March 2026 — In recognition of Women’s History Month, the International Listening Association (ILA) is celebrating the contributions of women who have played a pivotal role in shaping the organization since its founding in 1979.
Women’s History Month, which has its roots in International Women’s Day first observed in 1911 and later recognized by the United Nations in 1977, serves as a global opportunity to honor the achievements of women across history, culture and society.
Within ILA, women have long been central to the organization’s leadership, serving as presidents and helping guide its strategic growth and international presence. Over nearly five decades of annual conventions, their leadership has helped expand ILA’s global footprint, with gatherings held in cities including Atlanta, Stockholm, Dublin, Mainz, Orlando and Montreal.
The association recognizes the following women who have served as president: Sally Webb (1982); Marguerite Lyle (1985); Carolyn Coakley Hickerson (1987); Kittie W. Watson (1989); Ethel C. Glenn (1990); Judi Brownell (1992); Sheila Bentley (1994); Margaret Fitch-Hauser (1995); Susan Ellen Bacon (1997); Janet Cherry (1998); Kimberly Batty-Herbert (2002); Melissa Beall (2003, 2021); Barbara Nixon (2005); Maria Roca (2006); Margarete Imhof (2007); Lisa Orick-Martinez (2008); Laura Janusik (2010); Debra Worthington (2013); Pamela Cooper (2014); Helen Ralston (2018); Anita Dorczak (2019); Lori Joubert (2020); Raquel Ark (2023); and Marva Shand-McIntosh (2025).
Marva Shand-McIntosh
Each leader brought a distinct voice and vision to the organization, reinforcing ILA’s mission and advancing the field of listening studies. The association’s current leadership continues to build on this legacy.
“Listening, at its heart, is an act of honoring others,” the association said in a statement. “This month, we honor these women who listened — and led.”
Media Contact:
Beata Kaczkowska
Interim Operations Manager
International Listening Association
