WI Executive & Advisory Board
(2022-2025)

Advisory Board Members

FWIC Rep and Communications
Angela Scott

Secretary
Helen Clarke

Executive Members

Sheila Fanjoy

Holly Hersey

Advisory Board Members

President
Sharron Adams

President Elect
Madine Keenan

Past-President
Sandra Day

Vice-President
Jacquie Cleveland

FWIC Rep and Communications
Angela Scott

Secretary
Helen Clarke

Executive Members

Marion Green

Marjorie Goddard

Shawna Stephenson

Gail Rogers

Meghan Whyte

Sheila Fanjoy

Holly Hersey

About Us

WI in New Brunswick started in 1911. The ‘vision’ of WI today is to advocate for women of all ages and youth in order to empower them in their lives, families, and communities. WI are a circle of women, supporting each other and our communities. We are diverse and inclusive, and we support communities one project at a time.’

There are over 40 Branches and 400 members in New Brunswick.

Along with advocacy WI in New Brunswick supports ongoing education. Starting in the 1920s, WI began awarding young women scholarships for nursing, teaching, music, and home economics programs. The tradition has lasted for over 100 years and NBWI continues to award multiple scholarships each year. Guidelines and applications are found under the Resources Tab.

To summarize, WI in New Brunswick is about advocacy, education, and community. ‘WI is a circle of women, supporting each other and our communities. We are diverse and inclusive, and we support communities one project at a time.’ If you are interested in learning more, please contact our Admin Officer under the Contact Tab, and she will be happy to direct your inquiry to an Advisory Board Member or give your information to the Branch in your area.”

History

On February 19, 1897 the very first meeting of the Women’s Institute was held at Stoney Creek Ontario with 101 women in attendance. Adelaide Hunter Hoodless and the Lee’s, Janet and Erland, started the first WI and in 1911 Mrs. Alma Porter of Perth Andover led a group of women to start the inaugural Branch in NB. Soon the WI in New Brunswick was an institution.

During the war, WI participated in every little community and supported both World Wars, and the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Following the war, WI moved into the continuing education realm for women to learn all about home economics activities, agriculture, health & safety, and Canadian industries. At monthly get togethers women would often listen to guest speakers or participate in learning new techniques for the popular sewing and cooking activities.

For 60 years the WI in New Brunswick ran the WI Home in Woodstock NB. It was a home for aged ladies and it is estimated that close to 1500 women called it home over that time.

Ongoing learning opportunities continue today across many small communities of New Brunswick. We improve communities one project at a time. Potential participants and new members could watch for posters at community stores and on Facebook.