"Katharine Gibbs: Trailblazing Woman in Business" with Rose A. Doherty

Rose A. Doherty, author of "Katharine Gibbs: Beyond White Gloves", the first history of this world-renowned institution discusses the life and works of Katharine Gibbs.

Presented at History Camp Boston on March 16, 2019.

History Camp brings together people from all walks of life who are passionate about history for a day of sessions on all aspects of history. There’s nothing else like it, and people come from all over to attend. Find out about upcoming History Camps and sign up for updates at http://historycamp.org.

This was one of 60 sessions at History Camp Boston this year. View more sessions from this History Camp and others here in our channel.

About the session:
Katharine Gibbs created her school from nothing. She was a 46-year-old widow with no income, two sons to support, and only a high school education when she began her school in 1911. She was CEO of three schools two years before women had the vote. She was an entrepreneur who educated women for business when they were not welcome.

After her death, the family fostered the icon of Gibbs excellence worldwide and added campuses including Bermuda. The last owners were large corporations who kept the core tradition of excellence. Multiple campuses, new programs of study, the introduction of degrees, and the return of male students remade Gibbs with adaptability reminiscent of the founder.

The Gibbs family motto ”Hold to Your Purpose” motivated graduates from 1911 to 2011. Graduates include a college president, US ambassador, CIA operatives, bank president, lawyers, writers, business executives and owners, graphic designers, and professionals in many fields. Those who care about business history, education history, or women’s history will be interested in this illustrated talk.