History

Women's Voices was formally organized in May, 2005, when 25 St. Louis-area women gathered at the University City Library to discuss their concerns about social justice issues. Within six months more than 150 women had added their names to the mailing list. Progressive women of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to join the organization.

In July, 2005, the first general meeting was held. In November, 2005, the group moved to the Alberici Group headquarters, one of the most environmentally friendly buildings in the world. Alberici hosted our meetings until we grew too large for that space. We now meet at the St. Louis Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road.

What We Do

Women's Voices is both an educational and advocacy organization. Our regular monthly meetings are educational; our program committee selects a variety of knowledgable speakers to provide background information on social justice issues that concern us. Members of our advocacy committee will select two or three specific issues that we will work on as a group each year. Some of our activities include writing letters or commentaries, attending meetings, disseminating information, public speaking, marching, witnessing and lobbying. Women's Voices almost always works with other social justice organizations to support and enhance their efforts. Check out our Recent Activities.

Our educational programs are held on the second Thursday of each month, September through May, at 7 p.m. at the Ethical Society. Programs are open to the public, free of charge, and guests are welcome. Check out our Recent Programs.

Leadership

Following are the elected and appointed leaders for the current year.
See below for individual bios.

Currently Serving

Jeanne Bubb retired from St. Louis Children's Hospital as the Director of Social Work. Jeanne also counseled families dealing with childhood diabetes and was involved in many diabetes research projects during her 17 years at the hospital. Following retirement, she taught a health class at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University. Jeanne, along with all of us, hopes for the day when all Americans have access to quality health care.

Mary Clemons is a retired church administrator. She managed the church finances and oversaw fundraising activities.

Elitta DeArmond, after being a stay-at-home mom for twelve years, went on to complete twenty-seven years in a teaching career, seventeen years of which were with Lindbergh School District in St. Louis. Also while being a classroom teacher, she started and was director for the OASIS Intergenerational Tutoring Program for Lindbergh District for seventeen years. Now retired, she is involved with book clubs, a sorority alum group, Eliot Unitarian Chapel, and several women's groups.

Chery Green is a retired information systems consultant who volunteers her services in software consulting and web development to organizations with which she is involved. She currently serves as Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Ethical Society of St. Louis.

Shelly Lemons is an assistant professor of history at McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois. She works to promote social justice both in and out of the classroom.

Judy Martin Finch is the Associate Director for Media Relations at Washington University School of Medicine. She moved to Missouri from her native Kentucky in 1983 to attend college in Fulton, MO. She spent several years working as in radio, as a producer and marketing director, and then turned to producing medical documentaries for St. Charles based Banyan Communications. She has been active in the community for the past 20 years, most recently working as a volunteer with Paraquad, Inc. helping with the Assistive Technology Fair.

Barbara Richter recently sold a manufacturing company which she ran with her husband for 25 years. She teaches management/supervision at the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University, is involved with several not-for-profits and has served on several Boards of Directors.

Past Leaders

Judy Arnold is a freelance communications consultant who has been an editor of a health journal and a teacher. She serves on the board of the Friends of the Kirkwood Public Library.

Lois Bliss has 44 years of experience as a volunteer and activist on a broad range of issues. She has been elected to office four times.

Cindy Bumb (Rev. Cynthia S. Bumb) is the Pastor of Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ. She is a wife and mother, and is involved in several community organizations including Doorways, the Missouri Family Health Council, and Union Communion Ministries.

Judy Evans is a former director of Sylvan Learning Center.She works with her husband as a realtor for Prudential Advantage and volunteers at the Missouri Botannical Garden as a master gardener.

Susan Hayman is the former director of the Literacy Council of Greater St. Louis and is semi-retired from the Kirkwood School District.

Alice Serrano holds masters degrees in education and biology and teaches environmental science courses at Webster University. She volunteers for Stream Team of Missouri, collecting data and monitoring the health of Missouri streams.

Mary Ann Tipton recently returned to St. Louis from nearly twenty years on the East Coast. After a career in retirement planning, Mary Ann is volunteering with several charitable organizations while considering other career options.

Beth von Behren has a background in nonprofit communications, freelance writing for the Post-Dispatch and other publications, and freelance grant writing for small, local nonprofits. In addition to keeping an eye on the media, her interests include advocating for children, abolishing the death penalty, and protecting the environment.

Bev White is a retired health care professional who found Women's Voices during a quest for active progressive women. She serves on the board of The Barnes-Jewish Hospital Auxiliary, ran for State Representative in 2006, and serves on the EMPAC board of the National Women's Political Caucus, St Louis.