Women's History Month Dinner 2023


Women’s Issues Network Celebrated Women’s History with quest speakers Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, Representative Jessica Miranda and Representative Dr. Anita Somani.

We gathered for dinner at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio on March 14th, doors opened at 5 pm.


We looked into the history of women legislators in Ohio. We were excited to find that this year marks the centennial of the smashing of the gender barrier in the Ohio General Assembly. One hundred years ago, in January 1923 – a mere two years after gaining the right to vote – six bold and courageous women were the first ever to take their seats:  four in the Statehouse and two in the State Senate.

They were wives and mothers. They had little to no traditional political experience. But what they had was leadership skills grown out of the priceless schooling they had acquired from the Suffragist Movement, and importantly – in the case of all six – their involvement with countless civic women’s organizations. 

All photos were taken by Madison Winnenberg Photography


Many of the members of Women's Issues Network, like the women we celebrated this month, are members of multiple organizations. Their efforts help to shape the community around them. 




We were happy to be joined by many new and long time members as well as representatives from several of the other local organizations.





Guests included 
Clark County Clerk of Municipal Court Sheila Rice
Springfield City Commissioner Krystal Phillips
Candidate for Springfield City Commissioner 

Tracey Tackett 

Reynoldsburg City Councilwomen 

Meredith Lawson-Rowe
 and Shanette Strickland
Clark Country Educational Services Board member

Kathy Estep 

Women's Issues Network's Vice President Sue introduced guest speaker Representative Dr. Anita Somani  













Women's Issues Network's treasurer Libby, introduced guest speaker from the great 28, Representative Jessica Miranda.




Clark County Clerk of Municipal Court 

Sheila Rice introduced guest speaker Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. 







A special thank you to our sponsors –
Springfield chapter of
The Links
Sue A
 Debra B
 Libby B
 Melinda B and Henry J
 Charlie B
 Linda B
 Jane C
 Karen D
Denise E 


Barb F
Wendy F
Crystal G
 Steve and Kathie H
 Linda H
 Ruth L
 Kim M
 Mary P
 Sheila R
 Laura R
 Merydeth T,
 Catherine T
 Marcy W 

All photos were taken by Madison Winnenberg Photography