Beth Schnorr

Beth Schnorr is a model example of the Centennial Committee’s goal to highlight women who inspire us today, through their work affecting social change to increase gender equality. Schnorr is a retired executive director of the Harbor House in Appleton, Wisconsin, and one of the LWVWI's nominees for "Women Who Inspire."

Schnorr sought opportunities to make change through her study of social work, which led to a 40 year career in the “battered women’s movement.” Under Schnorr's leadership, Harbor House, which seeks to empower communities to be free of domestic abuse, grew from an eight-bed shelter program to now providing 68 beds and programs for survivors of domestic violence such as economic and legal aid, support groups, a 24/7 helpline, and community education. Schnorr also supported efforts to establish domestic violence and dating violence prevention programs in area schools and, in response to the enactment of the mandatory arrest law for domestic violence in Wisconsin, she helped to create a community coordinated Domestic Violence Intervention Team.

I would encourage us all to gather the wisdom and knowledge of the women who came before you, bring it to you, then push it out into the world in a new way.

To learn more about Beth Schnorr’s inspiring life and work protecting and empowering abused women, click here.