HISTORY OF THE FLINT WOMEN’S FORUM

In August 1980, with a grant from Ruth Rawlings Mott, the YWCA of Flint, Michigan launched a project to provide ongoing opportunity for women with leadership skills to promote the empowerment of women and “network” with each other.  Twenty-three prominent career women from a wide variety of fields were recruited in the Flint area to form a steering committee that guided the formation of the group that came to be the Flint Women’s Forum.  Its first election of officers was held the following October.  The Flint Journal reported on October 19 that “the group offers women managers and professionals a place to exchange information and ideas, and organizers hope it will give them greater visibility in male-dominated fields and in the community.”

The YWCA continued to provide staff assistance and clerical support for over a year.  In November 1981, during the recession era, the YWCA budget cuts forced the elimination of their support.  Subsequently, the Forum membership voted to become an independent, non-profit organization on January 25, 1982.  As such, the State of Michigan chartered the Flint Women’s Forum on March 25, 1982. 

Since its founding, the Forum has continued to promote networking among Flint area women by providing provocative speakers at the monthly networking meetings for members and guests.  As co-sponsor with other women’s organizations, the Forum has presented leadership development programs open to the community.  An education fund for Flint area women to further their professional training has also been established.  In these and other ways the Forum is continuing to serve its one imperative: to increase the visibility and facilitate the effectiveness of women in the community.

Past Presidents

Barbara Ward 1980-1982

Judith Dimmer 1998-1999

Charlotte Brannstrom 1982-1983

Dawn Hibbard 1999-2000

Linda Holloway 1983-1984

Jenean Kleinedler 2000-2001

Peggy Jury 1984-1985

Kristen Skivington 2001-2002

Donna Dodds Hamm 1985-1986

Anita Abrol 2002-2003

Joyce LaFalce 1986-1987

Betty Bennett 2003-2004

Diane Taeckens 1987-1989

Sheree Blazejewski 2004-2005

Peggy Falcon 1989-1990

Ellen Brothers 2005-2006

Annetta Tobias 1990-1991

Teri Irland Munley 2006-2007

Brenda Lenz 1991-1992

Beverly Brown 2007-2008

Frumeth Brenda Hirsh 1992-1993

Valarie Bradley 2008-2009

Mary Jarboe 1993-1994

Mona Hendrickson 2009-2010

M. Teresa Calkins 1994-1995

Sherry Stewart 2010-2011

Romi Jean Jones 1995-1996

Amy Tratt 1996-1997

Arlene Chenoweth 1997-1998