Three Durant women accept leadership roles in GFWC Oklahoma

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Oklahoma announced their offi cer team for the 2024-2026 Administration with three Durant women slated for state offices. The officers were installed at the Oklahoma State Convention held over the weekend on the USAO campus in Chickasha. The change in leadership will take place after the GFWC International Convention on July 1.

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) is an international organization dedicated to improving local communities through volunteer service. Members embody Living the Volunteer Spirit and reflect this in the communities they serve. GFWC is made up of more than 3,000 clubs across the globe. GFWCOklahoma has 18 clubs with 375 members. The Durant Fortnightly club is a member of GFWC-Oklahoma.

The 2024-2026 GFWC-Oklahoma officer team includes: Charlene Ridgway, State President, is Owner/Vice President and Office Administrator for the Durant True Value Lumber and Hardware store. Formerly she was an Adjunct Instructor at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and an evening Adult Education Instructor at Durant Kiamichi Technology Center. She is active in both P.E.O. (Chapter DJ) and the GFWC-OK Fortnightly Club. She recently joined the Daughters of the American Revolution organization.

Sharon Robinson, State Vice President, retired from SOSU as the Vice President of Student Affairs. She is active in both the Durant Fortnightly Club and the DJ Chapter of P.E.O. Robinson is also the President of the GFWC-OK Southeastern District. She also serves as the First Vice President of the Fortnightly Club and was on the GFWC South Central Region Nominating Committee.

Betty Clay, State Treasurer, will serve her third consecutive term as GFWC Oklahoma State Treasurer during the 2024-2026 Administration. Clay, a retired instructor at SOSU, is treasurer of her chapter of P.E.O, secretary of the Kiwanis Club, secretary of the United Way, treasurer of AAUW, board member of People First (an organization that helps people with disabilities), and sings with the Singing Church Women of Oklahoma. She is a member of the First Baptist Church choir.