Susan B. Anthony, Michelle Obama, Ida B. Wells-Bartnett, Carrie Chapman Catt, Mary Mcleod Bethune, Betty Friedan and Eleanor Roosevelt. Do any of these names ring a bell?

Allow me to add a name to the list that might: Sheryl Smedley.

Many of these women not only paved the way for someone like me in the area of women’s rights and equality for all, but they made their own marks in history with determination, strong character and an unrelenting passion for their cause.

As executive director of the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce, Sheryl continues to make her mark on the community and the entire Black Belt region. Her passion for Selma is evident in all she does and others realize that too.

Tuesday afternoon, Sheryl was honored with a certificate of appreciation from the ROTC program at Concordia College-Selma for her dedication to making Selma a “better place.” U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Selma) presented a “surprised” Sheryl with the award. I wasn’t surprised — I knew Sheryl deserved every bit of that honor. I met “Ms Sheryl” during my summer internship with the paper. It was Sheryl’s 1-year anniversary with the Chamber and I was assigned to cover her accomplishment.

As I stood in the front parlor of the Chamber, waiting to meet her, I noticed not one strand of her glistening platinum-blond tresses was out of place; not one of her manicured nails was chipped and not one button was missing from her chic, impeccable business attire. Needless to say, she was quite intimidating.

One thing I noticed was her professionalism. I was impressed with her astuteness and her ability to command respect without uttering a word. I can honestly say I was quite nervous to interview. I had heard so much about her, her achievements and accomplishments, and I just didn’t know what to expect.

As we sat there, sharing our stories of life and our connections to Selma, I began to loosen up. Suddenly her seemingly stoic personality was one of a caring and personable nature. There was just something about Sheryl that was mysterious, yet known. She pulled you in with every word and made you feel special without explicitly saying it.

I am glad that I know Sheryl. She is always available to help out whenever you need something. Even in her position she’s not “stuffy” or “standoffish” but she’s authentically friendly, which I can appreciate. To me, Sheryl Smedley has already made her mark.