Olga M. Madar

 

Olga Madar achieved several firsts for women in a career that spanned 55 years.  In 1941, she traded her physical education teaching position for a better paying job at the Willow Run bomber plant.  She joined the union and organized its first community recreation programs.  Madar was so successful that UAW Local 50 hired her as Director of Recreation, Social Services and Women’s Activities.  In 1947 she was appointed Director of the International Union’s Recreation Department.

 

In 1966 she was the first woman to take a seat on the UAW International Executive Board as a Member-at-Large.  In 1970, she was elected to the first of two terms as Vice-President.  Madar was given the responsibility of directing the Departments of Conservation and Resource Development, Recreation and Leisure-Time Activities and Consumer Affairs.  She also serviced the technical, office, and professional workers’ locals.  She retired as an officer of the union in 1974 but remained active in retiree affairs until 1995.

 

Through service with countless civic organizations she sought to increase citizen participation in decision-making in recreation, education, health care and other areas. Madar was instrumental in launching the Michigan Women’s Political Caucus and the Network for Economic Rights in 1971, which pushed for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment and for gender equity in the workplace.

 

Madar served on the Detroit Recreation Commission from 1958-1966; she was also active with MRPA and NRPA.  She served with several organizations to improve parks and recreation and areas of conservation.  These included: Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority Commission, 1957-91; Girl Scouts, 1973-80; Detroit Public Schools Citizens Advisory Committee on Health, Physical Education and Physical Fitness,1958-61; Riverfront Recreation Opportunities Panel, 1976-77; Detroit Senior Citizen Commission,1972-78; Wayne County Commission on Aging, 1975-1980.

 

Some of her notable achievements and awards include:  dedication of the Olga Madar Senior Center, 1995; Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame, 1989; Michigan Amateur Sports Hall of Fame,1974; WJR Radio Tribute–“Women are Great”, 1970; Honorary Degree from Eastern Michigan University and Honorary Degree from Shaw College at Detroit.

 

Olga M. Madar worked tirelessly on issues of concern for women, senior citizens and other community groups.  She fought for conservation projects, and the availability of leisure services for people of any ethnicity and economic level.

 

Olga M. Madar

 

Olga Madar achieved several firsts for women in a career that spanned 55 years.  In 1941, she traded her physical education teaching position for a better paying job at the Willow Run bomber plant.  She joined the union and organized its first community recreation programs.  Madar was so successful that UAW Local 50 hired her as Director of Recreation, Social Services and Women’s Activities.  In 1947 she was appointed Director of the International Union’s Recreation Department.

 

In 1966 she was the first woman to take a seat on the UAW International Executive Board as a Member-at-Large.  In 1970, she was elected to the first of two terms as Vice-President.  Madar was given the responsibility of directing the Departments of Conservation and Resource Development, Recreation and Leisure-Time Activities and Consumer Affairs.  She also serviced the technical, office, and professional workers’ locals.  She retired as an officer of the union in 1974 but remained active in retiree affairs until 1995.

 

Through service with countless civic organizations she sought to increase citizen participation in decision-making in recreation, education, health care and other areas. Madar was instrumental in launching the Michigan Women’s Political Caucus and the Network for Economic Rights in 1971, which pushed for ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment and for gender equity in the workplace.

 

Madar served on the Detroit Recreation Commission from 1958-1966; she was also active with MRPA and NRPA.  She served with several organizations to improve parks and recreation and areas of conservation.  These included: Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority Commission, 1957-91; Girl Scouts, 1973-80; Detroit Public Schools Citizens Advisory Committee on Health, Physical Education and Physical Fitness,1958-61; Riverfront Recreation Opportunities Panel, 1976-77; Detroit Senior Citizen Commission,1972-78; Wayne County Commission on Aging, 1975-1980.

 

Some of her notable achievements and awards include:  dedication of the Olga Madar Senior Center, 1995; Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame, 1989; Michigan Amateur Sports Hall of Fame,1974; WJR Radio Tribute–“Women are Great”, 1970; Honorary Degree from Eastern Michigan University and Honorary Degree from Shaw College at Detroit.

 

Olga M. Madar worked tirelessly on issues of concern for women, senior citizens and other community groups.  She fought for conservation projects, and the availability of leisure services for people of any ethnicity and economic level.