ARRA Michigan Willow Run Chapter

Our Chapter’s Proud History

Our Current Chapter Officers:

Our American Rosie the Riveter Association (ARRA) group, the Michigan Willow Run Chapter, began in 2013/2014, under the leadership of the late Donnaleen Lanktree (1943-2020). Donnaleen, a past president of the national American Rosie the Riveter Association, was devoted to the Rosies, and was responsible for first bringing ARRA’s activities to Michigan in the early 2000s. She was a source of many creative ideas and lots of effort on behalf of the Rosies: In addition to planting the seeds of our Chapter, Donnaleen was responsible for the Rosie the Riveter Honor Roll Wall (located in Belleville, Michigan), the Rosie Stories Program, and organizing the planting of over 100 Rosie the Riveter Rosebushes in Michigan. Donnaleen is deeply missed by all. We are proud and grateful to honor her as our Chapter’s Guiding Spirit.

Donnaleen worked closely with our ARRA Chapter’s first President, “Rosebud” Jane Vass, to create a vision for the Chapter and gather the Rosies and their families in Ypsilanti in January 2014, thus beginning our Michigan Willow Run Chapter. Jane Vass also organized the very first Guinness World Record Event for “The Most Rosie the Riveters,” gathering 778 costumed “Rosies” in Ypsilanti, MI on March 29, 2014 to set a world record. The American Rosie the Riveter Association is so proud of Jane as the genius behind the ongoing Rosie the Riveter Guinness World Record competition, which turned into a friendly rivalry between Michigan and California. It was Jane’s inspired idea to gather together the most people dressed as Rosie: She was standing in a building at Willow Run, and thought to herself, “How many Rosies could fit in here?” Which led immediately to her next thought, “Why not set a Guinness World Record?” Jane also was responsible for the creation of the first ever official Rosie the Riveter Day, convincing the State of Michigan to declare October 24, 2013 to be Rosie the Riveter Day.

“Rosebud” Kim Godek was our Chapter’s next President, appointed by Donnaleen in 2014/2015. Kim was a wonderful ambassador for ARRA, bringing into the fold many Rosies and families that still participate today! Kim led the group in activities including shared Rosie & Veteran honor events with the Ann Arbor VFW, thus leading our chapter into seeking partnerships with other organizations with similar goals and missions. She took the Rosies on many fun outings, and brought them to community events. Kim is regarded fondly by so many of our Rosies and families, and her energy and good cheer made Chapter gatherings extra special for them!

In 2016, “Rosebud” Nancy Zajac became our Chapter’s third President. At Donnaleen Lanktree’s urging, she advanced the Chapter by appointing Officers and overseeing the creation and adoption of our chapter by-laws. This wonderful work brought us up to speed with similar volunteer groups in that our operations are officially guided by formal articles of organization and procedure, including our mission, officer duties, and presidential term limits. After several years of service, Nancy is remembered fondly by the Rosies and their families. Highlights of her presidential term include getting our chapter’s WWII Rosies on the first ever Rosie the Riveter Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in 2016, sponsored by The Ford Foundation.

Current Chapter President Jeannette Gutierrez is a retired advertising professional who has used her unique skills to raise the Chapter’s profile with publicity, programs, prestigious partnerships, and grant development. Jeannette presents our popular and educational Rosie the Riveter Speaker Presentation and is available for appearances, podcasts, and interviews. She initiated our Rosie Cards & Letters Program, our ARRA Rosie the Riveter Drill Team, and has created a robust online presence for our the American Rosie the Riveter Association (ARRA) in Michigan. As longtime Chapter Events Coordinator, she has organized high-profile events for the group, including the Diamond Lil B-24 / WWII Greatest Generation Reunion event at Oakland County International Airport. Jeannette looks forward to continuing and expanding these efforts.