Zeynep A. Talu-Balci | Let's Connect on LinkedIn
♥ Thank you for reading this post. Don't forget to subscribe!
They say real estate is a relationship business, but to me, it’s something deeper. It’s about connections. Connections to people, to places, and to the stories that shape them. The first time I laid eyes on the iconic home of the Miami Woman’s Club, it wasn’t part of a planned visit. It was a fleeting, unguarded moment as I stepped off a water taxi after a whirlwind day at Art Basel.
There it stood – majestic and timeless, its Mediterranean Revival design glowing softly in the evening light. This timeless elegance, took my breath away. It was love at first sight.
I made a mental note to return, but life got busy – until my friend Senait texted me with an invitation to a British Afternoon Tea at the club. The very next day, I was there, sipping tea in this historic gem, surrounded by incredible women.
Suddenly, this wasn’t just a building anymore – it was a living, breathing symbol of Miami’s history and resilience.
A Jewel of Miami’s History
Founded in 1900 by a group of visionary women, the Miami Woman’s Club began as a literary society and has since grown into a cornerstone of civic, cultural, and educational leadership in Miami. Its iconic home, designed by renowned architect August Geiger in 1926, is a masterpiece of Mediterranean Revival architecture. With its arched windows, intricate ironwork, elegant chandeliers, and sweeping bayfront views, the building captures the essence of timeless beauty while seamlessly blending historic charm with modern functionality.
The event itself was orchestrated with grace by Shirley Pardon, a past president of the club. Shirley introduced us to the history of British afternoon tea, complete with scones and delicate pastries. Her warmth and humor set the tone for a gathering that was equal parts elegant and empowering.
“This isn’t Alice in Wonderland’s tea party,” Shirley said. “This is about connection, tradition, and enjoying the finer things in life.”
Diane’s Courage: Changing the Rules of Inclusion
One of the most inspiring moments of the Miami Woman’s Club tea was hearing Diane, a longtime member and former president, share her courageous fight for inclusivity in the 1960s. At a time when the club’s bylaws included a clause restricting membership to “white women only,” Diane stepped forward to challenge the status quo.
When Diane became president, she was shocked to discover this exclusionary clause embedded in the bylaws. “I couldn’t believe it. I belonged to a club that restricted membership to white women,” she said. Motivated by her principles, Diane proposed an amendment to remove the clause, sparking a heated debate within the organization and beyond.
Her efforts initially faced significant resistance. While the amendment passed at the local level, the Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs upheld the restrictive clause during a vote at their convention in Tallahassee. Diane, undeterred, attended the convention as a reporter, leveraging her connections to media outlets like the Associated Press and International Press to shed light on the injustice.
Her determination gained momentum, thanks in part to her husband, who was a fraternity member with connections to two state senators. Together, they drafted and introduced a legislative bill aimed at preventing any organization with restrictive membership policies from maintaining tax-exempt status. This legislative effort added significant pressure to the Federation’s decision-making process.
The following year, Diane’s persistence paid off. The restrictive clause was finally removed in a reversal vote, marking a historic moment for the Miami Woman’s Club and setting an example for other organizations.
Diane reflected on her journey with a mix of pride and gratitude. “Just recently, I read that the Miami Woman’s Club elected its first Black president. It felt like everything we fought for had come full circle,” she shared.
Her story is a reminder that change often begins with one voice, amplified by courage and a commitment to justice. Diane’s unwavering determination will continue to inspire generations to build a community rooted in inclusivity and progress, embodying the enduring spirit of the Miami Woman’s Club.
Metris Batts: Leading the Miami Woman’s Club into Its Next Chapter
“We’re not just preserving a building; we’re preserving a legacy of service, empowerment, and connection.”
After the tea, I had the distinct honor of speaking with Metris Batts, the president of the Miami Woman’s Club. Her warmth and leadership were immediately apparent. She shared how the club is navigating its modern mission while staying rooted in its rich history.
“Our focus is on creating a community where everyone feels included,” she explained.
The club is stepping boldly into the future, honoring its past while making space for what’s next. A stunning third-floor restoration has breathed new life into the historic space, and two world-class dining destinations now call the club home – Klaw, a rooftop seafood experience, and Casadonna, a Mediterranean-inspired eatery. These aren’t just restaurants; they’re a bridge between history and progress, a magnet drawing new energy into the club’s historic walls.
But let’s set the record straight – this is not just a beautiful historical building. This is a movement.
From Books to Big Impact
Long before the Miami-Dade Public Library System existed, there was a small but mighty group of women who believed Miami needed access to books. So, they built the foundation of what would become the city’s library system, proving that visionary women don’t wait for permission – they create change. Today, a historical marker outside the Miami Woman’s Club building serves as a tribute to this bold beginning.
“This club has always been about action,” Metris reminded me. “We’re here because women before us saw what was needed and made it happen.”
For 125 years, the Miami Woman’s Club has shaped the city. It’s not a club that simply gathers—it’s a club that gets things done. Membership isn’t about having your name on a list; it’s about showing up, rolling up your sleeves, and making a difference.
“Each new member must join a committee – because this club works” Metris told me. From civic engagement to the arts, from wellness to hospitality, each initiative is about impact, not just attendance.
And the club’s influence isn’t limited to Miami. With 60,000 women across the U.S. connected through conventions, collaborations, and community-driven leadership, the Miami Woman’s Club is part of something bigger – a global network of women shaping their cities.
A Global Connection: The GFWC
The Miami Woman’s Club is part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), an international organization with over 60,000 members across 2,300 clubs in all 50 states and 15 countries. The GFWC’s mission is simple yet profound: to improve communities through volunteer service.
From supporting arts and education to advocating for health and wellness, GFWC clubs focus on issues that matter locally while making a global impact. For our she.work readers around the world, this is a reminder that there are opportunities to connect, serve, and lead – wherever you are.
A Celebration of Past, Present, and Future
To honor its 125-year milestone, the Miami Woman’s Club is opening its doors for a gala celebration, inviting the community to witness its legacy in action.
“We’re not just reflecting on the past,” Metris told me. “We’re building what’s next.”
And that’s exactly what this club has always done.
A library before Miami had one.
A movement when women weren’t given a seat at the table.
A historic space that still pulses with purpose.
The Miami Woman’s Club isn’t just preserving history – it’s making it. And with leaders like Metris Batts at the helm, the next 125 years look just as BOLD as the last.
Why This Matters to Me
For me, this experience was more than an elegant tea or a glimpse into history. It was a reminder of the power of connection. Whether in real estate or community service, relationships are the foundation of everything meaningful. The Miami Woman’s Club is proof that when people come together with purpose, they can create spaces – both literal and figurative – that inspire generations.
An Invitation to Join the Legacy
As the Miami Woman’s Club approaches its 125th anniversary, it’s clear that its story is far from over. The club is more than a historic landmark; it’s a vibrant, evolving community that welcomes anyone who shares its values of service, connection, and empowerment.
If you’re in Miami, I encourage you to visit this extraordinary place. Attend an event, explore its beautiful grounds, or simply soak in the inspiration of its legacy. And if you’re part of the global she.work community, consider joining a GFWC-affiliated club in your area.
Because whether you’re building a building, a community, or a legacy, one thing is certain: we’re stronger when we do it together.
