CELEBRATING HERSTORY
THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN & RAMONA MARTINEZ
What does it mean to be unsinkable?
This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating women who broke barriers, challenged expectations, and paved the way for others—both in the outdoors and far beyond it.
As a part of our Celebrating herSTORY Challenge, we’re honoring these legacies not just by telling their stories, but by taking action—moving our bodies, building community, and raising funds to ensure more girls, women, and gender-expansive people can access the outdoors.
One of the first we want to highlight is the one of Margaret ‘Molly’ Brown, known as the ‘Unsinkable Molly Brown.’ She was a Colorado socialite and philanthropist who used her prominence to advocate for human rights.
After surviving the sinking of the Titanic—where she famously helped load lifeboats and comforted survivors—she returned to Denver and dedicated herself to social reform. She was a major supporter of women’s suffrage, children’s literacy, and workers’ rights, particularly for miners and their families. Brown was also a pioneer in international relief, working in France during World War I to assist wounded soldiers and rebuild devastated communities.
Despite the ‘Molly’ nickname being a later creation of the media, her real life was one of tireless activism and a refusal to be silenced by the social expectations of her class. She was one of the first women to run for the U.S. Senate (even before women had the national right to vote) and remains a symbol of Colorado’s resilient and independent spirit.
Another story we want to higlight is that of Ramona Martinez (pictured below), a formidable political leader who served for 16 years on the Denver City Council, including three terms as council president. She was the first Hispanic woman to hold that leadership position, breaking significant barriers in local government.
Her impact on Colorado was centered on economic development, particularly in West Denver and for Hispanic-owned businesses. She was a key proponent of the development of Denver International Airport and the expansion of the city’s convention center, projects that transformed Colorado’s economy.
Martinez was also a national leader, serving on the Democratic National Committee and advocating for the inclusion of Latinos in the political process. Her leadership was characterized by a focus on practical results and a tireless commitment to her constituents. She paved the way for future generations of Hispanic leaders in Colorado, proving that one could be both a fierce community advocate and an effective municipal leader. Her legacy is one of infrastructure growth and political empowerment for the marginalized.
Women like Margaret and Ramona remind us what’s possible when barriers are broken and voices are lifted. While their impact reached far beyond the outdoors, their courage and leadership reflect the same confidence and resilience we strive to build through outdoor experiences.
Today, you can help us continue that legacy.
By supporting our Celebrating herSTORY Challenge, you’re helping ensure girls and non-binary youth have access to outdoor experiences and tap into their power, confidence, and sense of belonging.
Don’t wait—be part of the impact today. Even a small gift—or a few miles—can make a big difference in reaching our goal of raising $15,000 by April 3.
Written by Steph Zoccatelli
Director of Marketing & Development
Steph (she/her) spent 7 years working in the coaching industry and childcare, where she applied person-centered, social justice, and sustainability lenses to her work. Always curious about learning new skills, she joined Women’s Wilderness in 2022 and after working as Gear & Transportation Intern that summer and is now our Director of Marketing & Development.
