Gold in the Silver State – Nevada Women's History Project

Adin, Lucille – Sparks, Washoe

Posted on March 9, 2018August 2, 2023 by NWHP

A native of South Carolina, Lucille and her husband came to Nevada in 1962. A stay-at-home mom with her small children, Lucille, nevertheless, found she was always volunteering at her children’s schools. Volunteering was still a part of Lucille’s life even as she worked full-time for Washoe County School District when her children were older. After her retirement she became even more active in the Reno/Sparks African American Community and has served on countless boards and committees. Lucille is the recipient of many accolades and awards. Lucille Adin was interviewed on September 11, 2017, by the Nevada Women's History Project through a grant from the Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation.
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Armstrong, Deborah Bufkin

Posted on August 2, 2023August 3, 2023 by NWHP

Washoe County native, Deborah Bufkin Armstrong, graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in psychology. She first began in social work, gravitating to the Committee to Aid Abused Women, where she found her passion, and which she considers her greatest achievement in working with women and children in abuse situations. She founded a non-profit program called “Safe Embrace” focused on helping women with children, and women of color. Initially, this was the only organization in the state that went to the jail and provided educational self-esteem courses related to domestic violence, for the women incarcerated there. Although she has gone on to other career paths, this program is still in existence and provides an invaluable component of Washoe County’s domestic violence programs. Deborah still works with the disadvantaged population and has published a self-help book, When the Kisses Stopped: A Tale of Lessons Learned. https://youtu.be/kU6DlLa...
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Atcheson, Lynn – Reno, Washoe

Posted on March 9, 2018August 20, 2018 by NWHP

Through her community leadership and professional achievements, Lynn has contributed to the health and vitality of the Truckee Meadows and Washoe County for many years. A native Nevadan, born in White Pine County, Lynn has spent most of her of her adult life in Reno. She has held leadership positions with Sierra Pacific Power Co. (now Nevada Energy), Harrah’s, as Director of Public Affairs, and Washoe Health System (now Renown Health). A consummate community activist, Lynn is most proud of being a founding member of the Nevada Women’s Fund. Lynn Atcheson was interviewed on August 10, 2017 by the Nevada Women's History Project through a grant from the Robert Z Hawkins Foundation.
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Baker, Gretchen – Baker, White Pine

Posted on March 9, 2018August 20, 2018 by NWHP

Gretchen came to Nevada in 2001 from Indiana to work as a biologist at Great Basin National Park and never left the area. Having resided in Baker (town has no relation to her name) for over 15 years, she is the author of three publications; Great Basin National Park: A Guide to the Park and Surrounding Area; The Great Basin for Kids; and a Nevada cave-based mystery, An Un-Conventional Murder. She is also an accomplished photographer and spelunker. Gretchen Baker was interviewed on May 6, 2017 by the Nevada Women's History Project as part of The Women of Nevada Highway 50 project. This video was funded by The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust.
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Batjer, Marybel – Reno, Washoe

Posted on March 9, 2018August 20, 2018 by NWHP

Carson City native, Marybel’s job experiences have taken her to Washington DC and California, as well as Nevada. She has held Pentagon and White House positions in both the Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations. Marybel has worked for 3 Governors; Nevada’s Kenny Guinn, and California’s Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jerry Brown. She also served as former Vice President of Public Policy and Corporate Social Responsibility for Caesars Entertainment, Inc. and, is currently serving as Secretary of the California Government Operations Agency in Governor Brown’s administration. Marybel Batjer was interviewed on August 6, 2017 by the Nevada Women's History Project through a grant from the Robert Z Hawkins Foundation.
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Bennett, Dana – Midas, Elko County

Posted on August 29, 2024April 9, 2025 by NWHP

Dana Bennett is both a historical Nevada researcher and author. Among Dana's many accolades, she became the first woman to head the Nevada Mining Association. After retiring from the Association, Dana and her husband moved to Midas where she has focused on history projects. She is the President of Friends of Midas and author of A Century of Enthusiasm: Midas, Nevada, 1907-2007. https://youtu.be/8ZcHPmNBhKU https://youtu.be/9CeA1JFGcuw Dana Bennett was interviewed on December 3, 2023, by the Nevada Women’s History Project. This video was funded by the Estelle J. Kelsey Foundation.
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Bennett, Kay – Silver Springs, Lyon Co.

Posted on March 9, 2018August 20, 2018 by NWHP

Kay came to Nevada from California in 1978 and shortly after, took the position of Director of Surgery at Carson Tahoe Hospital. She has been active in community government affairs since then, as well as aviation. Kay has served on numerous boards including the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Carson City Board of Supervisors. A pilot and former owner of Silver Springs Airport, Kay is a member of the Reno High Sierra 99’s and is Past-President of the Nevada Airport Managers Association. Kay Bennett was interviewed, March 4, 2017, by the Nevada Women's History Project as part of the The Women of Nevada Highway 50 project. This video was funded by The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust.
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Bernard, Carolyn – Reno, Washoe

Posted on April 4, 2019February 11, 2022 by NWHP

Carolyn Bernard was born in Yerington and is proud of her 4th generation Nevada Heritage. As a stay at home mom until her children were of school age, Carolyn said that her first real job outside the home, was volunteering to help her uncle, Wilson McGowan, in his successful campaign to become Nevada State Controller. She then became increasingly active in community organizations. She was instrumental in the formation of the Reno-Sparks Assistance League chapter and is the only Nevada woman to have held an office in the national Assistance League organization. Carolyn serves as Chairman of the Robert Z Hawkins Foundation and Vice Chairman of the Estelle J. Kelsey Foundation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnePNIrrym8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HylTRA3OSg&feature=youtu.be Carolyn Bernard was interviewed on September 6, 2018, by the Nevada Women’s History Project through a grant from the Roxie and Azad Joseph Foundation.
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Bufkin, Marjean Huddleston

Posted on August 3, 2023March 31, 2025 by NWHP

Decatur, Mississippi native, Marjean Huddleston Bufkin describes her family’s three room home as having no electric lights, running water, or refrigerator, and a wood stove was used for cooking and heating. Transportation consisted of walking or a wagon. The first vehicle, a truck, was purchased when she was 10. Although the family of nine lived in poverty, she related that on their small farm they were relatively self-sufficient. Their cash crop was cotton that they sold to vendors in town. Growing up in a large household, Jeannie credits her parents for teaching her strong work ethics at the young age of 11 when she started picking cotton and pulling the corn stocks. Hard work and determination motivated her to graduate high school and come west looking for a better life. Soon after arriving in Reno in 1955, she learned about a job at Washoe Medical Center as a hospital’s nurse’s aide with a pay of 99 cents an hour. As a working employee at the now ...
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Cafferata, Patricia – Reno, Washoe

Posted on March 9, 2018August 20, 2018 by NWHP

Educator, State Legislator, attorney, State Treasurer, and author of numerous Nevada books and articles, Patty has had a diverse career in law and politics. She was the first woman elected to a constitutional office in Nevada when she was elected State Treasurer in 1982. Patty is a lifelong resident of Reno and is active in recording and preserving the history of Nevada. Patty Cafferata was interviewed on August 18, 2017 by the Nevada Women's History Project through a grant from the Robert Z Hawkins Foundation.
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Ceroke, Loretta Fajardo

Posted on January 12, 2021January 12, 2021 by NWHP

Native American of the Cuiyui Ticutta band of the Northern Paiute Tribe, Loretta grew up on the Pyramid Lake reservation. As both her parents worked, she spent much of her early life living with her grandmother, where she learned the skill of ‘beading.’ Schooling was both at Nixon and Pyramid Lake, with high school in Fernley. Loretta was the first native Miss Nevada Day Princess during the 1952 Nevada Day activities in Carson City. It was then that she met actors Ronald Reagan [later U.S. President] and Montgomery Clift. Although she grew up with many native customs, she chose not to continue them with her own children while living in Carson City. She considers her children the greatest achievement in her life. https://youtu.be/NHcBDx4uXig https://youtu.be/ib8JizEYo-Y Loretta Fajardo Ceroke was interviewed on February 6, 2020 by the Nevada Women’s History Project through a grant from the Estelle J. Kelsey Foundation.
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Damele, Arlene – Eureka, Eureka

Posted on March 9, 2018August 20, 2018 by NWHP

Arlene Damele, born in Elko, has lived in rural Nevada all her life. She and her husband ranched in Eureka County, where common amenities such as telephones were nonexistent. If she had an emergency when her husband had their only car, she was to light a pile of old tires, stacked for such a reason, to signal for help. Later they moved to the town of Eureka where she worked for the Eureka County Recorder, and later for First Interstate Bank. She is active in community affairs. Arlene spends much of her retirement time now enjoying watching her grandchildren grow up. Arlene Damele was interviewed, May 5, 2017, by the Nevada Women's History Project as part of the The Women of Nevada Highway 50 project. This video was funded by The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust.
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Del Cohen, Shayne

Posted on August 3, 2023August 24, 2023 by NWHP

Shayne Del Cohen first came to Nevada as VISTA volunteer with the Inter-Tribal Council of Nevada. Her interest in community development caused her to go all over the world looking at such efforts but most of her professional life has been spent with various minority populations across the USA. Shayne helped create the first tribally owned/controlled health center at the RSIC and worked with one of Wall Street’s oldest i firms in concert with the Securities and Exchange Commission to pass policies allowing tribes to create investment programs not controlled by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. She has also known for her collection and editing of a three-book series chronicling (900) Facts About the African American Experience in Northern Nevada from the 1840s to the present. As the host of “We the People” (local tv) she filmed 600 hours of interviews with Nevada and visiting personalities, all available to the public through UNR Special Collections. https://www...
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Del Papa, Frankie Sue

Posted on August 29, 2024March 31, 2025 by NWHP

Frankie Sue’s life story is one of “Firsts.” She was the first woman elected Secretary of the State of Nevada, as well as the first woman elected as Nevada State Attorney General. She held a University of Nevada Regent seat for one term. But Frankie Sue’s bio goes far beyond that. Moving from the small town of Tonopah to Las Vegas, she honed her leadership skills beginning with Student Body President at Rancho High School to be elected the first woman University of Nevada Reno, Associated Students of the University of Nevada, President. Her accomplishments spanned the spectrum from legislation relating to increased consumer protection to women’s rights and domestic violence to promoting legislation for the state to capture, for the first time, a portion of the federal estate taxes paid by individuals residing in Nevada with revenue directed to help fund K-12 and university education. https://youtu.be/g3RaDX9ysCw https://youtu.be/Gd9ZGyz4h6E...
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Emm-Smith, Cheri – Schurz, Lyon

Posted on March 9, 2018August 20, 2018 by NWHP

Native American, Cheri Emm-Smith was born in Schurz, Nevada. A graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, and Arizona State University, College of Law she is presently (2017) serving as Yerington Municipal Court Judge, as well as engaged in private practice. Cheri has served as District Attorney of Mineral County and Deputy District Attorney of Churchill County. Cheri wears another hat, also. She proudly calls herself a “farmer” as she owns a ranch in Lyon County. Cheri Emm-Smith was interviewed on September 28, 2017 by the Nevada Women's History Project through a grant from the Robert Z Hawkins Foundation.
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Ericson, Fritsi – Reno, Washoe

Posted on May 4, 2018January 12, 2021 by NWHP

Fritsi is a third generation Nevadan born in Reno, Nevada. A former educator and staff member for Congressman James D. Santini (1975-1983), Fritsi’s interest in women and children’s well-being led her to become a founding member of the Nevada Women’s Fund, and in 1984 she became its chief administrator. Fritsi retired in 2005 as president and CEO. As a community activist, Fritsi has held numerous positions in many local organizations. She is also a founding member of the Nevada Women’s History Project. Fritsi Ericson was interviewed on August 11, 2017 by the Nevada Women's History Project through a grant from the Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation.
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Fennell, Nancy – Reno, Washoe County

Posted on August 29, 2024March 31, 2025 by NWHP

As President of Dickson Realty company, Nancy has had a colorful career. She began her life in Charlotte, North Carolina, and had a successful career both in New York City in fashion merchandising and as co-owner of a distribution company in Nashville, Tennessee. She and husband, Harvey moved to Reno in 1987 to assist Harvey’s sister, Fianna Combs Dickson in selling her successful real estate firm. Instead, Nancy and Harvey purchased the majority share. Nancy has been the face of Dickson Realty since that time. One of the most important facets of Dickson Realty is the broad spectrum of philanthropy she and company employees donate in the form of financial assistance, as well as in-person help when needs surface within the community. https://youtu.be/WRLnFW0CeDA https://youtu.be/ALTRLcV5Dkw Nancy Fennell was interviewed on December 8, 2023, by the Nevada Women’s History Project. This interview was funded by the Terry Lee Wells Foundation.
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Fox, Ada (Sister Michael Fox) – Reno, Washoe

Posted on May 4, 2018January 12, 2021 by NWHP

Sister Michael entered the Carmelite Monastery of the Resurrection in Indianapolis, Indiana and transferred to Nevada in 1956 to help in the building of the Carmel of Reno Order, which had been established just two years before. Although she intended to stay just one year, now more than sixty years later she is still here. Sister Michael is blessed with a wonderful artistic talent and is the artist of many of the beautiful cards that the monastery sells. She says she has been blessed with a long career learning to do things she would have never dreamed of doing. At the age of 88, she is still involved in the monastery’s print shop. Highlight Video Full Video Sisters Michael Fox and Joan Williams of the Carmelite Monastery in Reno, NV were interviewed by Patti Bernard of the Nevada Women's History Project as part of a John Ben Snow Memorial Trust grant on June 3, 2017.
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Gibbons, Dawn

Posted on August 3, 2023August 24, 2023 by NWHP

Dawn Gibbons, Nevada’s 28th First Lady, former State Assemblyman, and successful business owner, has led an interesting life. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Dawn moved to Nevada in 1974. She worked for her mother and stepfather in their wedding chapel businesses and graduated from UNR. At the age of 28 in 1982 she purchased the business from her parents. She married Jim Gibbons in 1986 and the couple’s political lives began in 1988 when Jim won election to the State Assembly. Filling in for him while he was serving in the 1991 Persian Gulf war, she won three terms on her own (1998-2004). Alongside her legislative career, she served as the wife of U.S. Representative Jim Gibbons (1997-2006) and Nevada First Lady (2007-2010). Dawn’s legislative accomplishments were centered around combatting methamphetamine abuse and autism awareness in children. She is currently a Commissioner for the Nevada Transportation Authority. https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
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Helming, Deann – Austin, Lander

Posted on May 4, 2018January 12, 2021 by NWHP

Wyoming native Deann Helming moved to Austin in 1981. Her interview illustrates the self-reliant life of a rural Nevada woman raising a family in a small town (population 192) hundreds of miles away from larger towns, such as Ely (population 4,000) or Fallon (population 8,000), with more shopping opportunities. Clothing, groceries, medical appointments, as well as high school age children’s athletic events all require a minimum of two hours just for traveling. Dee is currently (2017) Office Manager of the Austin Chamber of Commerce. Dee Helming was interviewed, May 31, 2017, by the Nevada Women's History Project as part of the The Women of Nevada Highway 50 project. This video was funded by the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust.
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Hilts, Ruth – Reno, Washoe

Posted on May 9, 2018January 12, 2021 by NWHP

Ruth is not only an accomplished longtime artist, but she is also a fount of historical knowledge of the city of Reno. She was born in 1923 when Reno, Nevada’s largest city had a population of about 20,000 and she has participated in all facets of Reno’s community growth as it has reached its current population of 237,000. Not only does Ruth recount her long history in the Reno art community, but her interview covers Reno history of which only an “old-timer” would have knowledge. https://youtu.be/HI2lOpGw4oU https://youtu.be/pxj-n-LwBOg Ruth Gonzales Hilts was interviewed by the Nevada Women's History Project on November 9, 2017 as part of the Women of Nevada project funded by the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust.
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Holmes, Dorothy Nash – Reno, Washoe

Posted on May 9, 2018January 12, 2021 by NWHP

Dorothy Nash Holmes is a native Nevadan born in Reno, Nevada. She is a graduate of the University of Nevada Reno and held a variety of jobs before deciding to go to law school. Dorothy has been a lawyer for more than 33 years and was the 75th woman to be licensed to practice law in Nevada. She was the first woman to do prosecution in the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office, and she holds the distinction of being the only woman elected Washoe County District Attorney. Judge Holmes is currently (2017) serving as Reno Municipal Court Judge of District 3. She was responsible for setting up the Gang Alternatives Partnership, as well as the expansion of many important social services within the Drug Court. Dorothy Nash Holmes was interviewed on August 7, 2017 by the Nevada Women's History Project through a grant from the Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation..
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Holub, Pat – Carson City, Carson City

Posted on May 9, 2018January 12, 2021 by NWHP

Pat moved to Nevada with her family from California in 1958. She took painting lessons from some of the best local artists in the Reno/Carson City area and she stresses that she is a “location” painter, not a “studio” painter. Her paintings of buildings and landscapes, done throughout the state over five decades, now have gained historical relevance, as they illustrate how those scenes have now disappeared or changed. Pat is a founding member of the Carson City Brewery Arts Center, as well as an emeritus member of the prestigious Reno Latimer Art Club. Pat Holub was interviewed, May 21, 2016, by the Nevada Women's History Project as part of The Women of Nevada Highway 50 project. This video was funded by the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust.
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Johnson, Abigail – Carson City, White Pine Counties

Posted on May 9, 2018January 12, 2021 by NWHP

Abby, raised in Connecticut, came to Nevada partly by accident. While working for John Anderson’s presidential campaign she was sent to Northern Nevada in 1980 as a campaign staffer. After Anderson’s defeat, Abby returned to the east coast but by then had fallen in love with Nevada. She accepted a position with Citizen Alert, an organization that works to assure public participation and government accountability on issues that affect Nevada. She was hired to help organize the fight against the MX missile deployment project in Nevada and Utah. Abby’s wide range of professional experiences makes her knowledgeable about many of Nevada’s environmental issues. In 1988 she started her own consulting business and keeps abreast of current issues. Abby is president and coordinator of Great Basin Water Network and has a second house in Baker, NV. Abby Johnson was interviewed, March 4, 2017, by the Nevada Women's History Project as part of the The Women of Nevada Hi...
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Keller, Vida – Silver Springs, Lyon

Posted on May 9, 2018February 11, 2022 by NWHP

Silver Springs resident, Vida Keller is a California native whose drilling business brought her initially to Southern Nevada. On a business trip to Northern Nevada she fell in love with Lyon County while passing through. Vida moved to Silver Springs some time later and has been involved in business and community development for over thirty years. She has been both a Lyon County Commissioner, as well as President of the Silver Springs Chamber of Commerce. She holds a real estate broker’s license with an office in Silver Springs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xkh7VvK0ZFU&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bzdcLJWCrc&feature=youtu.be Vida Keller was interviewed, May 21, 2016, by the Nevada Women's History Project as part of The Women of Nevada Highway 50 project. This video was funded by the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust.
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Koyle, Denys – Baker, White Pine

Posted on May 9, 2018February 11, 2022 by NWHP

Nevada is fortunate to have individuals choose Nevada as their home, and who make substantial contributions to the state. Denys typifies that woman. Taking over a run-down gas station located on the Nevada-Utah border in the late 1970s, she has turned it into a productive restaurant, motel, and gas station complex. Denys is also a co-founder of the Great Basin National Heritage Area, the only national heritage area in Nevada. Denys also founded the Annual “Old Sheepherders’ Gathering,” an event that partners with The Great Basin Heritage Area in hosting members of the West Desert Sheepherding Industry for a January weekend of storytelling, poetry, music, and dinner. This event provides a venue for recording an important historical facet of Nevada’s colorful history. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ik6BMyf2AI&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aP5-e5PMWHg&feature=youtu.be Denys Koyle was interviewed, May 5, 2017, by the Nevada Women's History ...
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LaVoy, Marian – Reno, Washoe County

Posted on August 29, 2024March 31, 2025 by NWHP

98 years young, Marian LaVoy hails from a pioneer Elko, Nevada family. She grew up on the family ranch, near Elko, obtained her teaching degree from the University of Nevada in 1944, met a handsome young Marine pilot from Sparks, Nevada and soon married him. Her life consisted, then, of following her husband in his assignments until he retired in 1972. The couple moved to Reno and then Fallon, where they owned a small ranch. Marian’s strength has always been volunteering. From 20th Century Club President in Reno to volunteer oral history interviewer at the Churchill County Museum in Fallon, and many organizations and honors in between, Marian has always taken leadership positions wherever she lived. She is a Nevada woman through and through. https://youtu.be/xWEn8x0cPVc https://youtu.be/jNlCegR4MNM?si=dOnZvYLIQbPSH56m Marian LaVoy was interviewed on December 7, 2023, by the Nevada Women’s History Project. This interview was fund...
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Lee, Fern – Fallon, Churchill

Posted on May 9, 2018February 11, 2022 by NWHP

Fern typifies a rural Nevada woman who left Nevada but returned and set out to give back to her community through service. Fern started out in Fallon in the banking business early in her career, about the time computers were becoming commonplace in the banking industry. She had an aptitude for interacting with the public and ultimately was promoted to an Operations Officer. This was in the decade of the 1980s when women as officers in rural Nevada banks were not commonplace. Fern also recounts her experience in helping open a private investor-owned bank with the challenges such a bank faces in a small rural community. She is currently serving (2017) as Deputy City Clerk for the city of Fallon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtG2Tg6a9qw&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmSMHC3V0K4&feature=youtu.be Fern Lee was interviewed on May 21, 2016 by the Nevada Women's History Project as part of the Women of Nevada Highway 50 project. This project ...
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Leeder, Nancyann Pacheco – Reno, Washoe County

Posted on August 29, 2024March 31, 2025 by NWHP

Rhode Island native, Nancyann Leeder found herself in Reno with three young children in 1964 where she found a position as a news reporter for the Reno Gazette-Journal. Her main reporter “beats” were education, the Judicial College, courts, and. police. She obtained a B.A. at UNR in 1970 while still working for the newspaper. With recommendations from Judicial College judges, she left Reno for Southern Illinois University to obtain a Law Degree, and then returned to Reno. She was admitted to the Bar in 1977. Nancyann’s passions, from her years of news reporting on the topics, became alternative sentencing, domestic violence, and women’s rights. She became the second woman named as assistant Reno City Attorney, in October 1978, and Nevada Attorney for Injured Workers for over 20 years. https://youtu.be/EFlVs5AJYrE https://youtu.be/QJpQdXSm4xY Nancyann Leeder was interviewed on December 7, 2023, by the Nevada Women’s History Project. This intervi...
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Loper, Diane – Reno, Washoe

Posted on April 4, 2019February 11, 2022 by NWHP

Diane, an early activist in the domestic violence movement, says she has always been involved in human issues. She was born in Montana but came to Nevada in 1967 when husband, Keith was hired as the UNR wrestling and assistant football coach. She has been a driving force behind the enactment of much Nevada legislation concerning domestic violence and other women’s and social issues. Diane was a founding member of the Nevada Women’s Lobby, Chairwoman of the Nevada Political Caucus, and in 1983, was named the first Executive Director of the Nevada Network against Domestic Violence. Diane was also appointed as the first Domestic Violence Victim’s Advocate in a prosecutor’s office in Nevada, under Reno City Attorney, Patricia Lynch in 1990. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9eIB8y2Hqk&t=2s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaUokGUphpE Diane Loper was interviewed on October 5, 2018, by the Nevada Women’s History Project through a grant from the Roxie and Azad Joseph...
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Lynch, Patricia A.

Posted on August 3, 2023March 31, 2025 by NWHP

Reno native, Judge Patricia Lynch, graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno and then entered McGeorge School of Law as one of 5 women in her class of 200. Her career started as a VISTA attorney, and then a legislative assistant in Washington D.C. for Congressman John Moss from Sacramento, Calif. Patricia came back to Nevada and was hired as the first female city attorney in Reno’s City Attorney’s Office as a misdemeanor prosecutor and had her first introduction to domestic violence. This experience became a very important influence in her life. She became a fierce activist in fighting domestic violence, co-founding the first Rape Crisis Line in Reno. As City Attorney, she created the first domestic violence victim advocate position in Nevada and was appointed to the original Domestic Violence Prevention Council. This council was created upon the passage of the federal Violence Against Women Act. Judge Lynch ended her Nevada judicial career by serving a...
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McKay, Anna Burkhardt – Eureka, Eureka

Posted on May 9, 2018February 11, 2022 by NWHP

Anna, at age thirteen, was to graduate from eighth grade when her school was bombed. She recounts the rigors of living in Germany during and post WWII years (1939-1945). At the age of fourteen she went to work for the Americans at an “enlisted men’s club” for occupation soldiers. Those positions were highly sought after by German girls because that gave them access to food, a commodity very scarce in the general German population. Anna met her husband there, married at eighteen, and came to America on a troop ship in 1945. Her husband was from Eureka, so this German war bride wound up on a rural Eureka County ranch, speaking little English, and in a very foreign environment. Anna’s interview is important in that it replicates experiences many German war brides encountered, but who ultimately and fiercely adopted their new country. One of Anna’s proudest achievements was when she became an American Citizen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYKJQFQhXJc&feature=youtu.be ...
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Melton, Marilyn – Reno, Washoe

Posted on April 4, 2019February 11, 2022 by NWHP

Reno, Nevada artist and philanthropist, Marilyn Melton has participated in countless organizations, as well as serving as a board member of many. In addition to her association of over 20 years with Nevada Humanities, Marilyn served as Trustee for the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust, a national foundation whose funding was brought into Nevada, through her deceased husband, Rollan Melton, a former Speidel Newspapers President. She is most proud of conceiving the idea of a Nevada Writers Hall of Fame, which is sponsored by the Friends of the University Libraries, at the University of Nevada. It is one of the few statewide honor programs hosted primarily by a university library which recognizes, and then honors, Nevada’s finest writers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3mD1798owk&t=8s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWC9dBDtC6E Marilyn Melton was interviewed on September 6, 2018, by the Nevada Women’s History Project through a grant from the Roxie and Azad Jos...
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Miles, Ann – Kingston, Lander

Posted on May 10, 2018February 11, 2022 by NWHP

Ann Miles, PA-C, daughter of a Carson City doctor, started a medical clinic in the tiny town of Kingston, thirty miles southwest of Austin. Austin had lost its medical clinic and the closest medical services were located at a Gabbs mine, sixty miles southwest from Kingston and one hundred forty miles from the closest hospital in Battle Mountain. Ann recounts the many undertakings necessary to qualify to open a clinic and the immediate importance the clinic had to Kingston and Austin residents. Her facility, now owned by the Battle Mountain General Hospital, still run by Ann, who with her husband, also own and operate the Miles End Bed and Breakfast Inn located in Kingston. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrp5CnrzxUo&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3hN9oKgF30&feature=youtu.be Ann Miles was interviewed, May 5, 2017, by the Nevada Women's History Project as part of the The Women of Nevada Highway 50 project. This video was funded by the John ...
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Moon, Jane – Reno, Washoe

Posted on April 4, 2019February 11, 2022 by NWHP

Jane was born in New York City where, in 1952, she married William Moon. A member of the armed forces at that time, he was soon transferred to San Francisco, Cal. Their children were born in San Francisco. William, became a manager of Schwabacher Fray in 1969 and was transferred to Reno, Nev. Jane joined local organizations such as the Reno-Sparks NAACP, Eastern Star, Reno Soroptimists, and the Negro Business and Professional Women. She has served in a variety of leadership positions with each. In addition to other honors, she is most proud of the Sojourner Truth Award, the highest honor the Negro Business and Professional Women can give. Jane retired from the University of Nevada in computing services and continues to be active in the African American Community. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUovvABqe5k&t=2s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWsOlIH0nyc&feature=youtu.be Jane Moon was interviewed on September 17, 2018, by the Nevada Women’s History P...
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Mount, Evelyn Longs

Posted on January 12, 2021January 12, 2021 by NWHP

Evelyn has spent most of her life taking care of others. She was born in Arkansas but moved west as a young adult. Evelyn came to Reno from Los Angeles in 1979 where she met her husband, Leon. Evelyn’s grandparents taught her the importance of giving to others and she has followed that course of action throughout her entire life. She has received many honors, including having the Northeast Community Center in Reno renamed after her, but she is still the humble servant of god whose greatest joy in life is giving to others and thanking the lord for her blessings. https://youtu.be/CsMLNSpuWg8 https://youtu.be/ee2rk2M3W48 Evelyn Longs Mount was interviewed on March 21, 2019 by the Nevada Women’s History Project through a grant from the Phil and Jennifer Satre Charitable Fund through the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada.
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Mullins, Bertha – Reno, Washoe

Posted on May 10, 2018February 11, 2022 by NWHP

Bertha Mullins’ father brought his family to Nevada where he found work at the Hawthorne Army Depot during WWII. The family, then moved to Reno where she attended local schools and graduated from University of Nevada Reno. Bertha helped develop and implemented a community health center for low income and disadvantaged families in northeast Reno, as well as designed and implemented a podiatry clinic that provided foot care to senior citizens on a fixed income. Active in community affairs, Bertha has been on numerous boards and organizations. She spearheaded and served as chairperson of the Northern Nevada Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Committee, a grassroots organization which led to Dr. King’s birthday becoming a state holiday. She qualifies as a “community activist.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz77QU8ZbiE&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYTTeRrSHN4&feature=youtu.be Bertha Mullins was interviewed on September 28, 2017 by the Nev...
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Nappe, Leontine “Tina” Bundy

Posted on August 3, 2023August 24, 2023 by NWHP

Leontine “Tina” Bundy Nappe grew up on a small ranch in Washoe Valley. Having a father who was a nationally acclaimed artist, Gus Bundy, meant that she had exposure to art and prominent artists at a very young age. Tina spent her first five years schooled in a one room schoolhouse in Washoe Valley before moving to a larger city population. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno and spent the next year traveling in Europe. Returning to Nevada, she was hired to work with ichthyologist Dr. Richard Miller and Maya Miller at the Foresta Institute and became involved in conservation. While working with Dr. Miller, Nevada’s first rare and endangered species law was passed by the state legislature. It was the first state-based law in the nation dealing specifically with rare and endangered species. Leaving that line of work, but it remained a center of interest, Tina became director of the nationally funded Job Training Partnership Act for Ne...
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Raffealli, Sandy

Posted on August 3, 2023March 31, 2025 by NWHP

Sandy Raffealli is Owner/Partner in Bill Pearce Motors, Inc. in Reno, but came to that position in a round-about manner. As a young girl the family moved frequently as her father’s positions in the auto industry took him to many states. Finally settling in Reno, her father, Bill Pearce, was hired at the Waldren Motors Oldsmobile dealership, which he later purchased. Sandy graduated from the University of Nevada with a degree in education and joined VISTA where, in Oklahoma, she met her husband, John. Some years later, Bill invited husband John into the car business, but to her disappointment, not her. Sandy, instead, was hired by First National Bank where she went into the management training program, gaining a background in human resource management. This skill led her father to reassess bringing her into dealer management and Bill, John, and Sandy, then headed the family business. With the death of both John and Bill, Sandy is now the only wom...
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Rodriguez-Wilson, Isabelle – Reno, Washoe

Posted on May 10, 2018October 10, 2022 by NWHP

Isabelle is a California native who has enjoyed a fascinating career. From 1993 to 1995, Isabelle served as Senior Advisor to President Bill Clinton directing details associated with domestic and international event, activities, travel, and protocol for both the President and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. She produced and directed Washington, DC’s “Million Mom March” in 2000, as well as serving as Executive Producer of the dedication of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library 2004. After leaving Washington, DC, Isabelle moved to Nevada 2005, and is presently (2017) serving as President and CEO of the Nevada Women’s Fund. . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqeoiQpzz5I&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rmur9LyGuI&feature=youtu.be Isabelle Rodriguez Wilson was interviewed on August 18, 2017 by the Nevada Women's History Project through a grant from the Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation
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Satre, Jennifer – Reno, Washoe

Posted on May 10, 2018February 11, 2022 by NWHP

Jennifer first moved to Reno from California in 1975. Her record of community service in Reno was interrupted by a nine-year hiatus as a resident of Memphis, Tennessee in 1991, where she served on many committees and boards in that city. Returning to Reno in 1999, Jennifer quickly resumed her community involvement. Some of her many activities include, founding board member and former Chair of the Nevada Women’s Fund, Chair of Sierra Arts Foundation, and Board Trustee of the Nevada chapter of The Nature Conservancy and currently (2017) she serves as Chair of the Nevada Humanities Board. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K02oXv05TO4&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuvHG5b-pvs&feature=youtu.be Jennifer Satre was interviewed on September 21, 2017 by the Nevada Women's History Project through a grant from the Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation.
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Sisolak, Kathy Ong

Posted on January 12, 2021March 31, 2025 by NWHP

Born in Ely, Nevada of immigrant parents, but raised in Las Vegas, Kathy Sisolak is the 2nd First Lady to hold a professional career, as well performing her official state duties. Becoming First Lady of Nevada was something she never dreamed of. She was busy pursuing a career when she met County Commissioner, Steve Sisolak at a gym they both frequented and they married shortly before he took the oath as Governor in 2018. As co-owner of a financial Consultant business, she believes that learning financial literacy helps young people gain financial independence in life. She has chosen that subject as her First Lady official platform. Highlight Video https://youtu.be/ZDK-0riuqKM Full Video https://youtu.be/_WSJwnhLDWM Kathy Ong Sisolak was interviewed on February 6, 2020 by the Nevada Women’s History Project through a grant from the Estelle J. Kelsey Foundation. Post-First Lady Interview https://youtu.be/Pd2kRnAdy4k ...
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Sokol, Claire (Sister Claire) – Reno, Washoe

Posted on May 10, 2018February 11, 2022 by NWHP

Sister Claire came to Reno from the Seattle, Washington St. Joseph Carmelite Monastery in 2001. A Seattle Washington native, she was born into a musical family, and after college graduation from Indiana University, she played professionally in orchestras and chamber music ensembles. Upon entering the convent in 1982, Sr. Claire successfully wove her love of music into her cloister life. She has continued her life of prayer with her love of music at Carmel of Reno, and is a composer of several canticles, a movie score and a virtual choir of international Carmelite singers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu13zOTL9uw&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CGSiAqZHZM&feature=youtu.be Sister Claire Sokol was interviewed on August 16, 2017 by the Nevada Women's History Project through a grant from the Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation.
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Suenaga, Florence – Carson City, Carson City

Posted on May 10, 2018February 11, 2022 by NWHP

Florence was the thirteen-year-old daughter of Japanese immigrant parents living a typical American life at the start of WWII. Shortly after December 7, 1941, the family was uprooted from their Gilroy, California farm, taken to the local fairgrounds and then transported to a Japanese Internment camp in Poston, Arizona. Florence’s detailed story of WWII internment replicates the experiences of so many displaced Japanese-Americans of this period. After the war the family was bussed back to Gilroy, where they faced post war “Japanese” discrimination. Florence eventually became a cosmetologist, married and moved to, Nevada with her husband. They have lived in Carson City for over fifty years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvWt007-PwY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzI3w64dm4o&t=2s Florence Kozuye Nakashiki Suenaga was interviewed on November 9, 2017 by the Nevada Women's History Project as part of the Women of Nevada Highway 50 project. This work was funded by...
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Thornton, Barbara – Reno, Nevada

Posted on May 10, 2018February 11, 2022 by NWHP

Tonopah native, Barbara Cavanaugh was attending high school in San Francisco when she received word that her home in Tonopah had burned to the ground. Her parents moved to Reno where Barbara graduated from the University of Nevada Reno with a bachelor’s degree and a then a master’s degree in Political Science. Now married, Barbara headed off to the University of Utah with her youngest child in tow, to obtain a PhD in Behavioral Health Communications. As Dr. Barbara Thornton, she taught ethics and communications for nearly 38 years and retired as faculty emeritus at the University of Nevada, Reno in 2005. Barbara has received both the Distinguished Faculty and Distinguished Nevadan awards. With her husband, they established the Thornton Peace Prize at University of Nevada Reno, and with her brother, John Cavanaugh, established the Cavanaugh Community Volunteer Award. Barbara is also a co-founder of the Nevada Women’s Fund. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pzvmTEr_9E&feature=...
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Tors, Jane – Reno, Washoe

Posted on May 10, 2018February 11, 2022 by NWHP

As Director of Research Communications at the University of Nevada, Reno, Jane Tors contributes her considerable skills to the University’s enhanced reputation and capacity as a high-impact research university. Jane was born and raised in Lovelock, Nevada and earned a Bachelor of Journalism Degree from University of Nevada Reno. Before her present position, Jane served as the University’s Director of Communications. Previous work experience also includes Communications Director of Washoe Health System and Washoe Medical Center (now Renown Health), and Harrah’s Corporation. A member of many community boards and organizations, Jane currently (2017) serves as a Board Trustee on the Nevada Humanities and the Nevada Land Trust. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwLQsrG9kNU&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvv6qf4zYlo&feature=youtu.be Jane Tors was interviewed on September 15, 2017 by the Nevada Women's History Project through a grant from the Rober...
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Wagner, Sue – Reno, Washoe

Posted on May 10, 2018February 11, 2022 by NWHP

Maine native, Sue Wagner moved to Arizona with her family at age 10. Sue said that her family had always been politically oriented; her father serving as a Maine State Chairman of the Republican Party. She graduated high school in Tucson and went on to graduate from the University of Arizona. She received her master’s degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Sue, husband, and infant son, moved to Reno in 1969. She was elected to the Nevada State Assembly in 1975 and the Nevada State Senate in 1979. Sue became the first woman to be elected Lieutenant Governor in 1989 where she served four years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oroWVLXilY0&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm5Kpmwml0I&feature=youtu.be Sue Wagner was interviewed on August 11, 2017 by the Nevada Women's History Project through a grant from the Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation.
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Weber, Dorismae – Reno, Washoe

Posted on April 4, 2019February 11, 2022 by NWHP

Born in Chicago. Ill. in 1929 at the start of the Depression, an interesting facet in Doris’ life was playing professional baseball for the Parichy Bloomer Girls baseball team; one of six professional women’s baseball teams that played in the Chicago centered National Girls Softball League (1944-1954). At the end of that “career,” she headed west to San Francisco, eventually finding work with the California Division of Mines and Geology in the drafting department. The love of her job spurred her to attend college night school classes in her chosen career of geography. With great perseverance, she finally received her bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Nevada in 1972; some 30 years later. In between those years she became the first female to be named a supervising draftsman for the State Lands Division in California. Dorismae moved to Nevada in 1968 and for the remainder of her career, in addition to completing her degree, engaged in geological related work. She is ...
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Williams, Joan (Sister Joan) – Reno, Washoe

Posted on May 10, 2018February 11, 2022 by NWHP

Kentucky born Joan Williams, moved to Cincinnati, Ohio as a young girl after the death of her mother. The effects of WWII had a great influence in her life as, “it just made life more serious.” She found a book on Teresa of Avila in her boarding school library, and from that time on, she knew she would become a Carmelite contemplative nun. Sr. Joan entered the Carmelite Monastery of the Resurrection in Indianapolis, Indiana at the age of 17 in 1945. She celebrated her 90th birthday and 72nd year in the Order September of 2017. Her talents were literary in nature. She was editor of an international Carmelite journal, Encounter, authored a biography, Growing Free: A Carmelite Remembers: Joan Williams (1988), and hosted a popular online blog in Reno. Sister Joan passed away in December of 2017 just five months after this interview. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCx6a4hOg0w&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y-w-9Rj3Y4&feature=youtu.be Sisters ...
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Zajick, Dolora – Reno, Washoe

Posted on April 4, 2019February 11, 2022 by NWHP

Born in Salem, Oreg., but raised in Nevada, Delora has attained a stellar career at the international level in opera. She is known, worldwide, for her dramatic mezzo-soprano voice. After receiving both undergraduate and master’s degrees from UNR, Dolora went on to attend the Manhattan School of Music. In 1982 she won the Bronze Medal at the 7th International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. In addition to her current singing career, in 2006 Dolora created the Institute for Young Dramatic Voices to address the lack of training for large dramatic voices required for the great roles of the Verdi, Strauss and Wagner repertoire. If that is not enough, she balances those two activities with composing. Her first composition was premiered in 2014. While not on the road, Dolora has a home in Reno, Nevada. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAutIrq1W1M&t=2s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdqOhK-ZIVk&feature=youtu.be Dolora Zajick was interviewed on September 20, 2...
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