Estelle J. Kelsey Foundation Grant – Nevada Women's History Project

Del Papa, Frankie Sue

Posted on August 29, 2024August 29, 2024 by NWHP

Frankie Sue’s life story is one of “Firsts.” She was the first woman elected Secretary of the State of Nevada, as well as the first woman elected as Nevada State Attorney General. She held a University of Nevada Regent seat for one term. But Frankie Sue’s bio goes far beyond that. Moving from the small town of Tonopah to Las Vegas, she honed her leadership skills beginning with Student Bod...
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Nappe, Leontine “Tina” Bundy

Posted on August 3, 2023August 24, 2023 by NWHP

Leontine “Tina” Bundy Nappe grew up on a small ranch in Washoe Valley. Having a father who was a nationally acclaimed artist, Gus Bundy, meant that she had exposure to art and prominent artists at a very young age. Tina spent her first five years schooled in a one room schoolhouse in Washoe Valley before moving to a larger city population. She graduated from the University o...
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Gibbons, Dawn

Posted on August 3, 2023August 24, 2023 by NWHP

Dawn Gibbons, Nevada’s 28th First Lady, former State Assemblyman, and successful business owner, has led an interesting life. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Dawn moved to Nevada in 1974. She worked for her mother and stepfather in their wedding chapel businesses and graduated from UNR. At the age of 28 in 1982 she purchased the business from her parents. She married Jim Gibbons i...
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Bufkin, Marjean Huddleston

Posted on August 3, 2023August 3, 2023 by NWHP

Decatur, Mississippi native, Marjean Huddleston Bufkin describes her family’s three room home as having no electric lights, running water, or refrigerator, and a wood stove was used for cooking and heating. Transportation consisted of walking or a wagon. The first vehicle, a truck, was purchased when she was 10. Although the family of nine lived in poverty, she related that on their small f...
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Sisolak, Kathy Ong

Posted on January 12, 2021December 5, 2022 by NWHP

Born in Ely, Nevada of immigrant parents, but raised in Las Vegas, Kathy Sisolak is the 2nd First Lady to hold a professional career, as well performing her official state duties. Becoming First Lady of Nevada was something she never dreamed of. She was busy pursuing a career when she met County Commissioner, Steve Sisolak at a gym they both frequented and they married shortly bef...
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Ceroke, Loretta Fajardo

Posted on January 12, 2021January 12, 2021 by NWHP

Native American of the Cuiyui Ticutta band of the Northern Paiute Tribe, Loretta grew up on the Pyramid Lake reservation. As both her parents worked, she spent much of her early life living with her grandmother, where she learned the skill of ‘beading.’ Schooling was both at Nixon and Pyramid Lake, with high school in Fernley. Loretta was the first native Miss Nevada Day P...
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