Virginia Federation of Republican Women
Celebrating 59 years of Republican Activism (1953 - 2012)

About Us


Republican women are the backbone for Republican party campaigns.  Involved in many levels from letter stuffing to phone banks to writing opinion/policy pieces to running for office.

Our goal is to provide the opportunity for women from all age groups and walks of life to actively participate in the political arena on national, state and local issues.
We promote political awareness and recruit qualified candidates.
We encourage women to assume leadership roles in government, the Republican Party, and in the community as policy planners, decision makers, and potential candidates.
 
We offer political involvement, legislative action, educational programs and the opportunity to form lasting friendships with others of similar interests and beliefs.  Our goal is to make a difference one voter at a time and to increase our membership!
Republican National Committeewoman Kathy Terry speaks at the VFRW Convention (April 2010)


Federation History

Prior to 1953, we were the Virginia Council of Republican Women.  Purportedly, some clubs began as early as 1938; however,  the Council of Republican Women did not have a sufficient number of clubs or members to be part of the National Federation of Republican Women.  In 1953,  those numbers changed, as a result of the efforts of a stalwart group of officers and we became chartered by the NFRW (National Federation of Republican Women).

 

Subsequently, we have led the charge in Virginia to maintain a GOP majority, educate women in the political process, increase the number of women who serve in elected office from the Court house to the Halls of Congress, and remain the most positive Republican voice in politics.    That membership number has grown immeasurably over the years.

 

Today, we are the 6TH LARGEST Federation in the National Federation of Republican Women.   With a strong legacy as our foundation, a productive present, we have a promising future. 

 

VIRGINIA FEDERATION OF REPUBLICAN WOMEN LEGEND
The Story of the Seal Adopted March 1972

 

Designed around symbolic WOMAN - who through the centuries has stood for courage and loyalty - intelligence and dependability - unity of home & nation.

 

She proudly holds high - protects and defends the flag of the United States of America. The background of blue is for the Commonwealth of Virginia flag.

 

Her shield carries the honor & heritage of the Commonwealth of Virginia where the VFRW women are a recognized political force in the Republican Party - particularly in campaign activities.

 

VFRW Women signify a pillar of strength of dedication to the politics and objectives of the G.O.P. in the precinct - the State  and the Nation.

 

Her helmet signifies the ability to rise to challenge - and to further the VFRW - to abide by its laws - to promote with spirited pride the aims & goals of the Republican Party - to work to insure the election of Republicans - while at the same time her bare feet depict humility and honesty.

 

She stand within a while circle of integrity, unity and purpose.

 

C. Eveland Newman, Historian 1972

Honored at the "Fabulous at 55" Anniversary VFRW 1953 - 2008
NFRW President Sue Lynch speaks at the VFRW Convention (April 2010).
Past Presidents

Brenda Campbell of Ridgeway, 2008 - 2010 (5th District)

Paula Willoughby of Newport News, 2006 - 2008  (1st District)
A member of Rep. JoAnn Davis's Advisory Board.  Oversaw the first continuously-active professional website for the VFRW which expanded to include a password protected area for members.  VFRW Political Scholarships were increased to two separate $1,000 awards; donations over $40,000 of in-kind gifts were made to the USO with Caring for America projects and the VFRW donated $19,500 to a record number of women candidates in 2007. In coordination with the NFRW and the Maryland state president, sponsored  young Democratic political women from Mongolia on a visit to the Unites States; the VFRW hosted these women at the 2008 Legislative Day, a record attendance event in Richmond and where the VFRW received the Mongolian XXI Century Peace & Friendship Stamp.  Re-instituted traveling Leadership Workshops; updated the VFRW Leadership Manual and developed District Rep and Community Services Guides to provide a "how-to" manual for Club Presidents and District Representatives.  Clifton RWC was chartered and during her tenure, all fundraisers, Legislative Day, and state-wide conventions were financially hugely successful. Congress honored the 55th VFRW Anniversary - Congressional Record of the 110th Congress on Thursday, April 10, 2008.
 
Kendall Rhodes of Portsmouth, 2004-2006  (3rd District)
A professional teacher; her term saw the creation of the first Political Studies Scholarship; delegate to the Republican National Convention in New York City to nominate George W. Bush for a second term; wrote a daily log for the Virginian Pilot newspaper, which appeared nationwide via the internet; established leadership retreats and leadership training at the February Board meetings.  In 2005 the VFRW contributed the largest ever combined donations to VA gubernatorial and women candidates; membership reached almost 2,800 women and two new clubs were chartered that concentrated on the younger VFRW woman.
 
Angie Hall of Radford, 2002-2004 (9th District)
A professional agriculturist and the first VFRW president from the 9th District; sponsored four VFRW statewide regional fundraisers which honored the 50th anniversary of the VFRW.  The VFRW donated the largest amount ever, $15,000, to women candidates; hosted a "roast" for the living past presidents of the VFRW and all were in attendance; was the first president to run for an elective office at the same time as being VFRW president.
 
Charlotte Neal of Richmond, 2000-2002  (10th District)
Created the first VFRW web page and encouraged VFRW visibility in all facets of the state political arena; featured a "roast" to Senator John Warner at a VFRW convention banquet.  Her term saw the first ever Republican majority in both houses of the General Assembly, a Republican Speaker of the House, Republican President, two U.S. Senators and the majority of Virginia Congressional delegation.  Charlotte was the first woman appointed as temporary chairman of the Republican State Convention.
 
Bessie Scott of Smithfield, 1998-2000  (4th District)
Was the second president to hold outside employment during her presidency; sponsored two very successful fundraisers: one at Brandon Plantation and the other at Chericok; panel presentation for RPV Advance; NFRW Campaign Management School in Virginia.
 
Jan Schar of Great Falls, 1996-1998  (10th District)
Her tenure saw a Republican majority in the Virginia Senate, and parity in the House with a Republican Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General; members of the VFRW collectively donated the highest amount ever to candidates and campaigns ($68,000); full delegate to the Republican Nation Convention; strengthened working relations with RPV.
 
Jane S. Smith of Newport News, 1992-1996 (Deceased)
Traveled the state yearly for leadership seminars; Brandon Plantation Fundraiser (the home of former Congressman Robert W. Daniel, Jr.); honored most senior member, Lois Johnson, of Portsmouth with a surprise roasting for her many contributions as a former First Vice President and the only Advisory Council Chairman in VFRW history.  Deceased 2007.
 
Mary Vaughn Gibson of Midlothian, 1988-1992 (4th District)
Organized the first statewide candidates' debate in NFRW history, which was also televised; produced campaign manual title "Victory for the 90's", distributed to all candidates at the Republican Advance; produced a VFRW video with Republican National Committee; raised and contributed the largest amount of money in VFRW history: money's given for the NFRW Virginia Room, Cancer Awareness Project, Making Strides (forerunner for the Relay for Life); intensified a partnership with RPV on every level; first Virginian elected to the NFRW Executive Committee.
 
Katherine 'Kit' I. Fredman of McLean, 1986-1988  (Deceased)
The first president to hold outside employment during her presidency; excelled in fiscal management.  Deceased 2007.
 
Mary P. Ramey of Virginia Beach, 1984-1986  (2nd District)
Membership continued high; Women Candidate Recruitment Committee was begun with Judy Peachee as chairman; the Gascony Gathering (Republican fundraiser), at the home of Senator Paul Trible's parents in Kilmarnock, was begun; full delegate for Ronald Regan's second term at the Dallas convention in 1984.
 
Doriene M. Steeves of Annandale, 1980-1984  (11th District)
Co-authored the VFRW Leadership Manual for club presidents; produced membership and political polling brochures; began Legislative Day in Richmond in 1982; implemented leadership training seminars and campaign management schools; her tenure enjoyed the highest increase ever in the Federation history, a 27% increase in membership.
 
Virginia 'Ginny' H. Lampe of Arlington, 1976-1980
Her projects included the Dalton luncheon; Eddy Dalton & Elizabeth Taylor Warner scheduling; campaign seminars for campaign managers; and her special installation of the Atoka Country Supper at the home of Senator John Warner (the first event raised $47,000 for the Dalton gubernatorial campaign).

Francis Garland of Roanoke, 1972-1976  (6th District)
Her leadership increased the quality of the working relationship with the Republican Party; a permanent working VFRW organization was established with regular board meetings to  actively unite the state clubs; protocol was established for the VFRW and elected Republicans; VFRW was given a permanent seat on the State Central Committee; appointed by Governor Holton to the Virginia Commission for the Status of Women; hostess for a state visit by Vice President and Mrs. Nelson Rockefeller.
 
Liz Fraser, 1970-1972
The VFRW grew to 51 clubs and 2,064 members; bylaws were re-written to conform to the NFRW; large parades were coordinated to promote Republican candidates.
 
Nancy Riabouchinsky, 1969-1970
Increased the number of clubs and membership during her tenure.
 
Dorothy Burkhardt III, 1966-1969
Initiated the first newsletter; organized "Ladies for Lin" and worked to elect the first Republican Governor since reconstruction: Linwood Holton; served on the Inaugural committee for President Nixon.
 
Virginia Reynolds, 1964-1966

Myrtle Talbert, 1962-1964

Ceres Gaskins, 1960-1962
During the 1960's Ceres Gaskins, Myrtle Talbert and Virginia Reynolds worked to strengthen the Federation and elect candidates.
 
Thelma Phipps, 1958-1960
Opened the most inaccessible mountain areas of Virginia for membership.
 
Mrs. J. Robert Smith 1952-1958
The Council was chartered in 1953 as the Virginia Federation of Republican Women.  During her tenure the organization increased to 35 clubs and 1,385 members.
 
Wilma MacPhearson, 1951-1952
Lobbied successfully for women as jurists.  At the conclusion of her term, 12 clubs and 200 members comprised the Council of Republican Women.
 
Emily Logan (Founding President), of Woodstock
Initiated the Virginia Council of Republican Women in 1943.