By: Barbara Jean Maresca
PA Affiliate Member 

November 2, 2024—a day to remember, as women marched across the nation to celebrate our strengths,  compassion, and commitment to equality. Me? I journeyed to Washington, D.C., to join the thousands of Women who marched to the White House. It became all the more meaningful thanks to the incredible women  who shared this experience with me, each contributing to this unforgettable moment in their own unique way. 

• Molly McGregor. Santa Rosa, CA, co-founder and former Executive Director of the National Women’s  History Project. Now known as the National Women’s History Alliance.  

• Ruthie Danielsen. Washington State. Beekeeper 

• Carol Comito. WA D.C. Women’s Advocate 

• Rosita Stevens-Holsey. Author, activist & historian. Maryland 

• Rev. Dr. Terri Ofori. Dean at Brooks School, Massachusetts 

• Anna Pauline "Pauli" Murray (November 20, 1910 – July 1, 1985) was an American author, civil rights  lawyer, legal scholar and theorist, and – later in life – an Episcopal priest. 

Once I decided to join the Women’s March in Washington, D.C., on November 2, 2024, the next step was  planning the trip. My treasured friend Ruthie Danielsen, flying in from Washington State, and I began  searching for a place to stay. I also reconnected with my valued friend Carol Comito—a former BPW colleague  from 25 years ago—who now lives in D.C. As it turned out, Carol graciously became our chauffeur for four  days, adding her own charm and vigor to the adventure. 

As plans unfolded, my friend Molly McGregor, introduced me to Rosita Stevens-Holsey, Executive Vice  President of the new Board of Directors for the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA). 

Living near the D.C. area, Rosita was thrilled to join us for a tour of the Library of Congress. She also brought  along her great-niece, Rev. Dr. Terri Ofori, who was visiting her aunt Rosita from Massachusetts and is also a  resolute member of the National Women’s History Alliance Board.  

Let me tell you—I was surrounded by four simply inspirational and motivating women for days! 

Ruthie Danielsen, a beekeeper from Washington State, was a whirlwind of inspiration and energy. The  last time I saw her was in Washington, D.C., when she was invited to speak at the Smithsonian. She had  bought the first Giant Hornet nest eradicated in the U.S. in October 2020 and donated it to the  Smithsonian, cementing her legacy as an enthusiastic advocate for environmental awareness. You should  know that Ruthie carried a vial of water containing a 2-inch specimen of the Giant Hornet. She captivated  everyone she met, sharing fascinating insights into this remarkable creature. 

Ruthie Danielsen. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/giant-murder-hornet has-landed-at-the-natural-history-museum-180980431/ 

https://backyardbeekeeping.iamcountryside.com/health-pests/eradication-through-education/ 

Carol Comito, originally from Philadelphia, retired as Arizona State University Professor, in advance of  her move to WA DC., where she immersed herself in the action surrounding women’s history and  advocacy. True to her passion, she took us to the celebrated Woman’s National Democratic Club  (WNDC/The Whittmore House) ensuring our time in D.C. was nothing short of extraordinary.  https://democraticwoman.org/museum-gallery 

Since 1920, The WNDC/ The Whittmore House was a museum of decorative furniture, paintings,  sculptures, and of course photographs of remarkable women—most notably Eleanor Roosevelt. I was  awestruck as I stood in the very room where Mrs. Roosevelt broadcast her weekly messages to the nation.  https://thenewpress.com/books/first-lady-of-radio 

• Carol, VP of Diversity and Outreach for the National Women’s Political Caucus, is dedicated to  finding, recruiting, training and supporting women candidates for elected and appointed office. 
• While Carol’s current work is strictly volunteer, she is seeking – She is seeking a new career  opportunity.
• https://nwpc.org/carol-comito/ 
• https://www.fhtimes.com/stories/original-liberal-ladies-leadership-moving-on,427410I conclude with 3 more inspiring women:  

• Rosita Stevens-Holsey 

• Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray 

• Reverend Dr. Terri Ofori 

Rosita Stevens-Holsey is a distinguished author, activist and educator. She is an invaluable,  steadfast contributor, and board member of the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice  in Durham, North Carolina. As a historian and mentor, exemplifies the continuation of social reform.  

Rosita Stevens-Holsey. http://www.preservingpaulimurray.com 

https://www.womenshistory.org/about-us/our-people/rosita-stevens-holsey 

Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray's (Nov. 20^th, 1910-Jully 1, 1985) groundbreaking work and enduring  influence in the civil rights movement and legal protection for gender equality 

Dr. Pauli was a poet, lawyer, activist, and the first Black woman ordained as an Episcopal priest.  Her work continues to resonate deeply, especially with the release of the documentary My Name  is Pauli Murray. This film offers a profound look into her contributions and struggles, illuminating  the breadth of her impact. 

Reverend Dr. Terri Ofori, niece to Rosita, & Dr. Pauli, carries on the role of historic change, as the  Dean of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, as well as the Chaplain at the Brooks School, MA.  

While this journey was phenomenal and created wonderful life-long memories, “We won’t go back.”  President Biden must publish the Equal Rights Amendment before Donald Trump takes the White House in  January 2025.  

We must continue to demand ERANow, and resume mobilizing around the nation. We at NFBPWC are a  coalition of empowered individuals, and we must ensure that all Americans have constitutional protections  against gender-based discrimination. 

The time is now! Are you in?