#United States #Washington D.C. #Deborah Brittain #NWHM #Women History

National Women's History Museum Welcomes Deborah Brittain to Board

The National Women's History Museum (NWHM) has made a significant appointment by electing Deborah Brittain to its Board of Directors. Brittain's election aligns with NWHM's dedication to broadening its impact and modernizing its approach to sharing women's contributions to society. This move is particularly relevant given the current climate where women's roles and accomplishments frequently go unrecognized or undervalued.

Deborah Brittain is known for her extensive experience as a civic leader and philanthropic advocate, with a noteworthy career dedicated to promoting equity, particularly for women. Her leadership journey spans various sectors including higher education, national nonprofit organizations, and cultural institutions. Notably, she served as the recent Past President and Chair of the Association of Junior Leagues International, where she was pivotal in various organizational advancements including leadership development and modern governance practices.

Frédérique Irwin, President and CEO of NWHM, expressed enthusiasm about Brittain's addition, stating, "Deborah's exceptional expertise and passion align perfectly with our commitment to modernize how women's history is experienced, shared, and understood." This sentiment is echoed by Brittain herself, who emphasizes the urgency in elevating women's contributions to the forefront of the national dialogue: "At this moment in our country, when women's contributions are too often minimized or erased, supporting the National Women's History Museum feels both necessary and urgent."

The Museum, which was founded in 1996, operates as the nation's leading digital-first institution focused on making women's history visible and accessible. Its efforts reach millions of people nationwide through pioneering exhibitions, educational programs, and research initiatives that place women in the center of the American narrative. It operates independently of the Smithsonian Institution as a nonprofit organization.

Brittain's commitment to expanding access to education and empowering future leaders adds tremendous value to the Board, which consists of leaders from diverse fields throughout the United States. Her appointment is expected to bolster NWHM's efforts in innovation as they continue to modernize their storytelling and engagement strategies.

Susan Whiting, Board Chair, remarked on the importance of understanding contemporary audience dynamics for advancing the museum's mission: "Advancing our mission requires leaders who understand how ideas move and how audiences engage today. Deborah brings deep expertise in education and leadership and joins a board with decades of experience in media, communications, and digital transformation. That combination positions us well for what's ahead."

Brittain currently resides in Florida and joins a board that reflects NWHM's expansive reach and ongoing commitment to engaging audiences digitally and diversely. Singleton McAllister, Board Vice Chair, added, "The strength of this Board is intentionality. Deborah's experience complements a leadership group built to guide a modern digital-first institution that educates, inspires, and reaches people wherever they are."

By welcoming Deborah Brittain, NWHM not only enhances its governance but also reinforces its mission to illuminate the critical role that women have played and continue to play in shaping history. As the Museum strides toward modernizing its approach, Brittain's expertise in education and community engagement will surely provide invaluable insights into how NWHM can expand its impact across the nation.

For more information on the National Women's History Museum and their initiatives, please visit their official website at womenshistory.org.