Dana Bennett is both a historical Nevada researcher and author. Among Dana’s many accolades, she became the first woman to head of the Nevada Mining Association. Currently the editor of the Northeastern Nevada Historical Society Quarterly and owner of Midas Strategies, a boutique research firm., her interests include history of women in Nevada politics, state […]
Estelle J. Kelsey Foundation Grant
Leeder, Nancyann Pacheco — Reno, Washoe County
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 […]
Del Papa, Frankie Sue
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 […]
Nappe, Leontine “Tina” Bundy
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 […]
Gibbons, Dawn
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 […]