A salute to Women’s History Month and some of the powerful women we’ve honored.
Women’s History Month was officially recognized in 1987 when Congress passed a proclamation establishing its prominence in the American landscape. The proclamation passed by Congress that year reads: “Whereas American women have played and continue to play a critical economic, cultural, and social role in every sphere of our Nation’s life…” However, the first Women’s Day goes all the way back to Feb. 28, 1909, in New York City when the city honored the one-year anniversary of the garment workers strikes in New York which had taken place a year earlier. Thousands of women marched for their economic rights through lower Manhattan to Union Square. Since then, the observance turned from a day, to a week, and ultimately a month celebrating the contribution of American women.
The many women we have honored throughout our history at the Ellis Island Honor Society show the same grit, strength, and determination as these early activists. The ELLIS ISLAND MEDALS OF HONOR are awarded annually to distinguished Americans who exemplify a life dedicated to community service. These are individuals who preserve and celebrate the history, traditions and values of their ancestry while exemplifying the values of the American way of life, and who are dedicated to creating a better world for us all. The American story is a story of immigrants, woven through their hard work and commitment to becoming a source of strength and community in American life. Below are a few of our prior medalists, women who truly show what it means to embody the American dream:
Madeleine Albright served as America’s first female Secretary of State from 1997–2001 under President Clinton. A refugee of the Second World War where many of her relatives perished in the Holocaust, Albright arrived at Ellis Island in New York Harbor on November 11, 1948. Albright’s career culminated with her posts as US Ambassador to the United Nations and later Secretary of State. Since leaving public office, Albright has served as a strong voice in favor of America’s longstanding tradition of welcoming refugees and immigrants.
Gloria Estefan fled Fidel Castro’s Communist Cuba with her family when she was just a toddler. Growing up in Miami, she went on to join the Miami Sound Machine, win seven Grammy’s, and sell over 100 million records worldwide, including 31.5 million in the United States alone. Ms. Estefan’s life and career, her exemplary philanthropy and commitment to the fabric of American life are all the story of what is possible for someone when they join America’s story with their own.
Indra Nooyi serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo. During her tenure she has steered the company towards a focus on sustainability, including healthier and more nutritious products, and minimizing the environmental footprint in an effort to better protect the planet. Not only is she PepsiCo’s first female CEO but the first CEO to be born outside of the United States. Indra’s career is a testament to what immigrants can achieve in the U.S. and her stewardship of the company shows all of us the immense benefits of immigration to the U.S. business community.
American actress and activist Mia Farrow is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and is a stalwart advocate for human rights and children’s rights in Africa. She’s also worked to raise awareness for children living in conflict zones and has drawn attention to the fight against polio. This award-winning actress shows us all how Americans can truly engage with the world, and shares a vision for a connected world where a common humanity has value and strength.
Wendy Diamond, Founder and CEO of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED) as well as the Founder, CEO, and CPO of Animal Fair Media, has been a strong advocate for women’s empowerment as well as a voice in the animal welfare movement. Wendy’s work seeks to bring together women leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs to empower themselves and seek change in their lives and build communities they wish to see. Her work supporting the economic independence and empowerment of women has helped illuminate what is possible for all of the women who have joined in the American story
— Kate Haas is the Executive Director of the Ellis Island Honors Society, the sponsors of the Ellis Island Medals of Honor.
