Women Of The West: Pioneers Who Helped Shape Arizona's History

By Kaely Monahan, Lauren Gilger
Published: Tuesday, March 19, 2019 - 2:13pm
Updated: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 - 1:12pm

by Kaely Monahan, Lauren Gilger, Steve Goldstein, Mark Brodie

Arizona boasts many women who’ve made history both here and on the national stage. It’s easy to name the Sandra Day O'Connors and Rose Moffords — but what about those who are lesser known? In the series Women of the West, The Show explore stories of Arizona women who helped shape their communities and the state’s history.

Dorothy Fratt
Episode 15

Artist Dorothy Fratt was renowned for her use of color. From a very young age, Dorothy became a vital part of the budding Phoenix art scene via her craft and her teaching.



Ayra Hackett
Episode 14

Terri Cruz was one of the founders of Chicanos Por La Causa. During her career, she was given numerous awards and commendations for her work in the community.



Ayra Hackett
Episode 13

When Ayra Hackett founded the Arizona Gleam in 1929, she was the only Black newspaper owner in Arizona.



Janet Ikeda
Episode 12

Even after unfairness and injustice, Janet Ikeda emerged years later with a positive attitude and a commitment to helping her community.



Nancy Maytag Love
Episode 11

Nancy Maytag Love was instrumental in getting the Phoenix Zoo up and running. In fact, without her it might not even be here.



Refugio Barth Landavazo
Episode 10

Refugio Barth Landavozo lived from 1855 to 1921. She was married to one of the more infamous men of that era: Solomon Barth, the disputed founder of St. Johns.



Betty Fairfax
Episode 9

Betty Fairfax was a longtime educator, spending time both in the classroom and as a counselor.



Dew Yu Wong
Episode 8

Dew Yu Wong and her husband opened American Laundry in Flagstaff in 1915, a business that became a pillar of the community.



Georgie White Clark
Episode 7

Georgie White Clark was a pioneering river guide who, even in her 80s, ran trips down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.



Graciela Olivarez
Episode 6

Graciela Olivarez was appointed by President Jimmy Carter as the director of the Community Services Administration.



Annie Dodge Wauneka
Episode 5

Annie Dodge Wauneka was elected to the Navajo Nation Council in 1951, becoming just the second woman to serve in that body.



Elizabeth Hudson Smith
Episode 4

Elizabeth Hudson Smith designed and ran the Hotel Vernetta in Wickenburg — and eventually owned most of the town.



Ruth Reinhold
Episode 3

Ruth Reinhold was a pilot in the same era as Amelia Earhart and the author of "Sky Pioneering: Arizona in Aviation History."



Mim Walsh
Episode 2

Sister Kathleen Clark established the first child crisis nursery in the country — Casa de los Niños — in Tucson in 1973.



Mim Walsh
Episode 1

Mim Walsh kept a very extensive diary that documents life in Tucson in the early 20th century.





The Show Arizona History