ADVICE FOR WOMEN

Drawing on their years of political experience, Ohio’s trailblazing political women offer advice for those considering a run for elective office.

While each launched her career in Ohio, their wise counsel knows no bounds.

Click on the links below to hear the expert advice of these accomplished women.

Say no to yes-men

Nancy P. Hollister

Sound Bite

Surround yourself with talented, capable folks who will… say, ‘I disagree with you, and this is why.'

Career highlights:

First woman Mayor of Marietta, Ohio
First woman Lieutenant Governor of Ohio
Only woman to take the oath of office as Governor of Ohio

Know 10 people who will give you $100?

Rhine L. McLin

Sound Bite

The first thing you need to ask yourself: ‘Do I know 10 people that would give me $100?’

Career highlights:

First African American woman in the Ohio Senate
First woman Mayor of Dayton

What’s the worst that could happen?

Betty D. Montgomery

Sound Bite

If you don’t take a swing at bat, you’re never going to hit a home run.

Career highlights:

First woman County Prosecutor in Ohio
First woman Attorney General of Ohio
First woman Auditor of State of Ohio

Earn respect by how you work

Melody J. Stewart

Sound Bite

Be… sure that you have established a foundation in your career that has garnered you… respect for what you do.

Career highlights:

First African American woman elected to the Ohio Supreme Court

Don’t underestimate yourself

Jo Ann Davidson

Sound Bite

Sit down with a piece of paper and write all of the things that you have done, because you underestimate yourself.

Career highlights:

First woman on the City Council of Reynoldsburg, Ohio
First woman Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives

Work like crazy to get to the top

Mary Ellen Withrow

Sound Bite

You can't just pretend you're running for office. You’ve got to work like crazy.

Career highlights:

First woman on the Elgin Local School Board of Education
Rose to become Treasurer of the United States
Only person to serve as Treasurer at local, state and national levels

The Team Behind Trailblazing Women in Ohio Politics

Trailblazing Women in Ohio Politics is a collaboration between WBGU-PBS and Dr. Melissa K. Miller, Professor of Political Science at Bowling Green State University.

Documentary for Public Television

Watch the WBGU-PBS produced documentary, Trailblazing Women in Ohio Politics, to learn more and hear stories and insights from a number of our trailblazers.

Oral History Collection

The Trailblazing Women in Ohio Politics Oral History Collection is an excellent place to hear more from each trailblazer. Digital versions of each trailblazer’s complete interview are housed in BGSU’s Center for Archival Collections.

Trailblazing Women in Ohio Politics Oral History Collection

Resources for Educators

Instructor guides for college and high school educators provide ideas to spark in-depth student engagement with the stories of Ohio’s trailblazing political women. Each instructor guide includes project ideas, classroom and online discussion topics, group activities, and more.

High School Educator Resources

College Educator Resources

PHOTO CREDITS: Dayton Daily News; Marietta Times courtesy of Marietta College Legacy Library; Ohio Attorney General’s Office; Ohio History Connection (SA7493 B01); USA TODAY NETWORK.

Updated: 06/30/2023 04:38PM