Legendary Women of Santa Fe County

 

In March the nation celebrates Women's History Month. I want to commemorate women from the greater Santa Fe area who have added color and richness to our history and landscape. 

 

First, I want to acknowledge the members of 100 Women Who Care.  These member's donate quarterly to our local nonprofits. There are individual chapters of 100 Women Who Care across the country, each unique. 100 Women Who Care Santa Fe was co-founded in 2012 by two friends and a recent transplant at the time of inception who wanted to connect with women and make a difference: Katie Rountree and Jody Feagan. The members can nominate local organizations, of which three are selected randomly. The three nonprofits make a five-minute presentation to the members on why they need funding for community work. The group meets quarterly for one hour at the Scottish Rite Temple. The members vote to fund one woman. Members each donate $100 to the winning non-profit (two or more women can join to be a single vote). Starting in 2012, to date, $734,826, or approximately $85,000 annually, has been quietly collected to support our community by women making small contributions. I'm proud to be a business member of this group and am often brought to tears by the amazing work being done by so many small but important organizations. If you would like more information, go to 100womenwhocaresantafe.com

 

The foremost female artist's name that comes to mind is Georgia O'Keeffe, the first woman in the United States to have a museum dedicated to her; an inspiring, independent woman and leader in the contemporary art world. Currently a new campus is being created in downtown Santa Fe to showcase art and a commitment to the people of Northern New Mexico. The 54,000 square foot building located on Grant Avenue is scheduled to open in in 2027. To learn more go to [email protected] 

 

Santa Fe is filled with many, renowned and upcoming artists. A personal favorite is Roxanne Swentzel, who's figures convey the tender, simple and powerful moments of everyday life. Roxanne is a Santa Clara Tewa Native American and sculptor who celebrates community, family and the earth through her powerful work. Her figures are primarily female that share stories about family, politics and social celebrations. The works are alive with emotion and detail. Her work is now in the White House, Museums and collections all over the world.  See her work at www.roxanneswentzell.net 

 

A more obscure name is Mary Donoho. She was the first documented woman to travel the Santa Fe Trail in 1833—accompanied by her husband, a physician and trader, and their baby.  They started La Fonda, an inn for travelers to Santa Fe. She is considered a pioneer and early businesswoman that helped shape Santa Fe as a destination worth stopping at. Today La Fonda is still and institution, offering the best dining, shopping, social and lodging experiences. The Ghost Tour honors the 400-year history of Santa Fe with stories that are rich and mystical, unlike no other in the City Different. I've not yet gone on the tour, but I have heard of guests who have seen spirits at night in the hotel. I am adding the tour on my list for a stay-cation day. 

 

Finally, a nod to our feminine Santa Fe styled architecture, with its rounded corners, built with mud and straw bricks from the earth, it embraces feminine design elements. It is authentically unique and like no other in the United States, earning us the title, The City Different. Stone and natural wood and light further create a warm palette. Women architects have helped shape this style.

 

Betty Stewart and Sharon Woods are a few leaders in Santa Fe construction history. A historical pioneer, in the 1970's Betty built pitched roof homes that broke tradition from the popular Pueblo Style. They still embodied many other natural elements of Santa Fe style, with long porches and brick floors. There was tin work, plastered walls and deep-set windows. I describe them as a Santa Fe style farmhouse.  Still building today, Woods Designs is Santa Fe's oldest, family-owned custom builder started by Sharon and now run by her sons. Her designs capture the newer, cleaner Santa Fe style, built with quality materials and an experienced team. The cut beams, rather than rounded vigas, cleaner edges and lighter palette are a few of the architectural elements of this style. Sharon also ran the City of Santa Fe Historic Department for many years, bringing consistency to the practices. 

 

In real estate today, nationally and locally, approximately 60% of realtors are women. This trend is giving women and families a huge voice in our community and helping build a strong future for families, and the women themselves. The Women's Council of Realtors is a group of industry professionals who advance women as business and community leaders. 

 

None of the women leaders above planned on become sign-posts of courage and paving new ways in the world. They simply were doing what their souls called upon them to do. This bravery is how history is made, one step at a time. So go do the difficult thing that you know is right, you never know what it might lead to. Make a difference, however small it feels, your voice is important. 

"Well-behaved women seldom make history," 

attributed to Laurel Thatcher. 

Keep walking. 

Emily Garcia, Senior Broker

RT Team @ Sothebys International Realty

[email protected]

505.699.6644