Description: Dr. Autumn-Lynn Harrison, Research Scientist at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center since 2014, works with large marine vertebrates, including pinnipeds and seabirds. She is the Program Manager of the Migratory Connectivity Project, which aims to use technologies to track bird species throughout their annual cycle. #Groundbreaker
Description: Joan Madden, Assistant Director for Education, 1987–88, Supervisory Information and Education Specialist, 1980–86, and Education Coordinator, 1974–80, was integral to the development and management of the Discovery Room and Naturalist Center at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. She also managed volunteers for Smithsonian’s Office of Elementary and Secondary
Description: LaVerne M. Love, Women's Program Manager with the Office of Equal Opportunity, 1973–1980, was the executive officer of the Smithsonian Women's Council and wrote the organization's first bylaws. In 1976–77, she chaired the Civil Service Commission task force on minority women. At the time, she was the highest ranking African American woman at the Smithsonian. #Groundbreaker
Description: Sharon Reinckens, Deputy Director, Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, has served as Acting Director, Senior Designer, and Supervisory Visual Information Specialist at the museum, 1980–present. Reinckens also produced award-winning documentaries about African American artists in Washington D.C for the museum. #Groundbreaker
Description: Alcione M. Amos, Curator at the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum since 2009, researches the history of post-slavery societies and Afro-Brazilians from West Africa in the nineteenth century. She curated major exhibitions at the museum, such as Word, Shout, Song (2010–2011) and How the Civil War Changed Washington (2015). #Groundbreaker
Description: Gretchen Gayle Ellsworth was a Fellow and later Co-Director, Office of Academic Programs, 1968–78; Director, Office of Fellowships and Grants, 1978–84; Deputy Director, Directorate of International Activities, 1985–88; and Associate Director, National Zoological Park, 1988–93. Ellsworth was also instrumental in planning for better childcare at the Smithsonian. #Groundbreaker
Description: Priscilla L. Strain has worked for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Center for Earth and Planetary Studies since 1974 as a Research Assistant, 1974-79, Geologist, 1979-87, and Program Manager, 1987–present. She is currently the curator of the museum’s lunar rock collection and manages the center’s exhibits and programs. #Groundbreaker
Description: Dr. Suzan Murray, Director of the Global Health Program and Chief Wildlife Veterinary Medical Officer, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, leads a team in worldwide efforts to address health in endangered wildlife and works to combat global infectious diseases. She previously served as the National Zoo's Chief Veterinarian, 2001–2014. #Groundbreaker
Description: Dr. Melanie McField is the founding director of the Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative, a collaborative, international conservation program of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, focused on improving the health of the Mesoamerian Reef, since 2006. She leads a team that aims to create reports that measure the health of the region. #Groundbreaker
Description: Meroe Park became the Deputy Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of the Smithsonian in 2020. She oversees day-to-day activities and major strategic initiatives across the Smithsonian. Previously, Park was the executive vice president of the Partnership for Public Service and executive director and chief operating officer of the Central Intelligence Agency. #Groundbreaker
Description: Bridget Shea was the manager of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Samuel P. Langley IMAX Theater and the Albert Einstein Planetarium, 1992–97, and manager of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History’s Samuel C. Johnson IMAX Theater, which she also helped design, 1997–2000. Shea supervised the operations of the theaters and prioritized accessibility
Description: Dorothy Rosenberg served as an administrative officer to two Smithsonian Assistant Secretaries, 1959–73, before becoming Executive Assistant to Secretary S. Dillon Ripley, 1973–80. In 1979, she earned the Secretary's Gold Medal for Exceptional Service. Following retirement, Rosenberg was a part-time consultant to Secretary Ripley and Secretary Adams and prepared an extensive