Description: Caroline Scott Despard was the Picture Editor for Smithsonian Magazine from its inception in 1970 to her retirement in 1993. Despard selected photographs, chose photographers, and assisted in designing layouts for the publication. #Groundbreaker
Description: Biologist and primate keeper, Melanie R. Bond, was the first woman gorilla keeper at the National Zoo and co-authored the "Orangutan (Pongo) Care Manual" for the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. #Groundbreaker
Description: Elvira Clain-Stefanelli worked with the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s National Numismatics Collection between 1957 and 2000. Although she initially arrived at the Smithsonian as an assistant to her husband, chief curator Vladmir Clain-Stefanelli, she eventually became the department’s first executive director in 1984. In 1973, both Elvira and Vladmir
Description: Laurie M. Penland, Diving Officer for the Smithsonian Scientific Diving Program, has traveled the globe providing diving support and training since 2005. She is also a professional photographer, capturing underwater photographs and videos for the Smithsonian. #Groundbreaker
Description: Dr. Mercedes López-Morales has been an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics since 2012. She researches the detection and characterization of exoplanet atmospheres and serves as a leader on multiple international projects. #Groundbreaker
Description: Dr. Elizabeth Broun, Director, Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery, 1989–2016, oversaw major renovations, welcomed groundbreaking exhibitions, and diversified the museum’s collections. She served as the museum’s Chief Curator and Assistant Director, 1983–88. #Groundbreaker
Description: Dr. Sharon Shaffer, Founding Director, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center, 1988–2012, established a museum-based, educational program for young children at the Smithsonian. She also developed trainings and wrote numerous publications for educators. #Groundbreaker
Description: Laura L. McKie, Assistant Director for Education, 1987–2001, planned, coordinated, and conducted educational activities at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. She began her career with the museum as a docent in 1969, and in 1971, she was hired as an Anthropology Education Specialist . #Groundbreaker
Description: Lydia Puccinelli-Robbins was the Curator of Collections at the Smithsonian Museum of African Art, 1979-99. But she had also been working as a registrar, educator, and curator with the Museum of African Art, 1966-79, before the collection was transferred to the Smithsonian. #Groundbreaker