Babs Condon
by Lisa Moody Breslin, photography by Walter P. Calahan
On June 14, 2014, Babs Condon was installed as the International President of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC). A Westminster resident, Babs is a third generation clubwoman. Her grandmother, Olive Cole, was a member in Massachusetts and her mother, Barbara Peck, is a member of the Westminster club. Condon’s two-year term as international president ends this summer.
Briefly describe a typical day as GFWC President: Each day is an opportunity to promote an organization that I truly love and believe to have tremendous value. I continuously interact with the staff and members as we manage the day-to-day operations of a non-profit that has literally changed this world.
Typically there is legislative action that we follow, especially that which addresses key areas of focus related to women and children. We talk with national and international partners about projects that are taking place across the country and around the globe.
We manage a significant property right in the heart of our nation’s capital…and as such the GFWC President is required to live and work at our GFWC Headquarters in Washington, DC. While at HQ, I live on the fourth floor in a three bedroom suite and my office is on the third floor of this beautiful five story Victorian Mansion.
Being the GFWC “presence” in Washington DC is an awesome responsibility but one that I have come to love. Meeting Vice President Biden each fall at receptions held in his home for the anniversary of VAWA and having a little one-on-one time to talk with him about GFWC was incredible. Meeting members of Congress and various advisors for the White House is exciting and speaks volumes as to the relevancy of GFWC.
To serve as GFWC International President is an honor that only 49 other women have ever had and I find it very inspiring to say the least.
What have you enjoyed the most about this position? Three things come to mind instantly. 1) Having the opportunity to meet thousands of our GFWC members in my travels around the country to learn how they became involved and what inspired them to do the unparalleled work they do, 2) getting to meet and talk about GFWC to so many famous and important leaders of our country, and 3) living and working in a 5 story Victorian Mansion in the DuPont Circle area of DC.
What have been the top three challenges? Again three things come to mind instantly. 1) Being away from my very supportive family for 2 years – a wonderful husband, an aging mother, and two fantastic sons with beautiful wives and three adorable grandkids, 2) always pushing myself 24/7 to be the best President I can be, and 3) learning to listen, really listen to our clubwomen so that I can provide them with everything they need to excel in their positions.
How did your work with our local group prepare you for this leadership role? I joined the GFWC Junior Woman’s Club of Westminster in 1983 and it wasn’t long until I was asked to be an officer. I found that I liked the challenge to step up and serve, especially when as club president I was a member of the GFWC Maryland Board of Directors. Each position of leadership led to a higher position. Each step along the way added to my knowledge of GFWC and gave me the confidence to run for each consecutive GFWC office from 2004, through my current position as GFWC President.
Favorite memories linked to your local clubs? As a member of the Junior Club some of my favorite projects were the Easter Bazaar, Ye Olde Westminster Bean Soup, and Daffodil Days. As a member of the Woman’s Club my favorite project has always been the Dr. Seuss Celebration of Read Across America.
What do you hope your legacy as GFWC President will be? I hope I am remembered for reenergizing our members’ advocacy efforts, especially in the realm of our Signature Project: Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention. I would also like to be remembered as encouraging our members to put more FUN into their meetings and projects…all while continuing the amazing efforts we do so well.
Three adjectives that your friends might use to describe you? Enthusiastic, Compassionate, and Visionary
Who inspires you? That’s simple: our GFWC members inspire me each and every day with their 6 million volunteer service hours given freely each year….their $25 million given to those who need them the most and their willingness to change to meet the needs of our ever changing world over the last 126 years.
What lifts you up when you are down – or exhausted? GFWC friends are always there whenever I need a friendly smile, a hug, or a reason to continue. Living and working at HQ with me is our GFWC Chief Operating Officer, Rosemary M. Thomas, who has become a dear friend, my biggest cheerleader and my favorite sounding board all in one – as well as an incredible asset to GFWC. She and the rest of the staff at HQ always do whatever is needed and really understand what being a volunteer means. Without a doubt my dear friends at home (of which there are too many to name) have always supported my choice to be away for 2 years –and are always there whenever I need them for ANYTHING!
Once your tenure ends, what will be the first thing that you do to relax? We have a family vacation to Deep Creek Lake already planned.
Will you return to the Women’s Club here? And, if so, what are some of your immediate goals? Absolutely – being “active” again in both of my clubs will be a high priority. I’d also like to reenergize the GFWC STARS Juniorette Club of Westminster again.
What advice would you give someone who toys with a leadership role in The Women’s Club? Go for it! If you invest your time and talents – the sky’s the limit to where you can go and what you can achieve. People ask me all the time – would I do it again? My answer – In a Heartbeat!
