MARY ELIZA MAHONEY

AFTER 15 YEARS WORKING AT NEW ENGLAND HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN MARY ELIZA MAHONEY BECAME THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN TO STUDY NURSING AND BECOME A PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED NURSE IN THE UNITED STATES IN 1879. KNOWING THE DIFFICULTIES PERSONALLY SHE CO-FOUNDED THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COLORED GRADUATE NURSES. IN 1908 TO ENCOURAGE MORE BLACK WOMEN INTO THE FIELD OF NURSING. IN 1911 SHE WAS THE DIRECTOR AT HOWARD ORPHAN ASYLUM FOR BLACK CHILDREN. IN 1976 SHE WAS INDUCTED INTO THE AMERICAN NURSING ASSOCIATION HALL OF FAME.  IN 1993 SHE WAS INDUCTED INTO THE NATIONAL WOMEN'S HALL OF FAME.