Ida Schmertz: A Life of Unwavering Dedication to Women, Politics, and Global Bridge-Building

It's with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the passing of Ida Schmertz, a true titan whose relentless spirit shaped the landscape for women in American politics and carved new paths in international relations. Ms. Schmertz, who was 91, left us on Thursday, July 2, due to organ failure, at New York Presbyterian Hospital. She was more than just a scholar; she was a doer, a visionary, and a trailblazer whose impact resonated across decades and continents.

Born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Ida's journey, like many of her generation, was irrevocably shaped by momentous events. Her family made the brave move to the United States in 1940, seeking refuge from the escalating horrors of World War II, settling first in Philadelphia and later Jenkintown. From there, her career unfurled in a way that consistently pushed boundaries. She lent her talents to crucial organizations like the Democratic National Committee, the Central Intelligence Agency (yes, really!), and the American Association of University Women during the 1950s and '60s, gaining invaluable insights into the machinery of power.

But it was in 1971 that Ida truly ignited a movement. She co-founded and became the founding co-director of the groundbreaking Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University. Imagine, back then, what a radical idea that was: a dedicated academic center focused squarely on women's roles in politics. It wasn't just research; it was a rallying cry, a foundational stone laid for future generations. The very next year, in 1972, she helped organize the first national conference for women in political office—a pivotal moment that brought together powerful female voices and solidified the network that would continue to grow.

And if that wasn't enough, she then turned her formidable talents to the corporate world, breaking yet another glass ceiling as the first woman senior vice president at American Express. Think about what that meant, not just for her, but for every woman looking up the ladder, seeing a path cleared by someone like Ida. Her leadership wasn't confined to a single arena; she believed in fostering excellence and opportunity wherever she went.

But Ida's vision, it seems, knew no borders. In 1994, well into an age when many might consider retirement, she embarked on a new chapter of global engagement. She became the founding co-chair of the International Business Incubator and Training Center in Russia, an effort to foster economic growth and collaboration in a rapidly changing world. Simultaneously, she took on the role of founding chair of the board of trustees for the Romanian-American Foundation in Bucharest. It's almost as if she saw the threads connecting every part of the world, and she wanted to weave them tighter, believing passionately in the power of cross-cultural understanding and partnership.

Her impact wasn't confined to official titles; it truly lived in the countless lives she touched as a volunteer, mentor, and role model. A colleague fondly recalled a quote from Ms. Schmertz in 2018, well into her late 80s, where her enduring passion for her work was still incredibly evident. We've lost a giant, really, a true force of nature whose unwavering commitment to civic engagement and global collaboration leaves an indelible mark. Ida Schmertz is survived by her daughter and son, who carry forward her remarkable legacy.