Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation Unites Historic Partners and Announces New Ambassadors

Association of Junior Leagues International, General Federation of Women’s Clubs, League of Women Voters, and National Council of Negro Women Unite to Honor Suffragists on the National Mall

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In celebration of Women’s Equality Day and during this milestone 250th anniversary year for the United States, the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation today announced an expansion of its national partners and ambassadors. Leaders from four organizations with historic roots in the suffrage movement are now joining a coalition of partners championing this project together on the National Mall.

As it advances its existing partnerships with the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI), General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)—three groups whose members were instrumental in the suffrage movement— the Foundation is expanding its partner network to include an additional historic organization:

The League of Women Voters (LWV) traces its direct lineage to 1920, when suffrage leader Carrie Chapman Catt transformed the National American Woman Suffrage Association—founded in 1890 by Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Lucy Stone—into the League of Women Voters to educate millions of newly enfranchised women.

“It is only fitting that historic organizations that stood shoulder-to-shoulder during the suffrage movement are now championing this monument on the National Mall,” said Anna Laymon, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation. “This is a powerful full-circle moment—proving that when women work together across generations, history is shaped.”

The Foundation is proud to announce new appointments to the Council of Ambassadors representing these partner organizations:

• Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley –President and Chief Executive Officer, National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) 
• Wendy Carriker — International President, General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC)
• Diane Flanagan — Board President, Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
• Alice Glenn — Immediate Past Board President, Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
• Melanie Schild — Chief Executive Officer, Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI)
• Celina Stewart — Chief Executive Officer, League of Women Voters (LWV)

Women’s Equality Day commemorates the anniversary of the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment. The annual celebration recognizes the persistence, courage, and vision of the suffragists who helped define American democracy.

As the country celebrates its 250th anniversary year, the Foundation invites the public to participate directly in this historic milestone through its Monumental Ideas initiative—making this the first time a monument on the National Mall has asked Americans to brainstorm its creation. Whether through artwork, poetry, written reflections, or other creative concepts, people of all ages across the country have the opportunity to share their ideas for what the Women’s Suffrage National Monument will be.

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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 Women’s Suffrage National Monument on the National Mall. The monument will foster a deeper understanding of the women who shaped American democracy. For more information visit www.womensmonument.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

SUPPORT

The Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation relies on the generous financial support of our donors. Like most monuments and memorials, the Women’s Suffrage National Monument will be funded entirely through private donations, and your support is essential to telling the stories of generations of suffragists. Join us to learn more about the monument, donate, and be a part of history.