Quota International
History
Less than a month after the end of the First World War, the idea for an international women's service organization arose at a ladies Christmas party at the Kiwanis Club in Buffalo, New York in 1918. During the war, many women found ways to assist the war effort by joining the workforce and organizing campaigns to support troops abroad. When the war ended, many women wanted to continue down the road of female employment and empowerment. Quota international was formed from that fervor. The organization was founded by Wanda Frey Joiner and four other prominent female businesswomen from the Buffalo area: Florence M. Smith, Alice C. Sauers, Ora G. Cole, Jean Ware Redpath. These women joined together to charter and incorporate an all-female service club on February 6, 1919. This feat was impressive because it took place one year before U.S. women were granted their right to vote via the 19th Amendment. After Quota's initial charter and incorporation the organization began establishing local clubs in nearby states.