Women's History Month

The History of March as National Women's History Month:
"National Women’s History Month’s roots go back to March 8, 1857, when women from New York City factories staged a protest over working conditions. International Women’s Day was first observed in 1909, but it was not until 1981 that Congress established National Women’s History Week during the second week of March. In 1987, Congress expanded the week to a month. Every year since, Congress has passed a resolution for Women’s History Month, and the president has issued a proclamation. " -U.S. Census Bureau

Columbus and National Women's History Month
Celebrating National Women's History Month, I decided that I would try to look closer to home to find women who are making history. To begin my search, I went directly to the YWCA website where I found a list of women who are being honored at this year's Women of Achievement Luncheon on April 11, 2007. This year's Women of Achievement honorees include:

Julie A. Graber, co-founder and president of Brains for Business, a Columbus-based company that provides web-based tools and corporate services. She sits on several boards, created "The Women's Power Index" which measures the status of women in business and government in central Ohio, and is currently Senior Associate for Strategic Planning at the Institute for Women, Gender and Public Policy at The Ohio State University.

Mary Jo Green, vice-president of public affairs for the Mid-Ohio Division of Time Warner, board member of various organizations including the Greater Columbus Arts Council, Columbus City Council’s – Creative Columbus Policy Steering Committee, and The Women’s Fund. She is also the author of Women Leading the Way: Reflections on Life and Learning, a book written under her maiden name, Mary Jo Conte, about 5 other Columbus area women leaders. (NOTE TO SELF- MUST READ)

Pat Logsdon, campaign manager for several candidates and issues, involved in various community organizations including the Columbus Metropolitan Library, helping feed the homeless, advocating acceptance of all people regardless of race, or lifestyle choices. Pat also contributed to New Leadership Ohio at the John Glenn Institute at The Ohio State University.

Mary Austin-Palmer, soon to be the first African-American president of the Junior League of Columbus, she helped create the Underground Railroad Learning Station at the Kelton House Museum and Gardens, is a board member of the Columbus Cancer Clinic, Girl Scouts trustee, active with the Columbus Historical Society and is founder and president of the Noe-Bixby Scenic Byway Association. Currently Mary is the information technology business officer for the City of Columbus.

Barbara Snyder, The Ohio State University’s Executive Vice President and Provost and president-elect, Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. An academic authority on issues of racial and gender equality, Barbara has developed many programs that benefit women working at OSU. She also serves on the boards of the Wexner Center, The Women’s Fund and The John Glenn Institute and School of Public Policy.

These women are just a sampling of women making history here in Columbus.

Until next time!