HERstory Archive
It was our privilege to interview several celebrated Maryland women while they attended the annual Maryland Hall of Fame awards program between the years of 2011-2017. Original videography by Loretto Gubernatis. Edited for archive in 2025 by Donna Safko, Mudpuddle Creations.
Anna Ella Carroll
A writer, military strategist, and Presidential advisor to Lincoln leading to critical Union victories during the Civil War. Inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame in 1992.
Dr. Beatrice Tignor
Educator, Assistant Superintendent, chair of the local school board, and state legislative roles as Delegate and Senator. Inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame in 2013.
C. Kay Larson
Independent scholar, author and specialist of civil war and women’s history; researcher on the contributions of Anna Ella Carroll, military advisor to Lincoln.
Dr. Carolyn Colvan
Career in public service as the Acting Commissioner of Social Security and other federal, state and local roles.
Dr. Catherine Gira
Educator and President of Frostburg State University. Inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame in 1997.
Dr. Charlene Dukes
First female president of Prince George’s Community College and served as chair of the Maryland State Board of Educatio. Inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame in 2013.
Cokie Roberts
Author, journalist and political commentator; one of the “founding mothers of NPR” and other news affiliates.
Elaine Danforth Harmon
WWII pilot and advocate for women pilots to finally receive an honorable discharge and GI benefits. Inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame in 2016.
Ellen Sauerbray
Educator, legislator and diplomat. Served many years in the Maryland House of Delegates. Appointed to serve the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, and later as the Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration. Inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame in 2013.
Gail DePlanque
A nuclear physicist and the first women to be appointed to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Internationally acclaimed for work on environmental radiation and peaceful uses of nuclear power. Inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame in 2015.
Helen Delich Bentley
Advocate of Maryland’s maritime industry and the Port of Baltimore. Chair of the Federal Maritime Commission. Inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame in 2013.
Jean Cryor
A journalist and elected MD official with strong advocacy for women and pay equity. Inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame in 2013.
Jill Tietjen
Author, international speaker, electrical engineer, and women’s advocate. Inductee in the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame.
Dr. Joanne Katz
Dr. Joanne Katz- Hopkins School of Public Heath specializing in blindness prevention, maternal and child health. Inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame in 2016.
Josie Thompson
Graphic designer, entrepreneur, international women’s advocate. MWHC Board Member.
Linda Busick
Worcester Co. Board of Commissioners, women’s advocate and MWHC volunteer.
Linda Linzey
Educator, women’s advocate, and longtime MWHC volunteer.
Major General Linda Singh
First female Commandant of the Maryland National Guard known for her military and private sector leadership. Inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame in 2015.
Lizette Witherspoon Reese
Educator and 1931 Poet Laurette of Maryland. Inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame in 2016.
Lucille Clifton
Writer, educator, Poet Laurette of Maryland. Inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993.
Mary Fiek
The “queen of anything aviation” served as a Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol, piloting, combat, cargo, and training aircraft. Inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame in 2015.
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Mary Goodwillie
Founder of the Junior League of Baltimore and other civic organizations; suffrage advocate and supporter of the Red Cross and John Hopkins University. Inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame in 2016.
Oretha Bridgewaters-Simms
Very successful educator in many local and Maryland roles, as well as recognized for her leadership and diverse community services, especially for her advocacy for women and youth. Inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame in 2016.
Rita Robinson
Educator, educational equity specialist, Title I X coordinator. MWHC Board of Directors. Inducted into the MD Women’s Hall of Fame in 2018.
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Ruth Wolf
Outstanding contributions to Maryland education and health services.
Sofia Arabatzis Balis
Pediatric Dentist and the first woman appointed to the University of Maryland Dental School. Inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame in 2016.
Sue Ward
Social Work pioneer and First MD Secretary of Aging; advocate for critical provisions for Social Security and Medicare. Inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame 2015.
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Original videography by Loretto Gubernatis. Edited for archive in 2025 by Donna Safko, Mudpuddle Creations.