South Carolina Women Kick Off Support For Women's Suffrage Monument in Washington, D.C.

Three business leaders in the state are leading a national effort to build a monument honoring the women's suffrage movement.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Three well-known business leaders in South Carolina - Jean Cecil Hudak, Scottie Hughes, and Ashley Holbrook - have joined a national movement to fund, design, and construct a monument honoring the women who led the suffrage movement for equal voting rights in America. The monument will be built on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., marking the first time in American history that a monument dedicated to women's history will be built in the heart of the nation's capital.

Why it matters

The fact that women's contributions to the suffrage movement are missing from the National Mall has been seen as a glaring omission. This monument will help fill that void and provide national recognition and honor to the incredible efforts of the women who fought to expand democracy in America.

The details

In 2020, Congress authorized the Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation to lead the effort to build the monument. The foundation has now secured a permanent 2.5-acre site for the monument at 19th Street and Constitution Avenue NW. The South Carolina-based 'SC Suffs' committee, made up of the three business leaders, is helping to raise funds and awareness for the monument through events and partnerships with the Broadway musical 'Suffs'.

  • In 1920, Congress passed the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibited denying anyone the right to vote based on their sex.
  • In 2020, Congress authorized the Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation to lead the effort to fund, design, develop, and construct the Women's Suffrage National Monument.
  • In December 2025, the Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation officially secured a permanent 2.5-acre site for the monument at 19th Street and Constitution Avenue NW.

The players

Jean Cecil Hudak

A member of the 'SC Suffs' committee and a business leader in South Carolina.

Scottie Hughes

A member of the 'SC Suffs' committee and a business leader in South Carolina.

Ashley Holbrook

A member of the 'SC Suffs' committee and a business leader in South Carolina.

Kimberly Wallner

The Executive Vice President of the Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation.

Shaina Taub

The Tony Award-winning creator of the Broadway musical 'Suffs' and an official ambassador for the Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation.

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What they’re saying

“More than 100 years ago, women like South Carolina's Grimké sisters dedicated their lives to making sure other women and I could vote today. The fact that women's contributions are missing from our National Mall in our nation's capital is a shame, and we have an opportunity to change that.”

— Ashley Holbrook, of Novant Health

“The freedom to vote is worth this price and more. We are making progress, but we need Americans across the country to join us in making this monument a reality.”

— Jean Cecil Hudak, of NP Strategy

“This powerhouse trio is setting the example. We hope other states will step up and follow their lead. Just like in the early 1900's, it will take all of us uniting to bring national honor and recognition to the incredible efforts of the women's suffrage movement.”

— Kimberly Wallner, Executive Vice President of the Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation

“The enthusiasm we've seen from women and men across the state proves that South Carolinians are more than ready to see American women's history take its rightful place on the National Mall. Our committee is energized by the challenge of raising the funds that will ensure that the legacy of the women who expanded our Democracy is finally honored in the heart of our nation's capital.”

— Scottie Hughes, of Crosland Barnes Group

What’s next

The Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation will continue to raise funds from donors across the country to ensure the monument is built and dedicated on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

The takeaway

This monument will be a powerful symbol of the women's suffrage movement and a long-overdue recognition of the critical role women played in expanding democracy in America. Its placement on the National Mall will cement the importance of women's history and inspire future generations to continue the fight for equality and justice.