This invincible, powerhouse of a woman is gone from this earth. Martha Layne Collins’ legacy will live on in the memories of so many Kentuckians. I can’t even begin to explain the impact her presence as governor of Kentucky had upon me as a young businesswoman. I attended the groundbreaking for the Mazak manufacturing plant in Florence, KY on behalf of a client, and a helicopter flew in and out stepped an elegant woman who was our governor. She stood among the Japanese men and other economic development types (all men), and stood tall like a shining light. I was mesmerized. Her presence and speech gave me hope that there was opportunity for women in the workplace and that the glass ceiling could be broken. She broke it first for me and for so many that came after. I learned many years later how she outworked all the other governors who were competing for Japanese manufacturing and technology to come to their states. Martha Layne brought them to Kentucky because of her tenacity, political savvy and grace. I pray there is a special place in Heaven for this amazing woman and that she know how much we admired and loved her! Rest in peace Governor Collins.

Read more about her life in this article by Jack Brammer here: