Bertha Sheppard Adkins (August 24, 1906 – January 14, 1983), was an educator, political activist, public servant, and a community leader.
Adkins also received honorary degrees from Hood, Salisbury State, Western Maryland, Wheaton and Wilson Colleges.
After a brief trip to Europe she began working as a secretary in the family business, E. S. Adkins Lumber Company.
At that time she was active in community affairs and also began her political career by volunteering her services to the local Republican Party.
In recognition of her organizational abilities and skill in working with the public, she was appointed as Republican National Committeewoman for Maryland in 1948.
Adkins’ down-to-earth strength in organizing and motivating workers at the precinct level soon won over all but her most bitter rivals.
In her work for the RNC Adkins traveled extensively across the country speaking to Republican women's groups, at Lincoln Day dinners, and at a wide range of party events.
Frequently in her speeches she encouraged women to take an active role in party politics and to consider running for elected office.
She continued her extensive speaking schedule with a new agenda; now she promoted HEW programs, in particular, the White House Conference on Aging.
As Under Secretary she attended the United Nations Seminar on the Participation of Women in Public Life in Bogota, Colombia, May 18–29, 1959 and the UNESCO General Conference in Paris in November–December, 1960.
Instead of a quiet retirement, Adkins once again entered Federal service, returning to her role as an advocate for the elderly and aging programs.