About
The International Women’s Club of New England is an organization of women from all walks of life, ethnic backgrounds, religious beliefs, political philosophies and varying ages who come together to promote friendship and understanding among people of different nationalities and cultures.
We support selected charities that primarily assist women and children in need. Since IWCNE’s beginning, the annual goal has been to donate $5,000 or more to charities that support women and children.
Money is raised at a variety of events organized by members. Among our fund raisers are Arts and Entertainment Evenings, Fashion Shows, Holiday Fairs, PotLuck Dinners and Raffles. Meetings/luncheons are held on the 4th Saturday of each month at various area restaurants. Prospective members are urged to join us at one of the luncheons to meet members and learn about the Club’s missions and goals. Various Activity Groups meet monthly: Book Discussion, Theatre/Concert/Museum trips, International Film Discussion, Les Chanteuses, a choral group, and various Language Conversation groups.
IWCNE pursues ways of making international connections and furthering cultural exchange. We welcome ideas for new programs and projects as well as support for our current events and activities.
History
The International Women’s Club of New England (IWCNE) was founded by Anna Kristina Sawtelle. The first monthly luncheon was held on March 28, 1992. Since its inception, IWCNE has donated over $300,000 to a variety of charities supporting women and children.
Although an independent group, the New England Club is a member of Welcome Clubs International.
Club Logo history: The logo includes a palm tree and pine cones. The palm tree with its kernels represents life and nourishment. With its heavy branches it shelters you, the weary traveler, who, for a moment on life’s journey, sits down to get replenished.. You might meet a fellow man before continuing on your journey. The tree is the club and the traveler is you, our member. Two other clubs, also founded by Anna Kristina Sawtelle, one in Dallas, TX, and another in Douala, Cameroon, share the same by-laws and the Palm Tree logo. A Pine Cone was added to represent our New England Club.
Board of Directors
Lynn Pahland
President
Anne Supenia
Vice President
Susan Martin
Secretary
Ellen Farber-Libowitz
Fundraising
Birgit Christiansen
Treasurer
Angela Leblanc
Programs
Yvonne Chainey
Membership
Martha Fava
Newsletter
Deborah Forster Luncheons
Lucille Gentsch Webmaster
Mariene Benoit, Maureen Clayton
Pot Luck Coordinators
Cindy Sayers
Activities
Margaret Weeks
Publicity
Lynne Gass
Historian
Denise Gafney
WCI Liaison
Anna Kristina Sawtelle
IWCNE Founder
