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: Alice Green Burnette, Assistant Secretary for Institutional Initiatives, 1989–96, managed the $200 million campaign to build the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington and led marketing efforts for Smithsonian’s 150th anniversary programming. She initially arrived in 1988 as Deputy Assistant Secretary for External Affairs and Coordinator of Institutional
Description: Ann M. Shumard has worked to develop the photography collection at the National Portrait Gallery as an Assistant Curator, 1979–2001, and Senior Curator of Photographs, 2001–present. She has curated more than a dozen exhibitions and serves on the Smithsonian’s Collections Advisory Committee. #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: Claudine K. Brown began her long career with Smithsonian as the Director of the African American History Project, 1990–1995, developing a program plan for the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Brown also served as Smithsonian’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Arts and Humanities, 1991-1995. She returned to the Smithsonian in 2010 as Assistant
Description: The Smithsonian National Zoo, Conservation Biology Institute's Chief Veterinarian, Dr. Copper Aitken-Palmer, specializes in giant panda reproduction, health, and conservation. #Groundbreaker
Description: Physicist Dr. Stella S.R. Offner, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, uses computer simulations to understand how stars form. She is also a WorldWide Telescope Ambassador. #Groundbreaker