I’ve mentioned here before that one of my most long-standing projects has been writing the Today’s Daughters section in American Spirit, the award-winning and simply stunning bimonthly magazine for the Daughters of the American Revolution. Since the section launched in 2005, I have written every single one. That means I have interviewed somewhere around 75 extraordinary, talented and/or generous women who happen to be members of the DAR.

Recently, I interviewed a space scientist (!!!), congresswoman and an actor. I often feel like Ed McMahon with Publishers Clearing House when I send them that first email letting them know that they’ve been nominated by someone in the organization who thinks they’re pretty great. And it always takes some convincing that, yes, they have a story that will resonate with readers.