Great Living Cincinnatians: Honorees

1924 – 2021

Marjorie Hiatt knows how to nurture. The native Cincinnatian has built a career of volunteerism, nurturing young women into leadership roles, and nurturing green spaces throughout Cincinnati.

Her volunteer work has spanned 50 years, demonstrating concern for children, women, the elderly and the less fortunate.

A prominent theme in Hiatt’s work has been her dedication to the development of girls and young women as leaders and role models. After her term as national president of the Junior League of America, Hiatt joined the board of the Girl Scouts of the USA and served as the organization’s president from 1972-75.

“I believe in women’s rights, that they develop their potential and be what they can be,” she said.

Hiatt’s love of green spaces is demonstrated by another branch of her volunteer work, having served as president of the Garden Club of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation. She is currently co-chairing the $13-million “Campaign for the Campus” at the University of Cincinnati.

Hiatt’s work has touched nearly every segment of the community – public health organizations, fine and performing arts institutions, diverse civic foundations, schools, her church and organizations for the elderly.

Hiatt was named an Enquirer Woman of the Year in 1995 and was recently honored by the Cincinnati YWCA.

“I really work until the job gets done,” she said. “You have to really believe it; you have to believe it to sell it. And I really believe in a lot of things.”