In 2008, Roberta Grenz and Debbie Pausz envisioned a literary and historical fashion show. Fast forward to 2024, and their idea has blossomed into The Women of Courage and Commitment, a group dedicated to bringing history to life through powerful performances. After many successful years at the DeSoto Hotel, the group now calls the Hawk Valley Retreat center home. Their journey began with a debut performance at the Galena Library, followed by an appearance at the Galena Historical Society’s annual meeting. Over the years, the group has evolved, welcoming new members and saying farewell to others, with the guidance of professional director Lee Adami, who has been with them for the past 12 years. Their meticulously researched programs feature true stories of historic women from the 19th and 20th centuries who made significant impacts on history. The group’s diverse repertoire includes a series on First Ladies, female theater pioneers, and the lives of prominent women from Jo Daviess County, the Civil War, and the Turn of the Century.
womenofcourageandcommitment.com 