Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation Welcomes New Ambassadors from the Association of Junior Leagues International

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In celebration of Women’s Equality Day during the milestone 250th anniversary year for the United States, the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation today announced new Ambassadors from its official partner, the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI).

AJLI’s connection to the historic women’s suffrage movement spans back over a century, tracing directly to local chapters like the Junior League of St. Louis, which grew out of the Junior Equal Suffrage League to actively champion the 19th Amendment. Today, AJLI’s newly named Ambassadors join the Foundation to ensure our foremothers take their rightful place in the nation’s capital.

Three AJLI leaders have been appointed to the Foundation’s Council of Ambassadors:

• Melanie Schild — Chief Executive Officer, AJLI
• Diane Flanagan — Board President, AJLI
• Alice Glenn — Immediate Past Board President, AJLI

“American suffragists championed women’s full participation in our democracy, and scores of Junior League members organized, advocated, and marched in pursuit of the passage of the 19th Amendment.” said Anna Laymon, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation. “Bringing Melanie Schild, Diane Flanagan, and Alice Glenn onto our Council of Ambassadors bridges a century of women’s leadership with our mission to weave the story of the suffragists into the landscape of the National Mall.”

“The Junior League’s history of finding solutions to women’s issues and the suffrage movement are inextricably linked, rooted in early Junior League visionaries who worked endlessly to establish a right for women to vote.” said Melanie Schild, CEO of Association of Junior Leagues International. “We are proud to stand with the Monument Foundation to ensure the brave women who expanded our democracy are permanently honored on the National Mall.”

“As America reflects on 250 years of history, we must ensure the women who shaped that history are at the center of the narrative,” said AJLI Board President Diane Flanagan. “From local suffrage leaders over a century ago to the nationwide network of women we represent today, The Junior League has always been about taking action. I am thrilled to join the Council of Ambassadors to help carve the legacy of our foremothers into the heart of our nation’s capital.” 

“For generations, Junior League Members have answered the call to lead, standing on the shoulders of the suffragists who fought so tirelessly,” said AJLI Immediate Past President Alice Glenn. “Working with the Foundation to bring this monument to the National Mall ensures that future generations of women and girls will see their own potential reflected in the story of America.”

Commemorating the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment, Women’s Equality Day pays tribute to the generations of suffragists who organized, marched, and persevered to expand democracy. 

###

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 and inspire future generations. 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.