The Women’s Democratic Club, founded as Woman’s Suburban Democratic Club, was established by a group of activist women Democrats in Montgomery County, where they worked on many local, state, and national campaigns, often out of a storefront in Bethesda. 

Eleanor Roosevelt was the first speaker, at an event held at Normandie Farm, in 1957.

WDC Past Presidents

Diana Conway, 2022-23

Leslie Milano, 2021-22

Diana Conway, 2019-21

Fran Rothstein, 2017-19

Linda Kolko, 2015-17

Beth Tomasello, 2013-15

Jane Merkin, 2011-13

Susan Elwell, 2009-11

Darlene Montgomery, 2005-09

Jane Lawton, 2005

Dorothy Barthelmes, 2003-05

Carole Brand, 1999-2003

Rebecca Kahlenberg, 1997-99

Miriam Silver, 1995-97

Daphne Bloomberg, 1991-95

Natalie Bouquet, 1989-91

Madeleine Sigel, 1987-89

Dorothy Barthelmes, 1985-87

Susan Messitte, 1983-85

Anne Healy, 1981-83

Kelly Pelz, 1979-81

Roberta Hochberg, 1977-79

Madeleine Sigel, 1975-77

Dorothy Barthelmes, 1973-75

Marilyn Goldwater, 1971-73

Grace Orlansky, 1969-71

Mary Lou Freidman, 1967-69

Margaret Carpenter, 1965-67

Paula Locker, 1963-65

Virginia Sprecher, 1961-63

Peggy Mann, 1959-61

Barbara Pryor, 1957-59