NWHM Taps Civic Leader to Advance Digital-First History Mission

WASHINGTON, DC – January 08, 2026 – The National Women's History Museum (NWHM) has appointed celebrated civic leader and philanthropist Deborah Brittain to its Board of Directors, a strategic move reinforcing the institution's commitment to its digital-first mission and expanding national influence. The election signals a concerted effort to leverage innovative technology and experienced leadership to ensure the stories of American women are not only preserved but are also central to the nation's ongoing narrative.

Brittain’s appointment comes at a time the museum and its leaders describe as both urgent and necessary. "At this moment in our country, when women's contributions are too often minimized or erased, supporting the National Women's History Museum feels both necessary and urgent," Brittain stated upon her election. Her sentiment echoes a growing concern among historians and advocates that without proactive and accessible platforms, crucial chapters of American history risk being lost or ignored.

A Digital Mandate for a Critical Moment

The NWHM, founded in 1996, has distinguished itself by operating as a premier digital-first institution, independent of the Smithsonian. This model allows it to bypass the logistical and financial hurdles of a physical building in Washington, D.C., instead focusing resources on reaching millions of people nationwide through the internet. Brittain’s election is seen as a direct reinforcement of this strategy.

Frédérique Irwin, President and CEO of the museum, noted that Brittain's "exceptional expertise and passion align perfectly with our commitment to modernize how women's history is experienced, shared and understood." This modernization is evident in the museum's robust portfolio of online initiatives. It hosts a wide array of virtual exhibitions, such as "We Who Believe in Freedom: Black Feminist DC" and the bilingual series "Representation with a Hyphen: Latinas in the Fight for Women's Suffrage." These projects are designed to bring diverse and often underrepresented histories to a broad audience, from students in classrooms to curious adults at home.

Beyond static exhibits, the museum has pioneered interactive engagement. Its "Women Writing History: A Coronavirus Journaling Project" collected over 1,200 personal accounts from across the globe, creating a living archive of women's experiences during the pandemic. This approach reflects a broader trend in the museum world toward creating immersive, participatory experiences that transform passive viewers into active contributors to history. By leveraging technology, the NWHM aims to make history not just a subject to be studied, but a story to be engaged with.

A Leader Forged in Service and Equity

Deborah Brittain brings to the board a formidable record of leadership spanning decades and diverse sectors. Her career is a testament to a lifelong commitment to service, institutional strengthening, and the advancement of women. A proud graduate of Howard University, she also holds an MSW from Simmons University, where she now serves as an Honorary Trustee after 15 years on the board.

Perhaps most notably, Brittain was the first Black president of the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI), a global organization she guided through a period of significant governance modernization during its centennial. Her leadership there, as well as her previous tenure as the first Black president of The Junior League of Northern Virginia, demonstrates a consistent ability to navigate and reform complex institutions while championing equity.

Her influence extends deeply into higher education and philanthropy. She served for a decade on the Advisory Board to the Dean of Harvard Business School and is a member of the Board of Visitors for the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University. Through the Brittain Foundation, she provides scholarships and leadership training for students, continuing her work of preparing the next generation. Her extensive board service also includes long-term roles with the National Advisory Board of The Salvation Army and the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation, underscoring a broad-based dedication to social and health-related causes.

Building a Powerhouse Board for National Influence

Brittain’s appointment is part of a larger, deliberate strategy by the NWHM to build a board capable of guiding a modern cultural institution. Board Chair Susan Whiting emphasized this focus, stating, "Advancing our mission requires leaders who understand how ideas move and how audiences engage today. Deborah brings deep expertise in education and leadership and joins a board with decades of experience in media, communications, and digital transformation."

This intentionality is the board's core strength, according to Vice Chair Singleton McAllister. "The strength of this Board is intentionality," McAllister said. "Deborah's experience complements a leadership group built to guide a modern digital-first institution that educates, inspires, and reaches people wherever they are." The board's composition, with members from across the country and with expertise in technology, media, and education, reflects the museum's coast-to-coast ambitions.

As a privately funded, nonpartisan nonprofit, the NWHM relies on this strategic leadership to drive its mission. The museum's transparency, evidenced by its GuideStar Platinum Seal and the publication of annual impact reports, is crucial for maintaining the public trust and support necessary to fund its innovative work. The addition of Deborah Brittain, a leader with a proven track record of governance, advocacy, and a deep-seated passion for equity, further solidifies the museum's foundation as it continues to write women back into the American story for a global digital audience.