June 20,
2025
GFWC Annual Convention Honoring
135 Years of Empowering Women
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The General Federation of Women’s Clubs
(GFWC) proudly honored its 135-year legacy of empowering women during its
Annual Convention held in Atlanta, Georgia, June 6, 7 and 8, 2025. GFWC hosted more than 650 attendees from
across the country and around the world, Spinning Vision into Reality,
this year’s Convention theme. This
remarkable milestone honors the legacy of 135 years of volunteerism that have
transformed countless lives. Attendees
left the convention equipped with fresh strategies to strengthen club
involvement, along with renewed passion, purpose and inspiration that comes
from being part of a united force of women committed to making a difference –
today and for generations to come
During the three-day convention,
attendees heard from nationally and internationally recognized leaders in their
field, including Dr. Regina Benjamin, founder and CEO of the Women’s Suffrage
National Monument Foundation, who shared news about the recent monument being
built on the National Mall in Washington, DC to commemorate those who secured
the right to vote and to ensure that women’s history is prominently preserved.
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Day 2 featured award-winning author Amy
S. Peele, RN, who spoke during the Epsilon Sigma Omicron (ESO) Breakfast about
her medical mystery book trilogy, “Cut Match, and Hold” based on organ
transplant donations. Workshops were
available to enhance understanding and provide strategies to implement.
During lunch, former Director of Sexual
& Gender-Based Violence at the US Dept. of Health & Human Services,
Lynn Rosenthal, discussed the impact of domestic and sexual violence within
communities. She shared her clinical and
public policy insight to better effect the changes needed to help survivors and
encouraged GFWC clubs to participate in the 2025 GFWC International Day of
Service on September 27 to collectively combat domestic and sexual violence.
Rounding out the afternoon was David
Coffey, Board Member of the Safe Surfin’ Foundation, who introduced new
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology being integrated with education to
promote online safety. This program
provides kids with real-life scenarios to practice good decision-making skills
to enhance positive outcomes.
The 3-day event concluded with an awards
luncheon featuring the 2025 Jane Cunningham Croly Award for Excellence in
Journalism winner, Colleen Janssen, from California, for her article “Here
Comes the Bride: Unchained at Last.”
Later, Dr. Benjamin Citrin, president and founder of Citrin Cardiology,
P.C., served as keynote speaker for “A Red Affair: Pulse of a Woman Gala,”
emphasizing the serious impact of heart disease on women.
And finally, GFWC Int’l President
Suellen Brazil delivered a powerful State of the Federation address celebrating
the organization’s impactful achievements and expanding influence.
The
Women’s Club of Farmingdale, a local 501-C-3 non-profit organization, is always
interested in welcoming new members. For
more information, please email: lyndaleone@gmail.com or jude523@aol.com.
#IAMGFWC
submitted by Maria Ortolani, Publicity Chair
