WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 1, 2025) — Today, the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation proudly announces the appointment of The Honorable Jovita Carranza and The Honorable Dr. Colleen Shogan as Co-Chairs of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, and The Honorable Susan Combs as Treasurer of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Administrator Carranza, Dr. Shogan, and Assistant Secretary Combs previously served together as commissioners and leaders of the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission, the congressionally and presidentially appointed commission tasked with leading the celebration of the 100 year anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
These appointments bring together powerful and passionate advocates for American history to guide the Foundation’s continued work to establish the first monument dedicated to American women’s history on the National Mall.
Administrator Jovita Carranza steps into the role of Co-Chair of the Board of Directors after previously serving on the Foundation’s Council of Ambassadors. A former U.S. Treasurer and Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Administrator Carranza is one of the highest-ranking Latina leaders in U.S. government history. Prior to her government service, Carranza had a distinguished 30-year career at United Parcel Service (UPS), where she started as a part-time night-shift box handler and worked her way up to becoming the highest-ranking Latina in the company’s history. She brings a wealth of experience in leadership, public service, and economic empowerment to the Foundation’s mission.
“"As we approach the 250th anniversary of American democracy in 2026, it is more vital than ever that our nation's capital recognizes all that women have contributed to this great country in the past, present, and future,” said Administrator Carranza. “The Women's Suffrage National Monument will stand as a tribute to the unwavering resolve of the great women of American history, showcasing their pivotal role in securing the rights and freedoms central to American democracy. This monument will ensure that women’s invaluable contributions are permanently etched into the story of American democracy told on the National Mall. I am honored to join with Colleen, Susan, and the leadership of the Foundation in commemorating their legacy."”
Dr. Colleen Shogan rejoins the Board of Directors after recently serving as the 11th Archivist of the United States, where she made history as the first woman to hold the role. Prior to becoming Archivist, Dr. Shogan was Senior Vice President and Director of the David M. Rubenstein Center at the White House Historical Association, worked in the United States Senate, and served as a senior executive at the Library of Congress and its Congressional Research Service. She brings to her role a distinguished career of government service and a deep commitment to civics education.
“"As Archivist of the United States, I witnessed first-hand how history shapes our civic identity,” said Dr. Shogan. “By building this monument on the National Mall, we ensure that our collective memory honors the generations of women who fulfilled the promises made in the Declaration of Independence. It is truly an honor to work alongside Jovita and Susan once again to commemorate women's contributions to our founding ideals in a place of permanence and prominence in our nation’s capital."”
Assistant Secretary Susan Combs joins the Board of Directors as Treasurer, building on her prior role as a member of the Foundation’s Council of Ambassadors. She has held several high-profile roles in both federal and state government, which include serving as Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget and Chief Financial Officer at the U.S. Department of the Interior and as Texas Comptroller. Her longstanding commitment to public service and fiscal stewardship will guide the Foundation’s next chapters.
“"As a rancher, a civil servant, and a business owner, I am inspired by the suffragists’ tenacity in the face of seemingly overwhelming obstacles,” said Assistant Secretary Combs. “The Women's Suffrage National Monument – the first monument on the National Mall to celebrate women's contributions to American democracy – will inspire future generations to be bold, stick to their convictions, and persevere. I am proud to join Colleen, Jovita, and the chorus of leaders standing behind this impactful investment in the most visited – and most visible – National Park in the United States."”
ABOUT THE WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE NATIONAL MONUMENT FOUNDATION
The Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation was authorized by Congress in Public Law 116-217 and Public Law 118-226 to lead the effort to fund, design, develop, and construct the first monument dedicated to American women’s history on the National Mall. For more information visit www.womensmonument.org and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X.
SUPPORT
The Women’s Suffrage National Monument will be built entirely through private donations and will serve as a permanent tribute to the women who fought for the right to vote, ensuring that their stories are elevated from the footnotes of history to their rightful place on the National Mall. To help make history, donate today.