Mabel Thorp Boardman

Mabel Thorp Boardman (October 12, 1860 – March 17, 1946) was an American philanthropist involved with the American Red Cross. She led the Red Cross in the United States following its receiving congressional charter in 1905 until World War I, however she did not take up the post of chairman since she believed the organisation would lose credibility with the public. She was the only woman to ever serve on the District of Columbia Board of Commissioners, which was the equivalent of both the Mayor and City Council before home rule. Another woman wouldn't serve in a similar role until Polly Shackleton and Margaret A. Haywood were appointed to the new 9-member council in 1967.