Marian de Forest

Marian de Forest (February 27, 1864 – February 17, 1935)[1] was an American journalist, playwright, major force in the progressive women's movement, and founder of Zonta (later Zonta International), a service organization of women professionals.

It was subsequently revived on Broadway in 1917, 1931, 1944, and 1946, and was frequently performed in regional theatres in the United States during the 20th century.

[4] De Forest also co-founded the Buffalo Musical Foundation, thereby bringing the American Opera Company to Western New York.

In one of her early speeches, de Forest explained, "Zonta stands for the highest standards in the business and professional world ... seeks cooperation rather than competition and considers the Golden Rule not only good ethics but good business".

In her own words, "This is the woman's age and in distant lands and foreign climes women of all nations are rallying to the call … Zonta is given the opportunity of uniting them into one great, glorious whole.