The rotunda at the Idaho Capitol in Boise on Jan.17, 2022. (Otto Kitsinger for Idaho Capital Sun)
The public is invited to celebrate Idaho Women’s Day with a presentation titled “Strong Women: An Idaho Story — Past, Present, and Future” on Friday at the Idaho Statehouse in Boise.
The celebration, which is organized by the SW Idaho National Organization for Women, or NOW, will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Capitol’s first-floor rotunda.
The event features distinguished speakers on notable Idaho women throughout its history, including:
- Past: Local historian James R. “Rick” Just will speak about Idaho’s most famous woman and talk about the importance of women’s contributions from the state’s earliest days. Just, who served as Idaho state senator for Legislative District 15 from 2022 to 2024, contributes regularly to local publications and posts an online magazine about Idaho history, “Speaking of Idaho.”
- Present: Educator Julie Yamamoto will speak about inspiring women in the present. She served two terms in the Idaho House of Representatives and chaired the House Education Committee. An Idaho educator who retired after 32 years, she continues to serve the community with a special focus on children.
- Future: Two high school students Yuxuan Cheng, a junior at Renaissance High School, and Palin Hurst, a sophomore at Owyhee High School, will share their vision for women in the future.
In addition, displays at the event will highlight Idaho women’s contributions to the state. The Boise Women’s Chorus will perform, and the NOW Super Troupers will make a special appearance. Representatives from a variety of organizations will be on hand to share information about their work.
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