Mary Egerton Miller

Inducted: 2014

With her enthusiasm, creativity, tenacity, and bravery-never saying 'no' to a worthwhile request-Mary united men and women behind shared visions and missions. Noteworthy among her multiple accomplishments was leading Ohio, while Columbus YMCA Special Services Director, to become the 33rd state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Mary chaired Governor Gilligan's Ohio Task Force for Implementation of the ERA.

Mary founded the YWCA 3-C Hunger Task Force. She directed OSU Mershon Center's Woven Project, which translated women's volunteer skills into job qualifications. In 1977, she chaired the Ohio International Women's Year Conference, organized Ohio Women, Inc. and became the first woman to chair First Community Church's Governing Board. She chaired the founding of the Metropolitan Women's Center, helped establish the Center for New Directions and the Open-Membership Columbus Metropolitan Club, while pioneering comprehensive financial planning for retirement and long term care. Mary served on many boards and committees.

Her multiple awards included KAØ Columbus Alumna Woman of the Year, Ohio Women's Hall of Fame, YWCA Women of Achievement, and Capital Woman of Distinction. At the 1985 Mary Miller Celebration-with Governor Celeste's Proclamation, and 17 guest speakers-it was proclaimed: Mary Egerton Miller was a catalyst for making things happen-her success was success for all of us.