Women’s History Month: Celebrating the Most Influential Women of Alcoholics Anonymous.
In March we celebrate Women’s History Month. Throughout history, countless women have broken barriers and paved the way for progress, often in spaces where their presence was once overlooked. In the world of recovery, several remarkable women played pivotal roles in shaping the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous(AA) and expanding its reach.
This Women’s History Month, it’s worth honoring the influential contributions of trailblazers including Florence R., the first woman to ever join AA and bravely share her story; Marty Mann, the first woman to achieve long-term sobriety in AA and a passionate advocate for addiction education; Henrietta Sieberling, whose quiet yet powerful role connected the co-founders of AA; and Sister Ignatia, a compassionate caregiver who helped countless alcoholics find their path to recovery. Their courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication not only strengthened the foundation of AA, but also inspired women like me to have hope and seek healing and community. As a woman in recovery, I feel it is important for us to honor these women’s stories and highlight how small actions can create waves of change.
Florence Rankin
Let us begin with Florence Rankin, the first woman to ever get sober in AA. In March of 1937 she joined AA in New York and despite several relapses, she remained sober for over a year and wrote the first story by a woman for the “Big Book”(AA members’ nickname for the book, Alcoholics Anonymous). Florence was the only woman in AA and she prayed to share her story in a way that would inspire other women. She moved to Washington, DC to help another alcoholic, Fitz M, whose story can be found in the Big Book, “Our Southern Friend”.
Florence eventually started drinking again and was not seen until Fitz M. found her in the morgue. Florence died by suicide. Despite her tragic end, she helped pave the way for all of the women in AA and has inspired hundreds of thousands with her story “A Feminine Victory.” An interesting piece of her story is that Alcoholics Anonymous was initially going to be called “One Hundred Men”, but due to Florence’s membership, the name was rejected.
“I know that my victory is none of my human doing. I know that I must keep myself worthy of Divine help. And the glorious thing is this: I am free, I am happy, and perhaps I am going to have the blessed opportunity of passing it on.”
— Florence R., A Feminine Victory (p. 225, Alcoholics Anonymous, 1st Edition)
Marty Mann
Next up we have Marty Mann, who was born in Chicago to an upper-middle-class family. She attended her first meeting in 1939 at the age of 35, and was the first woman to achieve continuous sobriety from the program. Marty had a privileged upbringing and became well-known for her ability to drink excessively (binge drinking), something we understand today as a potential warning sign for alcoholism.
Ultimately, Marty’s drinking caught up with her personal and professional success, and she attempted suicide at least one known time. While seeking professional help, Marty’s therapist provided her with a copy of the Big Book and encouraged her to attend a meeting. It was at that meeting that Marty met Bill W., who would become her sponsor. Coming from a wealthy family, Marty was familiar with the stigma surrounding substance use disorders and it became her mission to eliminate the misconception that it is a moral failing or poor decision making.
Marty promoted the disease model of addiction which was vital in our current understanding that addiction actually is a disease. Additionally Marty helped to found Yale School of Alcoholic Studies and the NCADD (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence). You can find Marty’s story in the 2nd through 4th editions of the Big Book under the title “Women Suffer Too.”
“I have something to contribute to humanity, since I am peculiarly qualified, as a fellow-sufferer, to give aid and comfort to those who have stumbled and fallen over this business of meeting life. I get my greatest thrill of accomplishment from the knowledge that I have played a part in the new happiness achieved by countless others like myself.”
— Marty Mann, Women Suffer Too (p. 207, Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th Edition)
Henrietta Sieberling
Henrietta Sieberling was not an alcoholic, however she played a pivotal role in the forming of AA as she initially introduced Bill W. to Dr. Bob (the cofounders of AA). Henrietta was a part of the Christian fellowship group called the Oxford Group, who had meetings across the United States and Europe.
Dr. Bob and his wife had been attending the Akron Oxford Group, where Dr. Bob quietly admitted to Sieberling that he was a “secret drinker” and could not stop. Together, the group prayed. Shortly thereafter, by chance, Bill W. contacted a clergyman at random from a directory in his hotel’s lobby, and the clergyman put him in contact with Henrietta. Several miles away from his home, Bill W had just lost a big business deal and was desperately seeking another alcoholic to help. Henrietta arranged a meeting between Bill W. and Dr. Bob (which Dr. Bob was initially resistant to). The rest is history, and can be found in the Big Book (go read it!).
Working together they formed the tenets that would become the 12 steps. While one miracle already occurred with the meeting of these two men, another would come shortly after when Henrietta chose to be direct and bold with her insistence that the program be based in spirituality and a belief in God. Bill W. and Dr. Bob initially resisted this, thinking alcoholics would be turned off by the mentioning of God. Henrietta replied:
“Well, we’re not out to please the alcoholics. They have been pleasing themselves all these years. We are out to please God. And if you don’t talk about what God does and your faith, and your guidance, then might as well be the Rotary Club or something like that. Because God is your only source of Power.”
Henrietta’s strong faith and courage to speak honestly helped to create the spiritual solution which has helped millions recover.
Sister Mary Ignatia
Alcoholics Anonymous would not be what it is today without Sister Mary Ignatia, also referred to as the “Angel of Alcoholics Anonymous.” Sister Ignatia was another nonalcoholic who played a crucial role in the creation of AA.
Originally from Ireland, she came to the United States at the age of 6 with her family and entered the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine in 1914. Though she received a degree from the University of Notre Dame and taught music at St. Augustine Academy, her superiors feared her health too frail for a teaching career and placed her at St. Thomas Hospital in Akron, Ohio as registrar (another… coincidence?).
While at St. Thomas Hospital, she was approached by two men (Bill W. and Dr. Bob) who created a “new therapy” for those who wanted to quit drinking. Sister Ignatia provided a space for these men to meet with patients in the hospital, some of whom she had to sneak in due to pushback from other hospital staff. There is evidence that Sister Ignatia started the tradition of giving out medallions; giving newly released patients a Sacred Heart medallion, insisting they return it before taking a drink.
Sister Ignatia received many medals and awards for her tireless work with recovering alcoholics. In 1952 she opened Rosary Hall, a ward dedicated to treating alcoholics at St. Vincent Charity Hospital in Cleveland, OH. There she provided spiritual counseling, group therapy, and medical help for thousands of alcoholics. Without women like Sister Ignatia, AA may have never blossomed into the movement it became. She truly earned her title, the Angel of Alcoholics Anonymous.
“The individual given to alcoholic addiction is frequently a wreck of humanity – broken in body and soul, and heart and unable to help himself. His loved ones suffer, too; there were many broken homes and hearts because of compulsive drinking.”
— Sister Ignatia
Walking a Path of Fellowship & Sisterhood
In learning about these women over the years in my own sobriety, they have no doubt influenced and encouraged me to share my story, to inspire and help others. In my experience over the years I have encountered thousands of powerful, influential, and courageous women in recovery. We truly never know how a phone call, a phrase, or a small action will impact others.
I’ve come to understand the unique strength it takes to walk this path. It’s more than just putting down a drink or a drug—it’s about reclaiming your voice, your worth, and finding purpose in this world. This rings especially true as I reflect on such powers of example during Women’s History Month.
Women in recovery face challenges that can feel isolating, but we also discover a sisterhood rooted in resilience, honesty, and compassion. We lean on the stories of those who came before us—women like Florence R., Marty Mann, and so many others—who showed us that recovery is not just possible but powerful. Today, we continue their legacy by standing together, lifting each other up, and proving that sobriety isn’t a sign of weakness but the ultimate expression of strength.
We’re Here to Help Women on their Recovery Journey
As women in recovery, it’s our duty to continue to pave the way and encourage others to follow. Our caring and compassionate team at Northstar Recovery Center provides a safe and welcoming environment for women to gain the tools for lasting happiness in sobriety.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with alcohol or any other substance, please reach out to us today. Contact us online or give us a call at 888-339-5756.
