The Benton County Board of Commissioners has officially declared March 2026 as Women’s History Month, following a meeting on March 3 that brought together female leaders from various county departments.
Women’s History Month was first celebrated in Santa Rosa, California, in 1978. It became a national observance in 1987 when Congress designated March to honor women’s contributions to history and society. The month coincides with International Women’s Day on March 8, which has been observed globally since the early 1900s to recognize women’s rights and achievements.
During the meeting, Lacey Mollel, director of Linn-Benton Community Health Centers, read the proclamation aloud. She stated that the document acknowledges the significant roles women have played in shaping communities and advancing progress across education, science, arts, government, and business. This year’s national theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” focusing on women’s leadership in tackling environmental, economic, educational, and societal issues.
“Women’s History Month is a time to honor the remarkable achievements of women past and present who have overcome obstacles, broken barriers and paved the way for future generations,” Mollel said during the reading. “It provides an opportunity to recognize the many contributions women have made to the social, economic, cultural and political fabric of our community and our nation.”
Commissioner Nancy Wyse reflected on her own experiences as well as those of other women serving in public roles within Benton County. “Women working in Benton County government play important roles, including in leadership,” Wyse said. “Women leaders often take a holistic view, considering family systems, community factors and the long-term well-being of their teams and community partners. We have made progress, and Women’s History Month provides time to reflect.”
Maura Kwiatkowski serves as administrative services manager for the Board of Commissioners and organized both the gathering and proclamation reading. She noted that recognizing Women’s History Month allows for important discussions about gender equality.
“Many women hold family responsibilities while serving in demanding roles,” Kwiatkowski said. “In some environments, women still encounter bias or the need to continually prove credibility. Gender equality is an ongoing conversation. Visibility during Women’s History Month invites those conversations to happen.”
The Board encouraged residents to celebrate local women by supporting education initiatives and opportunities for empowerment throughout Benton County.
Header image: Commissioner Nancy Wyse (third from left) stands with some of the women leaders honored this week (from left): County Engineer Laurel Byer; Administrative Services Manager Maura Kwiatkowski; Executive Director Lacey Mollel of the Community Health Center of Benton and Linn Counties; Health Services Business Operations Director Debbie Sessions; Health Department Director April Holland.
