Ruthann Aron

Ruthann Aron (1937-2021) was an American businesswoman, politician, and philanthropist. She was the first woman to be elected to the Maryland Senate and the first woman to run for governor of Maryland.

Early Life

Ruthann Aron was born in 1937 in Baltimore, Maryland. She was the daughter of a Jewish immigrant family. She attended the University of Maryland, College Park, where she earned a degree in psychology. After college, she worked as a social worker and then as a real estate agent.

Business Career

In the 1970s, Aron began her business career by founding a real estate development company. She was successful in the business and eventually became the CEO of a publicly traded company. She was also the founder of a number of other businesses, including a travel agency, a home health care company, and a home security company.

Political Career

In 1994, Aron ran for the Maryland Senate and became the first woman to be elected to the Maryland Senate. She served in the Senate for two terms and was a strong advocate for women's rights and education reform. She also served on the Maryland Commission on Women and the Maryland Commission on Human Relations.

In 1998, Aron ran for governor of Maryland, becoming the first woman to run for governor of Maryland. She lost the election, but her campaign was seen as a major milestone for women in politics.

Philanthropy

Throughout her life, Aron was an active philanthropist. She was a major donor to the University of Maryland, College Park, and she also supported a number of other charities, including the American Red Cross and the United Way.

Legacy

Ruthann Aron was a trailblazer for women in business and politics. She was a strong advocate for women's rights and education reform, and she was a major donor to a number of charities. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of women to pursue their dreams and make a difference in their communities.