2020
Celebration of
Women, Voting Going Virtual
&
Year in Review
2020... What a year it has been. Yes, it's a cliché, but it’s true! At the end of 2019, we were energized! We had hosted a successful Induction Ceremony, inducting women environmentalists and presented the first “Generations: A Conversation Between” program; four generations of women speaking about feminism. We were embarking on the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment and preparing for the 2020 Induction Cermony, highlighting the accomplishments of eight Connecticut suffragists and two contemporary social justice leaders. Then came March and Covid-19. Like all small non-profits we faced many challenges, responded to hard questions, and felt great uncertainty. With thoughtful strategic planning, creative programming, and sacrifice we continue to stand strong. Our goal was simple; drive our mission forward. We did just that with the help of State and Federal funding programs; but it was you, our supporters who rallied. You stood fast and provided the much needed funding that helped us navigate this new landscape. Your words of encouragement and your belief in our mission lifted our spirits and strengthened our resolve.
So, what have we done to respond to COVID-19?
• Created, developed, and launched thirteen “A Conversation Between” webinars, discussing relevant and current topics that impact women in our communities.
• Worked diligently to shift the CWHF in-person education programs to authentic on-line experiences that still incorporate women STEM and Finance professionals.
• Hosted the 1st Virtual and 27th Annual Induction Ceremony on
October 22, 2020 and inducted eight Connecticut women who struggled and fought hard to secure a woman’s right to vote. These programs have engaged new and loyal supporters during a time where engagement is crucial. We hope you enjoy reading about how your partnership has ensured that women of all ages continue to find role models, become inspired, and learn what is possible. Remember, inspiration comes from many directions. Visit www.cwhf.org and find your inspiration. Stay healthy, be safe, and stay in touch. Gratefully, Sarah Smith Lubarsky Executive Director
Sandra Vigliotti Senich Board Chair
A Look Back on Tournament of Roses Parade Pasadena, California
On January 1st, 2020 Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame Founder, Geena Clonan, participated in the 131st Tournament of Roses Parade as part of the Women’s Suffrage float. The float theme, “Years of Hope. Years of Courage.” commemorated the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, securing a woman’s right to vote. Along with Clonan, Coline Jenkins, great-great-granddaughter of suffrage leader Elizabeth Cady Stanton, also represented the great state of Connecticut. The float portrayed the long history to win the right to vote and its cardinal figures. Geena represented Connecticut as one of the 100 “suffragists” (two from each of the 50 States) who marched alongside the float, all dressed in traditional white costume with historic sashes, memorializing the suffrage campaigns.
The suffrage float, 55’ long and 18’ wide, featured a 30-foot tall Statue of Liberty dressed in a suffrage sash, holding the tablet of the 19th Amendment. Riders on the float included suffrage descendants – those in direct line to Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Ida B. Wells, and Frederick Douglass. Floats and parades were a major hallmark of how women brought attention to the cause of suffrage. They were dramatic and stunning, featuring floral displays, art, and the constant demand for the Right to Vote. The Tournament of Roses Parade was seen by over 93 million people world-wide.
New Year's Day 2020
| Teresa C. Younger, President and CEO of the Ms. Foundation for Women and Geena Clonan, CWHF Founding President
| Geena Clonan, CWHF Founding President and Coline Jenkins (pictured third from left), great-great-granddaughter of Elizabeth Cady Stanton stand with fellow marchers
“This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - recognizing the incredible strength and commitment of extraordinary women who fought for their right to vote 100 years ago meant so much to me. I was honored to march as one of 100 women including 2021 CWHF Inductee Teresa C. Younger, behind the 19th Amendment Centennial Float entitled; Years of Hope, Years of Courage.�
| Geena Clonan, CWHF Founding President and Johnetta Betsch Cole, Ph.D., National Chair and Seventh President of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.
- Geena Clonan CWHF Founding President
| Geena Clonan, CWHF Founding President stands with Marci Magnatta , seventh cousin of Susan B. Anthony
A Look Back On The Power of Women & The Vote 27th Annual
INDUCTION CEREMONY Your Voice, Your Vote be Remote to Promote the Vote The first organized call for woman’s suffrage in America took place in 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York. More than 170 years later, on October 22, 2020, over 500 women, men, and students from across the State, Country, and from around the the World virtually joined CWHF to celebrate this historic movement. The 2020 Induction Ceremony was hosted by CWHF Founding President Geena Clonan and
| Geena Clonan and Sarah Lubarsky toast to our first Virtual Induction Ceremony
Tony Award winning actress Anika Noni Rose who introduced our newest class of Inductees, eight Connecticut Women who were instrumental in State and National suffrage movements. These women worked tirelessly and courageously to secure the passage of the 19th Amendment, ensuring our right to elective franchise. Their stories preserved, their legacies cherished, and their fight honored and now… one hundred years later… another glass
| A behind the scenes look with Induction Ceremony hosts Geena Clonan, Sarah Lubarsky and Anika Noni Rose
ceiling has been broken. We also want to thank the Connecticut women and men who helped us tell the stories of the 2020 Inductees all the while encouraging everyone to use their voice and vote.
Join us on October 25, 2021 for the 28th Annual Induction Ceremony. Visit www.cwhf.org for more information
2020 Inductees
(Hartford, CT) - Bennett held positions in three different suffrage associations
(Hartford, CT) - Burr was one of Connecticut’s first suffragist organizers and
(CWSA, CWP, NWP). She was a powerful campaigner for a woman’s right to vote
co-founder of the Connecticut Woman’s Suffrage Association, the most important
as well as many progressive causes—working hard to include black and working
women’s suffrage organization in the state’s history. Frances Ellen Burr served as its
class women in suffrage, union and civil rights movements.
secretary for 41 years.
(Hartford, CT) - Flanagan was one of few working-class women in the suffrage
(New Haven, CT) Fleming was active in the NAACP and the fight for women’s
movement. She became the state and national organizer for the radical National
suffrage. Throughout her life she was a tireless advocate for social, political and
Women’s Party (NWP) and was imprisoned after a pro-suffrage protest grew
educational opportunities for African- American women. She was also one of the
violent. After her mistreatment in prison became public, Flanagan became the
first Black women in America to publish a novel.
symbol of the Connecticut Suffrage Movement and was selected to deliver the state’s ratification document to Washington, D.C.
(Cromwell, CT) - Dr. Pierson joined the Connecticut Woman’s Suffrage Association in the early 1900’s and became a state organizer. She is best known for organizing the “Trolley Campaign” of 1912 where suffragists passed out thousands of pamphlets to trolley riders in New Haven, Hartford and Fairfield.
(Norwalk, CT) - Together, Clara, Helena, and Elsie campaigned for the passage of the 19th Amendment. Clara traveled throughout the state, as a key speaker for the cause. As outspoken suffrage activists, Helena and Elsie were arrested and jailed numerous times for picketing the White House during World War I.
A Look Back On
Challenges the pandemic presented were unimaginable for the Hall but so too were the opportunities, including the March launch of a new webinar series, “A Conversation Between”. This series created a virtual gathering of women talking through today’s important issues and has since become a stellar virtual program; one that is informative, relevant, timely, and uplifting. Since its inception, "A Conversation Between" has held thirteen highly attended webinars featuring field experts in the areas of the pandemic, education, social, mental health, and political issues. Presenting important information for all citizens of Connecticut.
"The new Webinar series: A Conversation Between was the Hall’s opportunity to impact the current state of affairs by engaging the expertise of women from all walks of life to address issues, share transformative stories, and strengthen our perseverance in these challenging times. I was honored to be a part of this groundbreaking program.” - Geena Clonan, Host & CWHF Founding President
Past webinars can be viewed in their entirety at www.cwhf.org/webinar-a-conversation-between
The Webinars WOMEN AND THE PANDEMIC
OLDER ADULTS AND THE PANDEMIC
Dr. Carolyn Mazure, creator and director of Women’s Health Research at Yale, and 2009 CWHF Inductee gave a brief overview of COVID-19 and discussed gender-based differences in the effects and prevalence of COVID-19, the various efforts being made by local, national, and international entities. Dr. Helen Smits, 2009 CWHF Inductee and former policy shaper and a strong advocate for quality healthcare for all, debunked the idea that COVID-19 is a “disease of older people” and shared how older people can take precautions, how assisted living and nursing home facilities can protect their residents, and how families can support their older loved ones during this pandemic.
EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING AND THE PANDEMIC
CWHF Executive Director Sarah Smith Lubarsky talked with Joanne Martin MFT, LPC, about emotional wellbeing during this challenging time and how to manage feelings of anxiety, loss of control, and grief.
DOMESTIC ABUSE: THE SHADOW PANDEMIC
Karen Jarmoc, CEO of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) and 2016 CWHF Honoree, discussed how domestic violence is affected by the Pandemic, social distancing, and stay-at-home orders.
CONNECTICUT’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19
Connecticut Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz discussed and reviewed Connecticut’s to-date response to COVID-19, the economic impact of the Pandemic, aid packages for businesses, individuals, and families, as well as COVID-19 antibody testing and contact tracing.
¡AYUDA! LATINOS’ UNIQUE CHALLENGES IN THE PANDEMIC
Kica Matos, VP of Initiatives at the Vera Institute of Justice, discussed the unique challenges faced by the Latino Community during the COVID-19 crisis including how Latino and undocumented workers are disproportionately affected.
PROTEST, POLICING AND THE PANDEMIC PART 1 AND PART 2
Dr. Siobhan Carter-David, Associate Professor of History at Southern Connecticut State University explored protest and policing through a historical lens and discussed the critical questions this exploration brings to light in this two-part series.
LGBTQ+ LEGAL RIGHTS, WHERE ARE WE NOW?
Anne Stanback, LGBTQ+ Activist and CWHF 2006 Inductee spoke on the history of LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S. and in Connecticut, where we are now, and ways that allies can help.
AMERICA’S POLICING CRISIS: REFORMS AND REMEDIES
Dr. Monica Bell, Associate Professor of Law & Sociology, Yale University discussed the history of policing in America, as well as the various efforts, past and present, to reform the police force and ways that citizens can be involved in the change.
CONNECTICUT CLASSROOMS AND THE CORONAVIRUS: CONDITIONS, CONCERNS AND CHALLENGES
Dr. Miguel Cardona, Connecticut’s Commissioner of Education, discussed how students, teachers, and families are moving forward together during the Pandemic.
WOMEN WHO RUN: THE PEOPLE AND THE PROCESS
Patricia Russo, Executive Director, The Campaign School at Yale discussed the history of women in politics, the highs and lows of American women in office and how the Pandemic has impacted the political process.
CONNECTICUT PANDEMIC BRIEF
Deidre S. Gifford, MD, MPH, Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Social Services spoke on Connecticut’s response to COVID-19, the positive and negative impact of being back at school, and looking ahead as we face seasonal challenges.
COLLEGE 2020: A BRAVE NEW WORLD
Bayan Galal, Yale University Class of 2023 and 2019 recipient of the CWHF Eileen Kraus Scholarship speaks to our audience about navigating university life during COVID-19.
A Look Back on 2019-2020 PROGRAMS
CWHF has a strong commitment to provide in-school programming to students across the state. COVID-19 did not stop that commitment. CWHF’s sustained momentum in delivering these programs was redirected to a virtual platform. Engaging girls and boys with the stories of Connecticut women, their struggles and their accomplishments. Remember… you have to see it, to be it….
Lesson Plans Our lesson plans help young people connect the past to the present by uncovering the historical impact Connecticut women made. Each module is directly keyed to the Common Core State Standards and reinforces essential skills like critical thinking, information literacy, collaboration, and effective communication.
STEMfems Junior Educational modules designed to provide opportunities for teachers to embedd the stories of pioneering Connecitcut women in STEM into their cirriculum. We currently offer two modules Featuring Dorrit Hoffleit a world-renowned astronomer and Barbara McClintock a famed geneticist and Nobel Prize winner. Their stories highlight both relevant science content and the challenges they overcame as women in science.
Ms. Story Educational modules designed to provide opportunities for teachers to embedd the stories of pioneering Connecticut women into their cirriculum. We currently offer two modules featuring Marion Anderson a worldrenowned opera singer and unintended Civil Rights Activist and Alice Paul, whose historical journey ensured woman’s suffrage and equality in the United States.
Going Virtual Education Programs 2,615 students participated in CWHF school, STEMfems, and Financefems programs. Going virtual provided an opportunity to reach more students at one time, increasing our impact and driving our mission of educating students on the accomplishments of Connecticut women forward.
2,615 Students INSPIRED Talks on the Road
1,137 Adults REACHED
1,137 adults across the state attended a 30-45 minute virtual,
educational, inspirational, and interactive presentations meant to engage attendees and encourage them to explore Connecticut Women’s History.
Rise Up Sister Banners The Rise Up Sisters Exhibit honors the 100th anniversary of 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. It includes 6 freestanding panels that uncover the history of women’s suffrage in the US from 1830s to 1920. In 2020, this exhibit was viewed by over 30,000 people at 33 different locations across the State.
Meaningful Initiatives Founding Members Garry Trudeau Dudley W. Alleman Charles Berg Stephen Corman Dick Ebersol Neal J. Keating Hal Kraus Stephen Kraus Philip H. Lodewick Emil Meshberg James K. Robertson Jr. Peter Schrobenhauser Timothy Stuart Richard Sugarman
Members Ernie Mattei John P. Senich Tom Willits
THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HAVE JOINED! Join a very special community; that of A Few Good Men who represent a vital lifeline for the Hall, a very special group of men who use their financial power to empower. Join Founding Member Gary Trudeau (creator of Doonesbury), and become allies and partners for change in the lives of girls. As a member of A Few Good Men you can help us bring the potent stories of our Inductees to girls across the state providing a learning opprotunity that can empower girls to take an active role in their future. You may want to commemorate your gift in honor of the women and girls in your life, who will be inspired by your actions on behalf of others.
2020 EILEEN KRAUS SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEE The Hall is pleased to announce the winner of the 2020 Eileen Kraus Scholarship, Lily Riccio. Lily attended Guilford High School where she served as Class President, taking on this leadership role to represent her peers’ voices in class decisions. She loves to compete in soccer and was selected All SCC Girls Soccer First Team, All-Area in CT and Most Valuable Player, CIAC CT State Soccer Championship. Lily founded Power of Girl, an online platform dedicated to sharing stories and advice from dozens of successful women representing different backgrounds, careers and cultures. Her work with Power of Girl, featured in People Magazine and Teen Vogue, has strengthened her interest in inspiring girls to pursue their dreams. Lily will be pursuing her own dream, following in the footsteps of pioneer film director Martha Coolidge, by attending the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts where she’ll be majoring in Film & Television Production.
& Partners The Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame would not exist without the support of our partner organizations! We are particularly grateful for the ongoing support of Southern Connecticut State University which houses our offices and for our close partnerships with the SCSU Women’s Studies Program and Women’s Center.
Educational Partners Avangrid Foundation (in partnership with CNG, SCG and UI)
Discovery
Kraus Family
Museum
Foundation
Ensign-Bickford Foundation, Inc.
Loureiro Engineering
Bank of America
Eversource Energy
Associates, Inc.
Barnum Financial
Fairfield County's
Manchester High
SBM Charitable Foundation Slalom Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. The Ethel Walker
BioCT
Community
School
Calvin K.
Foundation
Medtronic
The Hartford
NewAlliance
Tolland Middle
Kazanjian
George A. &
Economics
Grace L. Long
Foundation
Foundation
Foundation New Haven Public
Comcast
Grace Academy
Connecticut
HAYVN
Okay Industries
Kaman
Pfizer
State Department of
Corporation
Schools
Pratt & Whitney
Education
School
School University of Connecticut Foundation (UConn) William and Alice Mortensen Foundation
Community Partners Aurora Women & Girls Foundation Connecticut Bar Association Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism Connecticut
CTHumanities Connecticut Public CWEALF Elizabeth Cady Stanton Foundation Event Resources Gather and
Girl Scouts of Connecticut Karyl Evans Productions League of Women Voters, CT League of Women Voters of Darien LiveGirl
Southern Connecticut State University The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven The Connecitcut Forum
Historical
Lounge Rentals
Ms President US
The Flower Bar
Society Museum
& Design
PCSW
Valley Community
& Library
Foundation
Coming in 2021 Webinar Series "A Conversation Between" CWHF is excited to begin the 2nd year of “A Conversation Between” webinar series featuring experts across topics that are impacting your life. Please visit www.cwhf.org for more details on past webinar recordings and future webinar scheduling. In 2021 “A Conversation Between” will present: •
Inspired Women Speakers – A series of webinars featuring CWHF
Inductees sharing their stories of accomplishment and perseverance. • Women Across Generations – A series of webinars that will feature a highly accomplished, women from varying backgrounds and generations discussing issues of the day. • The New Education Environment – Eileen Kraus Scholarship winners who can speak to students, educators and parents on learning during COVID-19 and navigating campus life. • Girls and Advocacy – Advocates and policy makers provide insight and action steps on how be a better advocate for your community, state, and country. • Women Artists – Artists from different genres will discuss their work and their creative path forward. • Self/Home Improvement – Webinars that will look at life during COVID-19. Topics will include employment, career/job changes, travel, cooking, gardening, DIY projects, therapy, and the resiliency of primary care givers.
Women's History Month March 1-31, 2021 Looking for a way to celebrate Women’s History Month? Reserve our "free of charge" exhibit “Rise Up Sisters” for your office or schedule a virtual “Talk on the Road” presentation, which celebrates the stories of our Inductees. A CWHF staff member would welcome the opportunity to speak to your organization or club about the remarkable Connecticut Women whose contributions have often been overlooked. For more information contact Liz Krebs at Liz@cwhf.org or 203-392-9013.
Induction Ceremony Monday, October 25, 2021 Join us on Monday, October 25th, 2021 for the 28th Annual Induction Ceremony where we will be inducting two women who have fought for social justice, ensuring equity, access, participation, and rights for all. For more information contact Sarah Lubarsky at Sarah@cwhf.org.
Teresa C. Younger Teresa C. Younger, President and CEO of the Ms. Foundation for Women and decades-long activist on the frontlines of some of the most critical battles for comprehensive equity and the elimination of institutionalized oppression.
Kica Matos Kica Matos, VP of Initiatives at the Vera Institute of Justice, whose long history of advocacy for immigration reform and social justice issues has strengthened communities and promoted human rights in New Haven and across the country.
The 19th Amendment The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.
Board of Trustees Board Chair Sandra Vigliotti Senich
Vice Chairs Melinda Agsten Desiree Wolfe
Treasurer
Secretary
Lori M. Budnick
Ruby Melton
Founding President Geena Clonan
Joaquina Borges King Geena Clonan Beth Costello Anne Elvgren Tracy L. Feliciani Kristin Flyntz Deb Geyer Jennifer Jackson
Melinda Kaufmann Christine Lodewick Meryl Mallery Mickey Mattei Ndidi Moses Susan Sprano Tracy Tyree Deborah Ullman
Roberta “Bert” Wachtelhausen Abby Warren Nancy Wheeler
Consulting Scholar Rosalyn Amenta
Staff Sarah Smith Lubarsky Executive Director
Pam Dougherty Director of Development
Michelle Marchese Manager of Marketing and Operations
Liz Krebs Education Manager
Our Mission The Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame’s mission is to honor publicly the achievements of Connecticut women, preserve their stories, educate the public, and inspire the continued achievements of women and girls. Our 133 Inductees are role models for women of all ages, and their stories are proof of all that women can accomplish.
Connect with us | www.cwhf.org
/ctwomen
@ctwomen
@womeninct