Gloria Brown, the Forest Service’s first African American female forest supervisor, passed away at her home in Lake Oswego, Oregon, Sept. 7. Gloria served with the Forest Service from 1974 to 2007.

She was a modern pioneer who ventured into uncharted territory as an African American woman navigating a career that led to Forest Service leadership positions. She drew on her own resilience and the support of her family and friends to overcome challenges and obstacles along her way.

Gloria was passionate about building bridges of understanding with the public and increasing diversity within the Forest Service. She was an influential leader, mentor and role model who enjoyed connecting with the public. She loved seeing how children’s faces lit up when they interacted with public servants who looked like them and spoke their language. She knew it gave kids hope for their futures.

You can learn more about Gloria’s story in this HerStory: Meet Gloria Brown article. Gloria’s complete HerStory audio interview and transcript are also available. She is probably best known because of the book she coauthored, “Black Woman in Green: Gloria Brown and the Unmarked Trail to Forest Service Leadership.”

Gloria Brown’s legacy will live on because of the doors she opened, the employees she mentored, and her engagement and connection with the public we serve. Condolences may be sent to Camille Brown and Family, 870 York Road, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97034.