Mrvan Statement on Women’s History Month

Washington, DC- Today, Rep. Frank J. Mrvan released his statement on Women's History Month.

A video of his remarks on the House floor is available here, and the text of the full statement is below.

"It is with great respect and sincere admiration that I rise to celebrate Women's History Month and its 2026 theme - Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future. This year's theme honors the women who are reimagining and rebuilding systems to ensure long-term sustainability and create a future that is rooted in equity, justice, and opportunity for all.

"As we celebrate women who have dedicated their lives to shaping a more sustainable future, I would like to recognize the extraordinary women whose vision and leadership shaped one of Northwest Indiana's most enduring conservation organizations. Save the Dunes was founded by Dorothy Buell in her Ogden Dunes home in 1952, a time when women rarely centered in public policy debates. The group, composed of all women, was committed to preserving the Indiana Dunes within the protective boundaries of a National Park. What began as a living room conversation grew into a national grassroots movement that ultimately led to the creation of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, now the Indiana Dunes National Park.

"Many extraordinary women joined Dorothy in shaping Save the Dunes, including the organization's first Executive Director, Charlotte Read, who led efforts for the park's first successful expansion bill. Lee Botts brought national attention to the importance of protecting the Great Lakes. Sylvia Troy and Ruth Osann defended the dunes from intense development pressures and mobilized community members for key advocacy campaigns during pivotal moments in the organization's history.

"Over 70 years later, Save the Dunes remains a women-led organization, which is a testament to the enduring leadership of women in conservation. Presidents including Susan MiHalo, Melli Hoppe, Dorreen Carey, and Nancy Moldenhauer have guided the organization through periods of growth and strategic impact. Executive Directors, including Nicole Barker, Natalie Johnson, and Betsy Maher, have strengthened its role as a leading partner to the Indiana Dunes National Park, expanded habitat restoration initiatives, deepened community engagement, and advanced environmental advocacy across Northwest Indiana. Today, women serve in professional staff roles and as members of the Board of Directors, guiding governance and strategy. For their environmental stewardship and generational leadership, the women who volunteered their time and efforts to the Save the Dunes organization are worthy of the highest praise.

"Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating Women's History Month and recognizing the women of Save the Dunes, who continue to shape a more sustainable future for Northwest Indiana and our nation."

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