If you have attended one of the monthly NOW meetings you may have met Marlene Adrian; she is usually one of the most energized, well-informed and creative members to contribute to our discussions and activities. Marlene's dedication to promoting diversity was recently praised by Congresswoman Shelley Berkley who presented Marlene at her 75th birthday celebration with a Congressional Recognition Certificate.

Marlene began her feminist journey in Milwaukee, and has throughout her life taken on challenges traditionally associated with men: building her own home - literally, earning a doctorate more than 40 years ago when it was less common, acting as President of an international professional association, promoting equality in sports for women, and competing on the state, national and international level in fencing. Marlene is a U.S. National Women's Sabre Champion and fenced in two World Cup competitions as a member of the U.S. National Women's Epee Team.

Marlene has traveled extensively, visiting almost every continent and all 50 states in the United States. She advocates for tolerance of human differences, and works toward valuing ethnic, religious, and social diversity through her work and volunteer activities.

Marlene co-founded Women of Diversity Productions in order to give visibility to women, initially spotlighting the work of female academic researchers whose work was not being recognized. When she moved to Las Vegas in 1996 she broadened her focus to generally promoting the under-recognized achievements, concerns and contributions of women in Nevada. Marlene has produced over a dozen documentaries, several of them award-winners. Her first documentary in Nevada was a profile by Kim Russell of Sojourner Truth, presented at the NOW-sponsored Women's Equality Day. More recently, she was responsible for the Las Vegas Centennial Project that celebrated "The First 100 Years - The Role of Women in Shaping the First 100 Years of the City of Las Vegas."

Marlene's enthusiasm is infectious and her dedication inspiring. Whether it is shining a light on the achievements of other women or protesting against injustice and intolerance, she is a vocal, accomplished and delightful role model for other women who want to make a difference.

Nevada NOW and Southern Nevada NOW wish to add our thanks to Marlene and look forward to her pushing us all to do better for many more years to come!