National Women's History Month calls to mind local success stories

Mar. 19—March is National Women's History Month, and Tahlequah boasts its fair share of accomplished women who have both held political offices and been recognized at the national level.

Eunice "Sally" Ross was Tahlequah's first female mayor, serving in the position from 1989-'95. And she didn't have an easy path.

"In 1987, Sally Ross had been elected to four terms as city clerk when the city council had the city attorney serve her with an ouster proceeding despite a Cherokee County grand jury report that cleared Ms. Ross of wrongdoing," Sue Catron, a past Tahlequah mayor, said. "When she subsequently filed for, and was elected to become, the first female mayor of Tahlequah for a partial term, she was not welcomed by the council with open arms. Although it was a rough start, Ms. Ross was elected for a second full term."

During Ross' stints as mayor, Catron said, Tahlequah was rapidly growing, with the population increasing from 10,000-14,000 from 1990 to 2000.

Catron, the second female mayor of Tahlequah, from 2019-'23, said that when she took office, supporters of Ross shared how the Tahlequah City Council members, who were reportedly not fond of Ross, called her "Silly Sally" at public meetings. After they heard about the disrespect, some local residents decided to attend council meetings regularly to show support.

When Catron started her term, these supporters offered to do the same for Catron as they had done for Ross around 30 years before — a gesture Catron said she appreciated.

"I was extremely honored to serve as Tahlequah's second female mayor," Catron said. "She will always have my gratitude for taking the brunt of the backlash from those who do not approve of women in a position of authority. My term included both COVID and a time of solid population growth. Not having to also deal with concerns about being the first female mayor allowed me to focus on leading without worrying about historical implications. Ms. Ross was also known for supporting working women. I have a photo of a much younger me receiving a proclamation from Ms. Ross for Business and Professional Women's Day. To the best of my ability, I also tried to encourage working women in Tahlequah."

Although she didn't know it initially, Suzanne Myers is the third female mayor of Tahlequah — and she found comfort in the numbers.

"I am enjoying the position as mayor," Myers said. "When we are making decisions that are beneficial to our citizens and our community, that excites me and gives us a feeling of great accomplishment. We will stumble at times — I am a realist — but I hope everyone knows we are trying to see a larger picture and to work with other entities to secure resources, ideas and partnerships to enhance our community and collectively move us forward in a positive way."

Myers said her mother, a military wife who dealt with the household while Myers' father was serving the country for 22 years, was an inspiration to her.

"She did not work until I was in high school, and she provided a since of home, comfort and compassion," Myers said. "She could be feisty for a cause she strongly believed in, but she always wanted to hear both sides of the story."

Another inspiration Myers mentioned was Randi Hicks, a former student. Myers said Hicks graduated from Northeastern State University in the early 2000s, then entered into the male dominated-field of the oil and gas industry.

"She continually held a strong grip on her seat at that table and made decisions for the betterment of her company, her staff, and her industry," Myers said. "How would that mindset not be an inspiration to others?"

Myers said she'd like to inspire other women, but she hopes they will also explore the opportunities available in community service, politics, and civic engagement.

"We are a needy community and we have a plethora of resources of people in our community who have giving hearts and compassionate souls," Myers said. "I am happy to meet with others to answer questions, share stories and open doors those are available to me."

Other notable women from the area have served the Cherokee Nation and Tahlequah Public Schools.

Wilma Mankiller was the first female principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, serving from 1985 to 1995. In 1983, she was the first woman deputy chief, under then-Chief Ross Swimmer. During Mankiller's tenure, the tribe's enrollment tripled, employment double, and new health centers and housing were built. Mankiller was also a Cherokee National Treasure, an inductee to the National Women's Hall of Fame, Northeastern State University's first Sequoyah Fellow, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient.

Felicia Olaya, Mankiller's daughter, said she believes her mother paved the way for "gadugi" — a Cherokee term meaning people helping people — through her community work.

"As the days have passed — it will be 14 years since she has passed — and I'm seeing [gadugi] throughout our community here," Olaya said.

In 2023, Mankiller was commemorated on the U.S. quarter, while also being featured as a Barbie doll. Olaya said since her mother has now passed, she believes the commemoration was honoring her legacy and she hopes it encourages young Cherokees, as well as all women, to accomplish what they want.

"She came from a poor family and became the first woman principal chief," Olaya said. "[She] received the first Presidential Medal of Freedom. [She] never thought anything like that would happen in her life, but she just paved the way for women to be what they want to be."

When it comes to describing Mankiller, Olaya said she was simply her mom.

"I would see her as a warrior for Indigenous people, a warrior for women," Olaya said. "It wasn't so much about the politics with my mom. It was about helping people. Her legacy is wrapped up in word and that's 'gadugi.' She did what she could."

The Tahlequah Public Schools Board of Education has been an all-female group since Superintendent Tanya Jones took the helm in 2022. The board is made up of Lorraine Walker, Dana Eversole, Shawn Coffman, Chrissi Nimmo, and Stephanie Crawford. While the Oklahoma State School Boards Association does not keep up with information such as the gender of board members, Eversole believes they are the only all-female board in Oklahoma.

Eversole said she always wants to see women in leadership roles, and she feels fortunate to serve on the board.

"I don't think we think about it a lot, but when we do, we think it's pretty cool that we're [an] all-female [board]," Eversole said.

Eversole said the members work well together, with each one bringing something different to her position, and the main goal being the interests of TPS students, faculty, and staff. Eversole said Jones is the fourth female superintendent for TPS.

"She's the most vivacious, hit-the-ground-running [superintendent]," Eversole said. "She loves what she does and it shows. I think we are comfortable with being on the board, and it shows. Women need to be in leadership positions."

Catron said it is vital for the U.S. to have more female leaders, as a more inclusive government and better decisions can be acquired through a difference in thought and management styles.

"Painting with a very broad brush, women tend to listen better, be more patient, be more concerned about people," Catron said. "We're better money managers and bargain shoppers; we'll try to do the most good for the most people with the funds available. I am pleased that Mayor Myers is in office. Maybe in time, having a female mayor in Tahlequah will be the norm rather than the exception. And maybe in time, we'll be able to recognize having a female president as normal, too."