Celebrating Women’s History Month

By Dennis Jackson, Co-Chair, Equity and Inclusion Committee

Every March, Women’s History Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the often-overlooked contributions and achievements of women throughout history, to reflect on the ongoing work toward gender equity and inspire future generations. It’s also a moment to recognize the women shaping our communities today. We would be remiss not to uplift and celebrate our own Executive Director, Amy Lee Derenthal, who has dedicated her career to social services and has been a guiding light at The Center for more than six years—launching new programs, building inclusive community and advocating every day for the evolving needs of our members. Her leadership reminds us why this month matters and why the tradition of honoring women’s contributions continues to evolve.

How Women’s History Month Came to Be

The observance is rooted in the early 20th-century activism that led to International Women’s Day on March 8, when women around the world organized for labor rights and equality. Women’s History Month grew from a weeklong observance first recognized by Congress in 1981. In 1987, following advocacy from the National Women’s History Project, Congress officially designated March as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, U.S. presidents have issued annual proclamations honoring women’s contributions across science, education, politics, culture, and social change.

Women Who Shaped Seattle

Seattle’s history has been shaped by women whose leadership, courage, and creativity helped define the city we know today. These include trailblazers such as Bertha Knight Landes, the first woman mayor of a major U.S. city, and Ruby Chow, a civic and political leader in Seattle’s Chinese American community.

Other influential women include:

• Janet McCloud (Yet-Si-Blue), a Native American activist who fought for treaty and environmental rights, organizing “fish-ins”
• Kikisoblu (Princess Angeline), the oldest daughter of Chief Seattle, known for her self-sufficiency and popularity among early Seattle residents
• Cecile Hansen, the great great grandniece of Chief Si’ahl’ and founder and former president of Duwamish Tribal Services
• Dorothy Hollingsworth, the first Black woman in Washington to serve on the Seattle School Board in 1975
• Thelma Dewitty, Seattle’s first Black public-school teacher, who helped pave the way for future generations
• Sue Bird,a point guard for the Seattle Storm, one of the most accomplished players in the history of women’s basketball
• Megan Rapinoe, a soccer icon, champion for equality, a vocal advocate for social justice
• Emma Smith DeVoe, a pioneer in the women’s suffrage movement
• Dixy Lee Ray, a scientist, Pacific Science Center leader, public TV show host and Washington’s first female governor
• Ijeoma Oluo, Seattle-based writer, speaker and internet yeller who won the Feminist Humanist Award in 2018

Why Women’s History Month Still Matters

Each year, the National Women’s History Alliance selects a theme to reflect current challenges and opportunities. The 2026 theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” highlights women’s leadership in addressing interconnected issues such as climate change, economic security, healthcare access and democratic participation.

At its core, Women’s History Month serves three essential purposes:

• Centering underrepresented stories
• Creating opportunities for learning and reflection
• Encouraging continued advocacy for gender equity

By honoring women’s contributions—past and present—we not only recognize progress made, but reaffirm our shared responsibility to build a more just and inclusive future. It invites us to continue building spaces where equity, inclusion, and belonging are lived values. Where diverse voices are honored, leadership is shared, and everyone feels seen, respected and supported as they age.