History of IWF Atlantic Chapter:

The Atlantic Chapter is 17 years old (since 2001). Founding members were Sue Rosson, Dale Godsoe, and Wendy Pacquet. Soon there was critical mass of 10-15 members, thanks to the efforts of these founders. Wendy Pacquet, through Bell Aliant, supported a number of Fellows, including Heather Tulk and Maureen Reid.

Dale Godsoe has been one of the constants. Dale both personifies the value and values of the IWF organization, which has provided her with an excellent platform to share her experience and wisdom of career, community, and governance.

Ann MacKenzie was Chapter Chair for several years. Under her leadership, the Chapter grew to more than to 25 members. Ann attended all national meetings and conferences and adopted governance best practices aligned with the national organization. Secondly, she and Marie Mullally initiated the IWF International Women’s Day Breakfast, which had humble beginnings of 50 women and grew over 10 years to welcome 400+ to a signature networking event that generates an annual charitable donation to a local NFP supporting the advancement of women.

By 2011 the Chapter continued to grow under Karen Oldfield’s stewardship. At Kim West’s urging, there was an outreach to women leaders in St. John’s who agreed to help make the chapter truly Atlantic. In 2012 Karen was asked by then Canadian President, Deborah Trudeau, to host a National AGM in Halifax. We had an outstanding committee led by Myra Freeman. The Chapter continued to expand into New Brunswick with the assistance of Marilyn Luscombe.

Karen passed the baton to Ramona Lumpkin. The recent period has seen the baton passed from Ramona to Catherine Decarie, to Anna Stuart, and now to Marie Chapman. The Atlantic Chapter’s commitment to growing female leadership has reached the point where we are the second largest Chapter in the country.