From Destination Toledo:
Toledo has a rich history and a current landscape filled with influential women. The Glass City is the birthplace of women like writer and activist, Gloria Steinem, and Marcy Kaptur, longest serving woman in the history of the U.S. House of Representatives. Toledo was also the home of Ella P. Stewart, one of the first African-American female pharmacists in the United States and Josina Lott, a pioneer in the developmental disabilities field.
In Toledo we can also boast of Christine Brennen who became a sports columnist for USA Today, a commentator on ABC News, CNN, PBS NewsHour and NPR, and a best-selling author. We remember Mildred Benson, a journalist from Toledo who wrote some of the earliest Nancy Drew mysteries and created the detective’s adventurous personality, and Stephanie Radar who was born to Polish parents in Toledo and later became a spy during WWII.
Whether it is looking at our past or present, the women of Toledo have and continue to pave the way for leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
The National Women’s History Alliance designates a yearly theme for Women’s History Month. The 2023 theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” Throughout March, we are sitting down with women business owners to share their stories and hear about the challenges and triumphs they encounter as they strive to make our city a better place to live, work and visit!
