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INSIDE

Esther Hobart Morris Lilian Heath Nellie Tayloe Ross Mary Strand Susie McMurry Beth Williams Patricia MacLachlan Jackson Town Council Randi Martinsen Cathy Connolly Shelby Descamps Margaret Murie Dell Burke June Downey A e Ellis/Andi Cli ord Marilyn Kite Edness Kimball Wilkins Margie McDonald Mary Bellamy Seadar Rose Davis Lindsay Linton Buk Grace Raymond Hebard Liz Byrd Patty Reilly Helen Bardo Clarene Law Elsa Byron Monica Leininger Margaret Craighead Nancy Freudenthal Judy Shepard Louisa Swain Kathleen Rochelle Joan Barron Mandy Fabel Rep Lynn Dickey Megan Degenfelder Elinore Pruitt Stewart Rory Tendore Lynn Cheney

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BREAKING THROUGH SERIES

FOREWORD BY SUPERINTENDENT JILLIAN BALOW

There’s a reason why Wyoming is called the Equality State - and that’s because on December 10, 1869, Wyoming women were granted the right to vote. en, some nine months later, Louisa Ann Swain was the rst woman to vote in a general election, in Laramie, on September 6, 1870.

From then until now, Wyoming’s rich history has, in many ways, been written by women - including Esther Hobart Morris, Nellie Tayloe Ross, Liz Byrd, and A e Ellis to name just a few. ese are the stories - the lives - we celebrate with the Breaking rough Collection.

is collection of Wyoming stories illustrates the heart and soul of Wyoming women through time in such a beautiful way. De ning success on their own terms, these women pioneered grit, tenacity, and passion. One common thread is that they all impacted our state, and sometimes the nation, in ways that can still be felt today.

One of my particular favorites is the story of Estelle Reel, Wyoming’s rst female statewide elected o cial, and my predecessor as State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Her story inspires me daily, and reminds me to strive to ensure that our children receive an education that will prepare them for an exceptional life of opportunity. I hope that among these pages, you’ll nd your inspiration, as you look to write your own success story.