Let’s honor the Lexington women who shape our lives and our communities | Opinion

To all citizens of Fayette County: Do you know of a woman who has changed, inspired, and impacted your life in a meaningful way? Have you ever wished her story could be preserved and shared for generations to come?

Welcome to STAND with HER Story, a collaboration between the League of Women Voters and the Lexington History Museum. This initiative celebrates the many women, past and present, who will not likely be recognized in traditional awards programs. What we know is that of the many women whose contributions remain unrecognized — their everyday courage, compassion, and leadership — changed lives for the better.

For too long, women’s stories have been overlooked or underrepresented in history. STAND with HER Story aims to change that by giving women their rightful place as the heroes that they are.

The woman whose name you submit could be anyone who made a lasting impact:

• A child who wishes to submit his mother’s name as the best mom ever;
• A school lunch employee who quietly made sure every child was fed regardless of their ability to pay;
• A veteran who went the extra mile for her sisters in service by provided needed services;
• A neighbor, friend, or family member who built community or laid a foundation, however small, for the freedoms we enjoy today.

No story is too small if it changed a life and added to the building blocks of our great community.

This is not an awards program – it is a living archive. The collected submissions will form the foundation of a permanent kiosk display at the Lexington History Museum, where the stories of these incredible women can be explored, researched, and remembered. Some will be highlighted to demonstrate the power of storytelling and sharing, to lift these women as beacons of leadership. In addition, more activities are planned for Women’s History Month in March 2026, so stay tuned.

A steering committee has been formed alongside an outreach program to educate community members in order to spread the word. A media campaign will be launched that will reach across Fayette County to invite submissions. A link to the submission form will be made available at www.LWVLexington.com/HERstory. Flyers, posters in retail shops, and more will be designed to attract as many submissions as possible. Our intent is to build a groundswell, leading not only to greater appreciation for the contributions of women but to inspire all of us to greater involvement in building our great community, as only sharing our important stories can.

The process is designed to be simple and accessible.

• You will share your name, email, and your nominee’s name;
• In 250 words or less, you will tell us how she made an impact – what she stood for, and a specific moment that demonstrates her contribution, her strength and her lasting impact;
• You may provide photos or documents to help us know her story even better

Again, the submission link will be made available at www.LWVLexington.com/HERstory, and through our many community partners who have already expressed excitement.

Together, we can ensure that HER story – and every woman’s story as titans in our community – STANDS for generations to come.

Sylvia Lovely is a member of the STAND with HER Story Steering Committee, a collaborative program of the League of Women Voters and the Lexington History Museum.