Marlene Adrian: Enthusiastic Champion for Promoting and Documenting Women’s Accomplishments to Create a Woman-Appreciated Future

What does it take to ensure women’s stories and accomplishments aren’t lost to history? In this powerful episode of The Women Who Saved History, we explore the legacy of Marlene Adrian, an athlete, scholar, and visionary who devoted the last three decades of her life to documenting and championing the contributions of Nevada women. Hosts Claytee White and Su Kim Chung are joined by Denise Duarte, an artist, graphic designer, author, activist, and President of Women of Diversity Productions Inc. (WOD), to reflect on Marlene’s leadership of WOD, a nonprofit that evolved from publishing academic journals to producing exhibits, oral histories, and documentaries. From providing for women’s recognition in the Las Vegas Centennial to creating the Nevada Women’s Legacy Project, Marlene’s story is a powerful example of how one woman’s vision can reshape public memory. Tune in to discover why preserving women’s history is essential for building a more inclusive future!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Marlene’s unexpected journey into historical preservation.
• The mission and evolution of Women of Diversity Productions.
• An inside look at the launch of the Las Vegas Centennial “Wall of Women.”
• Fighting for women’s inclusion in the city’s narrative.
• What went into creating the Nevada Women’s Legacy Project.
• First Ladies First: honoring Nevada’s living first ladies.
• Preserving women’s stories through documentaries and interviews.
• The importance of accessible archives and education.
• Marlene’s Milwaukee upbringing and early awareness of gender inequity.
• How her academic career in kinesiology and biomechanics shaped her historical work.
• Founding an academic journal to elevate women’s research.
• Insight into Marlene’s deep admiration for Nevada’s women leaders.
• Marlene’s personal drive, athletic achievements, and impact on women’s fencing.
• Challenges of running a volunteer-based nonprofit.
• The emotional and social value of documenting women’s lives and contributions.
• Remembering Marlene’s passion, warmth, humility, and ability to inspire others.
• Timing, mindset, and other distinct factors that fueled her success in Nevada.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Denise Duarte
Denise Duarte on LinkedIn
Women of Diversity Productions Inc.

WOD Board of Directors and Advisory Board
Marlene Joan Adrian
'A Tribute to Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal Founder Marlene Adrian'
'Marlene Adrian, Phys. Ed.'
The Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal (WSPAJ) 

Nevada Women YouTube Channel

Gaming Gender Equality Index

Las Vegas Centennial Project

Nevada Women's Legacy Project

Claytee White

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