The interviews with these 50 remarkable women created the core of this project. Click below to learn more about each one, and look for their stories in the books and podcasts.
Mary Jo West
Mary Jo West has been called the First Lady of TV News in Phoenix, Arizona. In 1976, she became the city’s first prime-time female anchor. She also anchored CBS News’ Night Watch in New York City. She has opened many doors for the women who followed her. In addition to two Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards, Mary Jo won her industry’s top awards—the Peabody, 13 Arizona Press Club awards, and the national Gracie Allen Award from American Women in Radio and TV. She was the first newswoman inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame. The City of Phoenix honored her with the Martin Luther King Living the Dream Award for her work fighting discrimination against the mentally ill. Before retiring, she ran her own communications company, and worked for St. Vincent de Paul, the State of Arizona, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, and the City of Phoenix. After five years in retirement, and in need of some stimulation, she started working at the information booth at Sky Harbor airport where she gets to do what she loves—help people. Say hello to her when you’re flying through Phoenix.