Initially named the Women’s State Republican Club of New Jersey Inc., the New Jersey Federation is a charter state of the NFRW. The first members were activists in working toward community goals and good legislation. Peak membership occurred in the 1950s during the presidency of Mrs. Webster B. Todd, mother of former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman. Whitman has said that her interest in government and politics is a direct result of her mother’s and grandmother’s (Mrs. Reeve Schley, 1943-46) activism as presidents of the New Jersey Federation.

Members educate voters, sponsor special events, raise money for candidates at all levels, volunteer in campaigns, host political seminars, and work to attract new members.

Sherine el-Abd, President NJFRW 2009-2011 & 2011-2013

Sherine el-Abd’s career is diverse and extensive. She recently served as family support coordinator and regional director of Arab American Outreach for Global Linguist Solutions, a subsidiary of Dyncorp International and McNeil Technologies, a defense contractor charged with supplying Arabic language translators to the U.S. military in Iraq. Her professional career started in the academic field as a teacher of English. She has worked on Wall Street, for not-for-profit organizations and for the United Nations.

Additionally, her volunteer work also has been extensive and spanned within the realm of politics as an active member of the Republican Party and as a leader within the Arab American and Muslim communities. She also serves charitable organizations that support children with cancer and women.

Appointed by former New Jersey Governor Christine T. Whitman, Sherine served a five-year term as a New Jersey Civil Rights Commissioner and continues to fight for civil rights as a member of the U.S. Committee of Civil Rights.  Sherine also has served on the prestigious and powerful Council for Local Mandates.  She served as President of the Egyptian American Professional Society and is a member of the Board of Governors of the Washington, D.C.-based Arab American Institute.

Sherine’s passion for public service and the numerous causes that she works hard for have earned her several congressional recognitions and other awards which recognize her leadership and commitment to public service.  She is a loyal and tireless crusader for the Republican Party and was a guest to more than one official state dinner at the White House and the Department of State.  Sherine has appeared as a guest on numerous local, national and international news programs.

Sherine’s service to the Federation includes having served as president of Middlesex County RW and as a founding member of the board of Passaic County Women’s Republican Club.  Within the NJFRW, she has served as 1st Vice President, Regional Vice President and Board Member.

Sherine is a graduate of Texas A&M University. She is married and has two children and four grandchildren.

Past Presidents include:
Gailanne Barth ~ 2007-2009
Dorothy P. “Dot” Romaine ~ 2005-2007
Sally Tullis de Barcza ~ 2003-2005
Dorothy P. “Dot” Romaine ~ 2001-2003
Lois G. Rand ~ 2000-2001
Mrs. Theresa E. Nagel ~ 1995-1999
Mrs. Grace Azzolina Scaduto* ~ 1991-1995
Mrs. James Colaprico* ~ 1987-1991
Mrs. Willis Walling* ~ 1983-1987
Mrs. Charles R. Stone* ~ 1981-1983
Mrs. Ruth Stevenson ~ 1976-1981
Mrs. Nelson G. Gross ~ 1973-1976
Mrs. Bassett Winmill* ~ 1971-1973
Mrs. John D. Flynn* ~ 1967-1971
Mrs. Walter T. Margetts, Jr.* ~ 1963-1967
Mrs. J. Duncan Pitney ~ 1961-1963
Mrs. Katherine K. Neuberger* ~ 1957-1961
Mrs. John W. Stenhouse* ~ 1952-1957
Mrs. Eleanor Prentice Schley Todd* ~ 1946-1952
Mrs. Kate DeForest Prentice Schley* ~ 1943-1946
Mrs. Clarence B. Mitchell* ~ 1937-1943
Mrs. Murry H. Coggeshall* ~ 1932-1937
Mrs. George M. Miles* ~ 1930-1932 (founding)

* deceased