Josephine Cox “Grandma” Anderson
Josephine Cox Anderson was a lifelong artist who painted until she lost her eyesight late in life. She was also a nurse whose courageous work and kindness earned her many fond nicknames, including “The Angel of the Valley,” “The Angel of the Pecos,” and “The Angel of...
Ida O. Jackson
When Mrs. Ida O. Jackson, a Black woman who was unable to find a teaching job in Waco, Texas, arrived in Clovis in 1926, schools were still segregated. The African-American community in Clovis had earlier appropriated rooms in a local Baptist church to create a school...
Helene Haack Allen
Helene Haack Allen and her family contributed in many ways to the development of Fort Sumner, including establishing and running businesses, museums, and a theater. Most notably, her gift of the family’s land provides a sobering reminder of the forced displacement and...
Harriet Belle Amsden Sammons
Harriet B. Sammons, believed to be the first woman bank president in New Mexico, was instrumental in the development of Farmington, New Mexico, and San Juan County, and was an integral part of the Farmington community. An avid reader who loved to entertain friends and...
Graciela Olivárez
Graciela Olivárez, “Amazing Grace” to friends and colleagues, was the first woman to graduate from Notre Dame Law School, a remarkable achievement particularly given that she started work young and did not have the opportunity to earn her high school diploma. From her...
Georgia O’Keeffe
Born on November 15, 1887, Georgia O’Keeffe grew up on a farm in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, the second of seven children. As a child, she received art lessons at home, and her abilities were quickly recognized and encouraged by teachers throughout her school years....
Founding Women of Albuquerque
Official documents indicate that in February 1706, as many as thirty-five families participated in the founding of Albuquerque. While many of the names have been lost, within those families were at least twenty women who should rightfully be honored as the founding...Fern Sawyer
Dessie Sawyer and her daughter Fern Sawyer are two women whose accomplishments and lasting benefits are hard to separate. Both came from ranch life in southern New Mexico in the counties of De Baca, Lea, and Lincoln. They could equal men in ranching skills, sought an...