The Women of Georgetown, Kentucky
Georgetown showcases women throughout March Women’s History Month
GEORGETOWN, KY – FEBRUARY 28, 2023 – To celebrate Women’s History Month, Georgetown/Scott County Tourism is featuring one local woman a day through March in its “Women of Georgetown” series. The series will be published across Georgetown’s social media platforms, sharing insights, achievements and inspiration of community leaders, business owners and professionals on its G-town Unwound blog, Facebook page and Instagram feed.
The spotlight will include Kentucky State Representative Cherlynn Stevenson, 88th District, recently elected chair of House Democratic Caucus; Dr. Rosemary Allen, the first woman to be named president of Georgetown College; Polly Singer, owner of Polly Singer Couture Hats and Tea, who was selected by Luxe Magazine as America’s Best Couture Hat Designer; Robbi Barber, assistant dean of students and director of Georgetown College’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion and recipient of the Scott County NAACP Leadership Award; and author and historian Ann Bolton Bevins, who considers Dr. Allen to be the woman who most inspires her.
“Presenting this series of profiles lets us celebrate the many contributions and achievements of Georgetown women,” said Lori Cooper Saunders, executive director at Georgetown/Scott County Tourism Commission.
Marking the contributions women have made to the United States began over 40 years ago in 1981 as a national celebration that has evolved from a week to an entire month. Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” It also recognizes specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.
“I love that Georgetown is recognizing the contributions of local women during this March’s celebration because we too often tout ‘famous’ women or those long gone, and we overlook the good work happening right in front of us,” said Stevenson. “I am humbled and honored to be included. Many women came before and made a path for me to succeed, and I only hope I can make the path easier for those women who will follow me.”
Georgetown has a long history of strong, independent-minded and entrepreneurially spirited women that begins 241 years ago when Jemima Suggett Johnson, the headstrong matriarch of one of Georgetown’s founding families, led a group of women in 1782 out of the protective confines of their fort to get water—the same day it was under siege.
It continued with style icon Sallie Ward, a 19th century influencer whom both Queen Victoria of Great Britain and the Empress Eugenie of France demanded to meet, and Mrs. Sarah “Sadie” Emison Pack, who was so important that the town of Big Eagle changed its name in 1880 to honor her efforts in helping the railroading construction crews working at one of Cincinnati Southern Railroad’s key shipping points. Now called Sadieville, it features its namesake on the mural welcoming visitors to the community.
It is a history that keeps repeating itself, with today’s Women of Georgetown contributing their own stories and successes—and making Georgetown all the richer for them.
For instance, Kim Marshall of Central Bank & Trust Co. was the first woman in the company named market president. Becky Jordan of Becky Jordan State Farm Insurance was named Georgetown/Scott County Chamber of Commerce Business Woman of the Year. Willa Relford Gentry has won awards for her work in historic preservation, including the 1994 Ida Lee Willis Memorial Foundation Award and the 2022 Yvonne Giles Award, as well as a Scott County NAACP Leadership Award.
“We hope these women’s stories will be a source of inspiration and empowerment for all women,” said Saunders. “But in particular, we hope it resonates with young women looking ahead to their own futures, to see that nothing is out of reach.”
Each woman will discuss the woman that most inspired her—with mom and grandmother topping the list—and share a quote that has guided her in her life and work.
“It’s not a dead end if it takes you where you need to go,” are words culinary specialist Amanda O’Neal lives by as the owner of grazing board catering company, Graze with AK.
Nancy Walker Gates, owner of Exceptional Travel, quotes Eleanor Roosevelt: “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”
Each spotlight will include advice that has helped these women succeed—and the piece of advice they ignored, such as fake it till you make it.
“Why fake anything?” said Destani Shoemaker, business manager at Fizz Facial Bar. “There is no shame in not knowing everything. Who does? I think being transparent builds trust.”
The “Women of Georgetown” series begins on Wednesday, March 1, and will continue through the month, with one to two spotlights on a different women featured each day across Georgetown’s social media platforms. To learn about each woman, visit G-town Unwound blog, Facebook page and Instagram feed.
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ABOUT GEORGETOWN, KY | Birthplace of Bourbon. Kentucky’s Horse Headquarters. Georgetown is both of these, and more. Sitting in the midst of Horse Country, Kentucky’s fastest growing city is home to horse-centric attractions and events, including the Kentucky Horse Park, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm, Kentucky Three Day Event, Festival of the Horse and the National Horse Show. Its beautifully preserved Victorian-era downtown is filled with dozens of locally-owned shops, galleries and restaurants. “Only here” attractions: Toyota Motor Manufacturing Tour/Experience Center; Yuko-en—the official Kentucky-Japan Friendship Garden; Heirlooms & Gretchen’s authentic stained glass shop. Outdoor adventure: Elkhorn Creek; Skullbuster Mountain Bike Trail; Kentucky Proud family-fun farms. Historical sites: Ward Hall Greek Revival Mansion Tour; Scott County/Georgetown Museum; 1917 Rosenwald School. Coming: Blue Run Spirits Distillery. Accommodations: 38 unique stays, 18 brand name chain hotels, two campgrounds. www.facebook.com/gotogtown