Mount Pleasant Magazine Sept/Oct 2020

www.CharlestonBrides.com | www.ChsWomenInBusiness.com | www.ReadCWomen.com S erendipitous is a word that could be used to describe the unique story behind the first women who served as mayors in East Cooper. The first was born the same week that women achieved the right to vote. The second was born on the first woman’s thirty- fifth birthday. And the third watched the second woman grow up. Whether you call it coincidence, fate or luck, the lives of these three women seemed destined to intertwine. Mayors Carmen Bunch of Isle of Palms, 1986-2002; Cheryll Woods-Flowers of Mount Pleasant, 1992-2000; and Kathleen Cantwell of Sullivan’s Island, 1991-1992; forged a bond based on their shared experiences as leaders. By serving simultaneously as the first women at the helm of these East Cooper municipal governments, the group made history. The story begins with the birth of Carmen Ramirez in New York City, mere days before the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote. A timely coincidence? Perhaps. Like many women of her day, her first job after finishing high school was as a clerical worker. But unlike most, she joined the United States Navy during World War II – against her parents’ wishes. Since Ramirez could speak three languages – Dutch, Spanish and English – the Navy put her to work interpreting and translating communications, some top secret, between Allied Forces. While stationed BY MARY COY Strength in Numbers East Cooper’s First Three Women Mayors Mount Pleasant Sullivan’s Island Isle of Palms