Celebrating 20 Years of Advocacy
In May of 2005 four friends were together when their conversation turned to concerns about where the country could be headed under the newly elected administration, and they asked themselves (as we do today) what they could do to make things better. Out of these conversations came the start of Women’s Voices Raised for Social Justice. On April 26, 2025, more than 70 people gathered to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Women’s Voices and to honor the four Founders: Ruth Ann Cioci, Joanne Kelly, Barbara Finch and Ann Ruger. It was a joyful occasion filled with fun stories, moments of pride and aspirations for a strong future.
After a welcome from WV president Karen Francis, Barbara Richter presented an overview of the organization’s history and engaged each of the honorees in conversation with questions about what they had hoped to accomplish when they first started out and why they tackled so many different issues rather than have a single focus. Their answers revealed stories about how the organization grew as they invited like-minded friends to join them in learning more about the needs in St. Louis and participating in activities like marching in parades, protesting issues, and meeting with legislators to advocate for various issues. It was hard work but together they were accomplishing good things and having fun along the way.
The program also included recognition of WV’s seven past presidents several of whom were at the celebration, an inspiring talk by guest speaker Trish Gunby, who is a former Missouri State Representative and a member of WV; and a presentation of current WV activities by Karen Coulson, who then invited everyone to get involved in the critical work of continuing the organization’s mission of advocacy, education, and action.
Other honors conferred on the four Founders were a proclamation from the State of Missouri presented by Missouri State Representative Mark Boyko, and an announcement by WV vice president Jean Calandrino that a contribution was made to Forest Park Forever in each of their names.
Surviving 20 years is no easy feat for a small volunteer driven non-profit and everyone at the party left with a feeling of pride for all that Women’s Voices has accomplished and heartfelt wishes for its continued success.
View photos from the celebration. Photography by Philip Deitch
Make a Donation Honoring Our Founders
We owe all of our achievements to the dedication, perseverance, and vision of our founders: Ruth Ann Cioci, Barbara Finch, Joanne Kelly and Ann Ruger.
Contributions honoring our 20 year legacy help support our education and advocacy work. Your contribution of any amount is greatly appreciated.
Guest Speaker: Trish Gunby
Trish Gunby has spent over a decade learning all that she can about social justice work including racial justice, LGBTQ+ inclusion and voting rights. While serving as secretary to the WVRSJ board in 2019, she ran for a vacant Missouri House seat in District 99 and won. She was re-elected in 2020 and in 2022 ran for Congress in MO-02 and lost. Undeterred, she speaks to groups about how to advocate for social justice issues with your elected officials and serves on the MOST Policy Initiative board.
