WOMEN OF INFLUENCE
BERNICE GOETZ (1909-1958)
Bernice Goetz was a famous expeditionist, traveling extensively through Central and South America. She saved up for her first trip to the ruins of the Mexican jungles at age 19. This opened the doors for an additional 12 self-funded trips to South America. She gathered much information and began sharing her experiences in various lectures across the country. Goetz was also asked to write about her travels by the local newspapers and National Geographic magazine. She donated many artifacts acquired from her travels to the Cleveland Public Library and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Goetz also tirelessly fought as an advocate for women's healthcare, reproductive rights and access to contraception. She co-founded the Cleveland chapter of Planned Parenthood, revolutionizing reproductive healthcare for women.