LEADERSHIP
GTW Conveners
We are blessed at Gather the Women by the gift of brilliant leadership, women who lead from a place of deep service. We are grateful for their creativity, their expansive vision, and their integrity. Gather the Women relies upon the effective power of circle principles for leadership of our grassroots global movement.
Our Conveners make up our Board of Directors
and keep Gather the Women moving forward.
Dawn Gandalf: Matrix Convener
There are things I know, things I have learned from deep inside. I have learned patience, acceptance, and tolerance from my relations the TreeElders. I have learned community from BeeSisters, been affirmed by the consistent flow of a river to the ocean, and the hoots of an owl while sending prayers on the wind in the deep silence of the pre-dawn. I have assisted bringing in life, looked into the eyes those leaving and washed/anointed their bodies. I have rocked children and Sisters, shared the “deep end of the pool” with many hearts while gaining respect, compassion and bridging differences. I have felt how healing forgiveness is; and, most importantly, I have loved and been loved. Who else I am won’t be measured by linear standards but by how I show up when called. The best role model in my life is how “S/HE” has shown me infinite patience and generosity, creatively providing “lessons” to grow by through unconditional love and acceptance and no attachment to outcome. I strive to do no less with others. I have been “called” and am ready to continue to serve HER, sharing what I have learned of the Divine Feminine with GTW. I have spoken and I am complete *) featherdawn 9 aka fd9
Mayra Hawkins: Treasurer Convener
As a Motherless Daughter, I always found myself surrounded by the love of my beloved Aunts. They were always there for me to love and support me during my young age and even after I became a single Mom. They have all transitioned by now and I really do cherish everything about our relationship, especially the pearls of wisdom. My journey with Gather the Women began in 2016 when I was looking for a place where I could be in the company of other women who would make me feel loved and understood like I did with my Aunts. I wanted to have those deep conversations again without any fear of judgment. I remembered entering my information to receive the newsletter from Gather the Women and received a call and the invitation to create Circles in my area instead! At first, I was not sure how or when, but as soon as I began to host Circles, I really felt at home. They are now a part of my life and I am honored to be a part of this matrix. I have been in the Banking and Financial Industry for over 20 years and have always loved building relationships with my clients and being of service to them. Listening to many of their stories inspired me to become a Spiritual Life Coach in 2011.
Sandra Murray: Secretary Convener
I’ve always lived by the motto, “Dare to take risks every day.” It’s shaped my life in so many ways – from being successful working in male dominated careers, negotiating my first salary, to developing my own businesses, and learning to embrace and live in my Divine Feminine energy. My life started to transform about fifteen years ago when I started taking time to reconnect with a time when I wasn’t wrapped up in the "shoulds" of life. I began a process of self-exploration and discovered my love of hiking, cooking, art, traveling, connecting with other women, yoga retreats and much more. Ten years ago while attending a vision quest workshop I envisioned myself being part of a far reaching Divine Feminine led organization that supported and empowered women to connect with their Divine Feminine wisdom. I envisioned a place where I could share my insights and experiences to empower women and move an organization forward. Imagine my excitement when I discovered the opening for the Secretary Conveners position! It happened so organically that I knew it was what I was waiting for. I look forward to meeting with and sharing with women across the globe.
Susan Lynn Keys: International Convener
As the new International Convener, how thrilling to meet and learn what women around the world are doing and have the opportunity to introduce them to the full scope of offerings available them through Gather the Women Global Matrix. I am excited to share in Sisterhood and bring GTW resources to the international world of women. As the world evolves, women will make a dramatic difference in the decisions about their own lives as well as the fabric of communities, cities, countries and in the larger arena of world politics.
My intention as the International Convener is to do all I can to bring women into the circle process and Gather the Women Global Matrix.
Nadine (Nay) Bell: Communications & Marketing Convener
I came to Gather the Women through a friend. In 2018 I attended the Canadian GTW Retreat in Ontario and have never looked back. I could be myself, felt heard, and was held and supported. I knew then that I wanted to get involved but didn't know how. I filled out the volunteer survey and jumped into the Communications and Marketing (C&M) Circle to use my knowledge of social media, publications, and design. I have worked in healthcare communications for the last 24 years and when I volunteered, it has been in public relations/communications. I have also volunteered as Stage Manager/Producer in Community Theatre and enjoy singing karaoke and women's Barbershop. I am a widow and live with my companion, a chocolate labradoodle named Rosie. I am humbled and grateful to be part of GTW and look forward to sharing and promoting this organization with more women around the world.
Carol Hansen Grey: Project Convener
Helping women empower themselves and facilitating a consciousness around the importance of personal empowerment has been my life’s work for over 35 years. Thus, it is with great joy that I have been invited to “come home” to Gather the Women, a project that I was instrumental in helping initiate as Executive Director of Women of Vision and Action back in 2002. Now GTW has grown into a vibrant organization that is connecting women through circles around the world. When I was contacted in 2021 by a current GTW convener and asked if I could “fill in the gaps” as to how GTW began, I was more than happy to do so. I think I must have been an archivist in a past life because I have always felt it important to save historical data. Thus, I had saved all the relevant GTW documentation and was able to easily reconstruct the history (see In-the-Beginning). Since then I have gotten to know and work with the amazing women who are now leading GTW. When asked if I would be willing to be a convener, I was truly honored. I look forward to helping GTW continue to grow and expand its vision. It’s good to be home!
