Elsie Hillman Chair in Women & Politics

The Elsie Hillman Chair in Women and Politics was established by the The Hillman Foundation, Inc. in 1997 in order to honor the Pittsburgh, PA native and longtime political leader. The Chair serves as an inspiration and role model for the university community and citizens of Pennsylvania.

The purpose of the Chair is to bring nationally renowned political leaders, scholars, and activists to Chatham University and the Pittsburgh community to enrich the experiences of students and educate citizens about the role of women in the political process.

2023-2024 Elsie Hillman Chair in Women and Politics

Soledad O’Brien: “Matter of Fact”

March 14, 2024 6:00 - 7:30 PM Doors open at 5:30 PM

Campbell Memorial Chapel, Chatham University Shadyside Campus

As host of the weekly political magazine show Matter of Fact, Soledad O’Brien expands the conversation around the day’s most important issues by engaging in a more inclusive dialogue with decision makers who are shaping the new American political landscape.

In this public lecture, Soledad will share her commitment to introducing the under-voiced into the national conversation, and offer powerful insights on the impact of highlighting these perspectives on individuals across the country. Soledad will reflect on her goal to bring the news above the noise created by the traditional media cycle, and offer a renewed outlook on the issues and dialogue that matter most.

Current & Past Recipients

Photo of Cecile Richards
Photo of Judy Woodruff

Cecile Richards
2022-2023 Recipient

Photo of Jennifer Granholm and Susana Martinez side by side

Judy Woodruff
2020-2021 Recipient

Photo of Maggie Haberman

Governor Jennifer Granholm & Governor Susana Martinez
2019-2020 Recipients

Photo of Doris Kearns Goodwin

Maggie Haberman
2018-2019 Recipient

Photo of Barbara Mikulski

Doris Kearns Goodwin
2017-2018 Recipient

Photos of Donna Brasile and Maray Matalin side by side

U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski
2016-2017 Recipient

Photo of Cokie Roberts

Donna Brasile & Mary Matalin
2015-2016 Recipients

Photo of Gwen Ifill

Cokie Roberts
2014-2015 Recipient

Photo of Olympia J. Snowe

Gwen Ifill
2014-2015 Recipient

Photo of Christine Todd Whitman

Olympia J. Snowe
2012-2013 Recipient

Christine Todd Whitman
2011 Recipient

U.S Representative Liz Cheney
2021-2022 Recipient

Elsie Hillman

1925-2015

For more than 20 years, Mrs. Hillman served as a principal member of the Republican National Committee. She served as Republican National Committeewoman from Pennsylvania from 1975 to 1996, and on the Republican State Committee's Leadership Committee from 1974 to 1996. Prior to serving on the State and National party committees, Mrs. Hillman was one of the first women elected to chair an urban county Republican Committee when she served as County Chairman of the Allegheny County Republican Committee from 1967 to 1970. She also chaired several statewide campaigns for a number of Republican leaders including former Senator John Heinz, Governors Dick Thornburgh and Tom Ridge among many others.

Mrs. Hillman became passionate about gender equity in politics when, through her work, she witnessed how few women were active in Pennsylvania politics. To further female representation in statewide politics, Mrs. Hillman established two organizations: The Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics at Chatham University and Run Baby Run.

In 1998, the Hillman Foundation, Inc. and the Maurice Falk Medical Foundation established the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics at Chatham University. In 2003, the Center and the Elsie Hillman Chair in Women and Politics were reconceived and endowed solely by the generosity of the Hillman Foundation. The mission of the Center directly reflects Mrs. Hillman's lifetime engagement in the civic sphere, educating and empowering women of all ages about their political potential and impact.

A few years later in 2006 Mrs. Hillman established Run Baby Run, a non-partisan political action committee (PAC). The mission of the PAC is to help change the face of "Old Boy Politics" in Harrisburg and western Pennsylvania by helping fund and elect women to Pennsylvania's House and Senate. Mrs. Hillman Co-Chaired the PAC because she knew gender equity in the PA State House wouldn't happen by accident, and that it was long overdue.

Mrs. Hillman attended the Ellis School, graduated from the Ethel Walker School, studied at Westminster Choir College, and was awarded nine honorary degrees in recognition of her outstanding contributions to society. The charitable contributions of Mrs. Hillman and her husband, Henry, have had tremendous impact in Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania. Some of the organizations benefiting from their involvement include University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and Hillman Cancer Center, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Symphony Society, the Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, the White House Endowment Fund, Shadyside Hospital Foundation, the Urban League of Pittsburgh, and the University of Pittsburgh.

Photo courtesy of Riverlife

Thank You

A special thank you to our sponsors, whose support makes this program possible.

The Elsie Hillman Chair in Women and Politics Endowment by the Hillman Foundation

Tom and Bonnie VanKirk '81