52 Women of Whatcom

In 2020, volunteers with the League of Women Voters of Bellingham/Whatcom County began the 52 Women of Whatcom project to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the League of Women Voters and to bring attention to the talents, expertise and gifts women have contributed to our community.

For each week of the League's centennial year a local woman was chosen to honor.  White, Black or brown, these honorees met the challenges they faced with courage, whether it was climbing that mountain, lobbying before Congress for native rights, starting a library from scratch, or challenging their place in politics.  Representating diversity in age, era, and race, as well as different areas of concern--social services, the arts, politics, education, etc.--each would tell you she did not do her work alone.  Some worked behind the scenes, others led from the front.  All gave what they could:  blankets to those who were cold, skills and confidence to young people, paintings that reflected the beauty of the Northwest.

Below each image on this page is a link to a short description of why each was chosen for this project.  The images and stories have also been compiled into a book published by Village Books and available to purchase.