Benton County celebrates Women’s History Month

The Benton County Board of Commissioners proclaimed March 2026 as Women’s History Month during its March 3 meeting. The proclamation followed a gathering that included female leaders from across County government.

Women’s History Month began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California, in 1978. In 1987, Congress designated March to honor women’s contributions to history, culture and society. March aligns with International Women’s Day on March 8, observed worldwide since the early 1900s to recognize women’s rights and achievements.

Lacey Mollel, director of Linn-Benton Community Health Centers, read the proclamation into the record.

Mollel said the proclamation recognizes the role women have played in shaping communities and advancing progress in education, science, the arts, government and business. The 2026 national theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” highlights women’s leadership in addressing environmental, economic, educational and societal challenges.

“Women’s History Month is a time to honor the remarkable achievements of women past and present who have overcome obstacles, broken barriers and paved the way for future generations,” Mollel said during the reading. “It provides an opportunity to recognize the many contributions women have made to the social, economic, cultural and political fabric of our community and our nation.”

And for Commissioner Nancy Wyse, Women’s History Month touches deeply on her own role in the County as well as the roles of other women in public service.

“Women working in Benton County government play important roles, including in leadership,” Wyse said. “Women leaders often take a holistic view, considering family systems, community factors and the long-term well-being of their teams and community partners. We have made progress, and Women’s History Month provides time to reflect.”

Maura Kwiatkowski, administrative services manager for the Board of Commissioners who coordinated the gathering and proclamation reading, said recognition creates space for important conversations.

“Many women hold family responsibilities while serving in demanding roles,” Kwiatkowski said. “In some environments, women still encounter bias or the need to continually prove credibility. Gender equality is an ongoing conversation. Visibility during Women’s History Month invites those conversations to happen.”

In adopting the Proclamation, the Board encouraged community members to celebrate and support the women of Benton County and to foster opportunities for education, empowerment and collaboration.

Header image: Commissioner Nancy Wyse (third from left) stands with some of the women leaders honored this week (from left): County Engineer Laurel Byer, Administrative Services Manager Maura Kwiatkowski, Executive Director Lacey Mollel of the Community Health Center of Benton and Linn Counties, Health Services Business Operations Director Debbie Sessions, Health Department Director April Holland.