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Who We Are

Welcome to GFWC Florida, a dynamic community of passionate women dedicated to service, advocacy, and community empowerment. Our mission is simple, yet profound: to enhance the lives of others and create positive change in communities across the state through volunteer service. Guided by our core values of integrity, compassion, and inclusivity, we strive to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families, leaving a lasting impact for generations to come.

Our Mission

GFWC Florida, a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, is a statewide organization dedicated to improving communities through volunteer service and to providing opportunities that strengthen women's roles 

Our Values

Our vision is to improve communities through collaborative philanthropy, advocacy, and community leadership efforts. At GFWC Florida, we embody SERVICE: Stewardship, Empowerment, Respect, Vision, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), one of the oldest women’s volunteer organizations, seeks to build global communities where people unite in diversity and dedicate their service to changing lives. GFWC celebrates the engagement of people of all backgrounds and believes in fostering an inclusive, equitable climate and culture where community members can thrive.

Our Executive Committee

Front Row: Racquel Sturgis, Sara Dessureau, Terry Reese. 

Back Row: Dara Bergdoll, Candy Jackson, Candi Aubin, Laura Connelly, Elizabeth van Rensburg, Elizabeth Fisher, 
Linda Votapka.

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Sara Dessareau

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Laura Connelly 

1st Vice President

firstvp@gfwcflorida.org

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Patty Fisher

Recording Secretary 

recordingsec@gfwcflorida.org

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Racquel Sturgis

Director of Junior Clubs

juniordirector@gfwcflorida.org

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Elizabeth Fisher

Finance Officer

finance@gfwcflorida.org

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Teddy Hulse

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Terry Reese

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Candi Aubin

2nd President 

secondvp@gfwcflorida.org

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Candy Jackson

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Linda Votapka

Corresponding Secretary

correspondsec@gfwcflorida.org

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Dara Bergdoll

Our Junior Executive Committee

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Racquel Sturgis

Director of Junior Clubs

juniordirector@gfwcflorida.org

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Haadhaq Lawrence

Vice-Director of Junior Clubs

jrvicedirector@gfwcflorida.org

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Marie Craig

Junior Corresponding Secretary

jrcorrespondsec@gfwcflorida.org

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Jeanne Takeda

Aide to the Director of Junior Clubs

jraide@gfwcflorida.org

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Sherry Cleninden

Director-Elect of Junior Clubs

jrdirectorelect@gfwcflorida.org

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Shantel Dixon

Junior Recording Secretary 

jrrecordingsec@gfwcflorida.org

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Carla Connelly

Junior Finance Director

jrfinancedirector@gfwcflorida.org

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Lauren Leahey

Our FEDERATION SONG

"Suwanee River"

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