive”
– Jeanette Moore-Burlock,
GFWC Fuquay-Varina Woman’s Club (NC)

Second Place

“Summer Morning in London”
– T.C. Mueller,
GFWC Herrin Woman’s Club (IL)

Third Place

“Natural Bridge”
– Holly Martin,
GFWC Harwinton Woman’s Club (CT)

Reflections

First Place

“Reflections of the Grand Canyon”
– Alisa Estrada (NM)
GFWC Silver City Woman’s Club

Second Place

“One Moment in Time after the Storm”
– Claudette Nason
GFWC Winterport Women’s Club (ME)

Third Place

“Reflections of Congaree National Park”
– Tracy Mueller,
GFWC Pocono Woman’s Club (PA)

World Up Close

First Place

“Tomato Showers”
– Jeanette Moore-Burlock
GFWC Fuquay-Varina Woman’s Club (NC)

Second Place

“I Feel Pretty”
– Ellen Van Vrankin
GFWC Winterport Woman’s Club (ME)

Third Place

“Are You Awake, Grandma?”
– Sandra Soria,
GFWC Woman’s Club of Pewaukee (WI)

Third Place

“Fibonacci Fighting Conch”
– Anne Pedersen,
GFWC Barbourville Junior Woman’s Study Club (KY)

Looking for Award Winners?

There were so many winners we needed two pages!

GFWC Writing Contest Winners

Read Full Entries

Contest Winners

Website Contest
  • State Federation Category Awards
    • Category 5 – GFWC Oregon
    • Category 4 – GFWC Wyoming
    • Category 3 – GFWC Maryland
    • Category 2 – GFWC Georgia
    • Category 1 – GFWC New Jersey
  • Individual Club Winners
    • 3rd Place – GFWC Woman’s Club of Rock Hill (SC)
    • 2nd Place – GFWC Bitterroot Women’s Club (MT)
    • 1st Place – GFWC Bradenton Women’s Club (FL)
Newsletter Contest
  • State Federation Category Awards
    • Category 5 – GFWC New Mexico
    • Category 4 – GFWC Maine
    • Category 3 – GFWC Mississippi
    • Category 2 – GFWC Wisconsin
    • Category 1 – GFWC North Carolina
  • Individual Club Winners
    • 3rd Place – GFWC Brunswick Woman’s Club (GA)
    • 2nd Place – GFWC Moorpark Women’s Club (CA)
    • 1st Place – GFWC Holden Beach Women’s Club (NC)

2024 GFWC Award Winners

Jennie Award Winners

2024 Jennie Award Recipients
  • Great Lakes Region—Paula Schlice
  • Middle Atlantic  Region– Mindy Goss
  • Mississippi Valley Region – Sue Hass
  • New England Region – Jennifer Nowak
  • South Central Region – Lynn Long
  • Southeastern Region – Vicki Ross Bechet
  • Southern Region – Susie H. Malone
  • Western States Region – Diane Bell

Community Service Program Awards

Arts & CUlture
  • Category 5 – GFWC Rhode Island
  • Category 4 – GFWC Nebraska
  • Category 3 – GFWC Arizona
  • Category 2 – GFWC Connecticut
  • Category 1 – GFWC Florida
  • Club Creativity Award – GFWC Bonsall Woman’s Club
  • Honorable Mention – GFWC Women’s Citizenship Club of Alamosa
Civic engagement & OUtreach
  • Category 5 – GFWC Oregon
  • Category 4 – GFWC Maine
  • Category 3 – GFWC New Hampshire
  • Category 2 – GFWC Massachusetts
  • Category 1 – GFWC Texas
  • Club Creativity Award – GFWC Dedham Junior Women’s Club
  • Honorable Mention – GFWC The Dover Century Club
Education and Libraries
  • Category 5 – GFWC Colorado
  • Category 4 – GFWC Maine
  • Category 3 – GFWC New Hampshire
  • Category 2 – GFWC Kentucky
  • Category 1 – GFWC New Jersey
  • Club Creativity Award – GFWC Eggleston Club (IN)
  • Honorable Mention – GFWC Bloomington Federated Women’s Club (MN)
ESO Awards
  • Category 5 – GFWC New Mexico
  • Category 4 – GFWC Louisiana
  • Category 3 – GFWC Ohio
  • Category 2 – GFWC Tennessee
  • Category 1 – GFWC California
  • Club Creativity Award – GFWC North Texas Woman’s Club (TX)
  • Honorable Mention – GFWC Tuesday Club of Columbia (MO)
Environment
  • Category 5 – GFWC Idaho
  • Category 4 – GFWC Wyoming
  • Category 3 – GFWC Ohio
  • Category 2 – GFWC Kentucky
  • Category 1 – GFWC North Carolina
  • Club Creativity Award – GFWC Woman’s Club of Madisonville
  • Honorable Mention – GFWC Space Coast Woman’s Club, Inc.
health & wellness
  • Category 5 – GFWC Oregon
  • Category 4 – GFWC Maine
  • Category 3 – GFWC New York
  • Category 2 – GFWC Michigan
  • Category 1 – GFWC Virginia
  • Club Creativity Award – GFWC Woman’s Club of Pleasanton
  • Honorable Mention – GFWC Woman’s Club of Panama City

Advancement Awards

Communications and Public relations
  • Category 5 – GFWC Colorado
  • Category 4 – GFWC Montana
  • Category 3 – GFWC Mississippi
  • Category 2 – GFWC Massachusetts
  • Category 1 – GFWC Virginia
  • Club Creativity Award – GFWC Madison Heights Women’s Club (MI)
  • Honorable Mention – GFWC Woman’s Club  of Windsor, Inc. (VA)
Fundraising and Development
  • Category 5 – GFWC Colorado
  • Category 4 – GFWC Montana
  • Category 3 – GFWC New Hampshire
  • Category 2 – GFWC South Carolina
  • Category 1 – GFWC North Carolina
  • Club Creativity Award – GFWC Village Improvement Association (DE)
  • Honorable Mention – GFWC Hollis Woman’s Club (NH)
Leadership
  • Category 5 – GFWC New Mexico
  • Category 4 – GFWC Maine
  • Category 3 – GFWC Arizona
  • Category 2 – GFWC Wisconsin
  • Category 1 – GFWC North Carolina
  • Club Creativity Award – GFWC MIOSAC Club (ME)
  • Honorable Mention – GFWC Wyoming Leading Ladies (WY)
Legislation & Public Policy
  • Category 5 – GFWC Colorado
  • Category 4 – GFWC Washington
  • Category 3 – GFWC Maryland
  • Category 2 – GFWC Georgia
  • Category 1 – GFWC North Carolina
  • Club Creativity Award – GFWC Bitterroot Woman’s Club (MT)
  • Honorable Mention – GFWC Central Oregon (OR)
membership
  • Category 5 – GFWC Oregon
  • Category 4 – GFWC Maine
  • Category 3 – GFWC Mississippi
  • Category 2 – GFWC South Carolina
  • Category 1 – GFWC Florida
  • Club Creativity Award – GFWC Dover Area Woman’s Club (NH)
  • Honorable Mention – GFWC Dallas Woman’s Club (GA)
Women’s History and Resource center
  • Category 5 – GFWC Colorado
  • Category 4 – GFWC Kansas
  • Category 3 – GFWC Arizona
  • Category 2 – GFWC Massachusetts
  • Category 1 – GFWC North Carolina
  • Club Creativity Award – GFWC TOPPS (Terrific Old Past Presidents) Club (MT)
  • Honorable Mention – GFWC Bridgewater Woman’s Club (NJ)

Signature Program: Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention Awards

  • Category 5 – GFWC Rhode Island
  • Category 4 – GFWC Nebraska
  • Category 3 – GFWC Maryland
  • Category 2 – GFWC Tennessee
  • Category 1 – GFWC California
  • Club Creativity Award – GFWC Hope Juniorette Club (CA)
  • Honorable Mention – GFWC Northwest Florida Service Group (FL)
Signature Program: Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention Fund

1.    Carol Habgood

2.    GFWC Pierce Arrows

3.    Cynthia and Gregory Geis

4.    Kimberly Plater

5.    GFWC Illinois

6.    GFWC Florida

7.    Mary Pat Marcello

8.    Sherry Stutts (tie)

8.    Christine Steele (tie)

9.   GFWC Charlotte Woman’s Club

10. GFWC Mississippi

Junior’s Special Program: Advocates for Children

  • Category 5 – GFWC Oregon
  • Category 4 – GFWC Nebraska
  • Category 3 – GFWC Ohio
  • Category 2 – GFWC Alabama
  • Category 1 – GFWC California
  • Club Creativity Award – GFWC Long Valley Juniorettes (NJ)
  • Honorable Mention – GFWC Oconomowoc Junior Woman’s Club (WI)

Millie Crom Award for Excellence in Junior State Leadership

Platinum Level Recipients
  • Christa Nuckols (FL)
  • Nicole Braun (GA)
  • Marisa Jablanksi (MA)
  • Denise Price (VA)
  • Suzanne Hooser (WI)
Gold Level Recipients
  • Sherri Hammons (KY)
  • Sandra Dunbar (LA)
  • Mimi French (MD)
  • Hope Hockaday (NC)
  • Karen Margala (OH)
  • Shelli Pue (SC)
  • Sarah Starkey (TN)

State Membership Increases

Looking for Contest Winners?

There were so many winners we needed two pages!

GFWC Installs New International President and Board of Directors

2024–2026 GFWC Executive Committee Members (l to r): GFWC Treasurer Juliet Casper of South Carolina; GFWC Second Vice President Mary Beth Williams of Colorado; GFWC President-elect Wendy Carriker of North Carolina; GFWC International President Suellen B. Brazil of Alabama; GFWC First Vice President Jolie Frankfurth of Florida; GFWC Secretary Dr. Susan Gettys of Missouri; and Director of Junior Clubs Shannon Bailey of Florida.

GENERAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN’S CLUBS (GFWC) INSTALLS SUELLEN B. BRAZIL AS 55TH INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
&
2024-2026 GFWC BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONFIRMED

Washington, DC, July 9, 2024 — The General Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC) is pleased to announce the installation of its 55th International President Suellen B. Brazil of Alabama at the 2024 GFWC Annual Convention held in Chicago. GFWC President Brazil possesses the experience, the organizational expertise, collaborative skills, the support of the clubwomen, and the dedication to lead GFWC through a successful 2024-2026 Administration.

GFWC International President Suellen B. Brazil during the Installation Banquet thanking the GFWC Alabama Installation Committee for all their hardwork and attention to details to make the night extra special.

“I am deeply honored to serve as the 55th GFWC International President,” said International President Suellen B. Brazil. “Service and personal development are central tenets of GFWC’s 134-year mission.

“Under the banner of ‘Educate, Engage, Empower,’ I will strive to empower individuals from all walks of life, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to shape our future. Through education, we open the doors to opportunities and encourage a culture of lifelong learning. Increased engagement creates meaningful connections and fosters a sense of belonging. Empowerment encourages others to become catalysts of change, amplifying the scope and impact of our collective endeavors.”

“Suellen is a proven leader,” said GFWC International Past President Marian St.Clair of South Carolina (2020-2022). “With her determination and unquenchable faith and belief in GFWC’s mission, she will improve the lives of others and succeed in changing the course of history in many ways, large and small.”   

Brazil brings over 50 years of experience in various leadership roles characterized by enthusiasm, dedication, and passion.  Professionally, Brazil served 44 years as an educator, further demonstrating her commitment to public service. In 2010, she retired from Baldwin County Public Schools (BCPS) in Alabama as an Executive Elementary Administrator, overseeing 28 schools, 18,000 students, and all BCPS employees.

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is the nation’s oldest nonpartisan, nondenominational women’s volunteer service organization that unites local women’s clubs in a collective effort to strengthen communities and enhance the lives of others through volunteer service. From her days as GFWC Alabama Director of Junior Clubs and GFWC Alabama State President, Brazil has been active on the 200-person GFWC Board of Directors. For the past 10 years, Brazil has served on the GFWC Executive Committee, the national leadership authority, for more than 60,000 club members nationwide. As a result, she has connected with local, state, and national leaders at the grassroots level on numerous priorities, including leadership development, legislative advocacy, and serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence, veterans, the homeless, children, and those facing food insecurity.

The 2024-2026 Board of Directors, composed of region presidents, state presidents, directors of junior clubs, special program chairmen, community service program chairmen and committee members, and appointees of the President, were installed and charged with leading the organization for the next two years.    

Brazil, from Daphne, Alabama, is the first GFWC International President from the State of Alabama in the organization’s 134-year history. She is the proud grandmother of four adorable grandchildren, mother of two sons and daughters-in-law, and wife to her late husband, Billy.

Photos by 2024 GFWC Annual Convention Official Photographer Laura Bergman, LoLoB Designs. See More Photos.