Winnie Feise: Inspiring Leadership - Farm & Wilderness

Just shy of 60 years ago, Winnie Feise attended a Farm & Wilderness Fair. “It was pure magic,” she recalled. “Then and there it was determined that someday I would work at the camps.” Two years later, she returned to head up the Flying Squirrels (1960), which began a pivotal, decades-long connection with F&W. Winnie became a mentor and role model for generations at Indian Brook. Her ability to lead and inspire others to find the gifts within themselves was remarkable.

“She helped me realize that my life’s path was my own to decide, and that I didn’t have to live by what others expected of me,” Jeffery Anne Tatum says. Jeffery Anne was a new IB staffer in 1972 and recalls, “Winnie welcomed me with open arms and guided me gently, but firmly, in what felt to me like a whole new world.”

Spending just one summer under Winnie’s leadership was life-changing.

-Jeffery Anne Tatum

Winnie quickly became an integral member of the Indian Brook staff; in 1964, she served as Senior Lodge Head. She worked closely with Susan Webb, and became her associate director, and eventually Susan’s first successor as IB Director (1969-72). She also served on the Board of Trustees (1980-86), including as Clerk (1984-86).

A former “Cricket,” Joan “Cindy” Amatniek remembers gaining comfort while weeding a strawberry bed alongside Winnie. “Winnie listened mostly, maybe said a few things, and life just wasn’t so scary anymore,” Joan remembers.

Winnie was born Winifred Leeds in 1918 in Manhattan, and she became a champion of civil rights in the segregated South. Her early focus on politics changed to child advocacy and she became a child development specialist. Winnie took an intense interest in the personal and professional development of her campers and the women on her staff at a time when the influences of the Women’s Movement were prevalent.

Inspired by Winnie’s model of excellent leadership, Indian Brook campers and staff felt challenged and supported to develop their own leadership qualities. “It was Winnie who helped me create a brand new position as a trip counselor. And it was Winnie who thought that, at the age of 23, I would be a good addition to the new Board of Trustees,” says Caroline Cope, who was on staff at IB between 1969 and 1973. “Her faith in me has buoyed me for the 50+ years that have followed and given me courage to reach beyond.”

In 2012 an idea was hatched to honor Winnie by creating The Winnie Feise Leadership Endowment Fund. Established with her full cooperation, the fund promotes and supports the development of leadership qualities in girls and young women at Indian Brook.

Winnie died in 2014 at the age of 95 after a full career and an ongoing legacy at Farm & Wilderness. “Spending just one summer under Winnie’s leadership was life-changing,” Jeffery Anne says. “Knowing her was one of the greatest gifts of my life.”