Our District has lost an extraordinary leader of local and international women’s issues with the passing of former Commissioner Joy Rosenheim Simonson. As a District resident, DC Commission for Women’s founder and a women’s rights champion, Joy Rosenheim Simonson fought tirelessly to give all women equal rights under the law.

As a veteran volunteer, she also made history by serving as the District’s first woman to serve as chair of the DC Alcoholic Beverage Control Board; President of the Clearinghouse on Women's Issues; chief hearing examiner for the D.C. Rent Commission; Assistant Director of the Federal Women's Program of the US Civil Service Commission; president of the DC League of Women Voters; vice president of Executive Women in Government; and was the founder of the DC Commission for Women.

Joy Rosenheim Simonson was widely known for her strong work ethic, stewardship, commitment to the women of the District and as a fiery ambassador for change. She will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with former Commissioner Joy Rosenheim Simonson’s family and friends along with the residents she proudly served in the District of Columbia.

About the DC Commission for Women

The DC Commission for Women is an advocacy agency and serves as a resource center and facilitator for planning and action to solve problems facing women today, and exists to ensure fairness and equality in the workplace and community. The District of Columbia Commission for Women has a cadre of dedicated volunteers who assist will all facets of the Commission’s work, such as community education, public relations, research, special events and legislative initiatives. To join this cadre of dedicated individuals, please contact our office at (202) 724-1516.