The Woman Who Learned Leadership From Dorothy Height Shares the Lessons That Carried Her Through Life’s Hardest Seasons

The first time Wanda Muir Oliver met civil rights icon Dorothy Height, it was a bright day at the Black Family Reunion in Washington, DC. Both women were wearing hats, something Dr. Height was famous for, and what began as a simple conversation quickly felt like something deeper. Oliver remembers laughter, warmth, and a gentle spirit that immediately put her at ease.

By the end of that conversation, Dr. Height invited her to return and get involved with the National Council of Negro Women. Oliver said yes, not realizing the moment would shape the course of her life.

Years later, Oliver would rise to leadership within the organization and build a close mentorship with the woman often called the godmother of the civil rights movement. But her journey was not without hardship. Personal struggles, financial setbacks, and serious health challenges nearly caused her first book, Realities of Life, to disappear before readers ever had the chance to see it.

The project eventually returned with a foreword written by Dr. Height herself, a full circle moment that reflected both women’s belief in perseverance, faith, and purpose.

In this conversation with pvmmag.com during Women's History Month, Oliver shares memories of Dr. Height that few people have heard.

She reflects on the quiet leadership style that made people feel valued, the lessons that shaped her own path, and the responsibility she now carries in continuing a legacy rooted in service, dignity, and determination. 

You were mentored by the legendary Dr. Dorothy Height. Do you remember the moment you first met her and what stood out to you about her right away?

Wanda Muir Oliver: Yes, I remember the moment well, when I met Dr. Dorothy Height at my first visit to the Black Family Reunion at the mall in Washington, DC, in the early 90’s. A family member took me to the gathering. What stood out to me about Dr. Height was that she was down-to-earth and had a real, gentle spirit. She and I had a conversation about the reunion as I observed my surroundings of what was going on at the event. The chemistry was good; it was as if we had known each other before meeting.  

It was a bright sunny day, and we both were wearing hats. Dr. Height was known for wearing hats, and she owned hundreds of them. During the conversation, we smiled and laughed a lot. When we were at the close of our conversation, she expressed that she had to get back to her work, but she wanted me to come back and become involved with the organization, the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). I told her that I would be back and thanked her for inviting me. 

The second time that I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Height, I had become a member of the Greater Baltimore Section of NCNW in Maryland in 1999. Eventually, I elected 1^st Vice President of the section. 

Dr. Height and Wanda Muir Oliver

Many people know Dr. Height as a civil rights icon, but you knew her personally. What is something about her leadership style that the public rarely gets to hear about?

Wanda: Dr. Height’s leadership put me and others at ease. She incorporated an ethic of being comfortable sitting at the table when meeting with her. She would visit our section meetings and would get our input on certain events like the Bethune Recognition Program, NCNW Conventions, and the Uncommon Height Gala. She appointed me to work on the 7^th Uncommon Height Gala. 

I was a participant of the President’s Roundtable and served in two capacities, Parliamentarian and, at another time, as Secretary. The Roundtable consisted of members who represented their section. We would meet in the basement of the NCNW building in Washington, DC.

Dr. Height would have everyone introduce themselves, and everyone could be open and give their opinion. Whenever there was any inkling of someone being a little disrespectful, which rarely happened, she would demonstrate by explaining problems and solutions with clarity. She would give a reminder that we think differently and that we will be respectful towards each other.

She valued everyone’s opinion and had an air of openness to let everyone who wanted to say something be given the opportunity to do so. Dr. Height was unselfish and valued everyone’s opinion. 

Dr. Height led both the National Council of Negro Women and Delta Sigma Theta. From what you witnessed, what made her leadership so effective across generations?

Wanda: Dr. Height demonstrated effective leadership across generations, and there was much alignment present. Much of Dr. Height’s life was spent giving service to individuals who needed assistance. There were services put into place to accommodate individuals who needed assistance so that everyone could benefit from all walks of life. 

She was the 10^th National President of Delta Sigma Theta Inc., from 1947-1956, and she developed leadership training, social action programs, and more. She was appointed by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and became the 4^th National President of the National Council of Negro Women in 1957- 2010. 

These two organizations worked collaboratively by being supportive of the community services. There were other affiliates that joined in with their services and gifts also. 

You have shared that your first book almost disappeared because of financial and personal setbacks. What happened during that time, and what gave you the strength to keep going?

Wanda: Yes, my book Realities of Life, with a foreword by Dr. Height, was released and placed on hold for several circumstances. My life was going well until, suddenly, my son faced a health crisis and became disabled. Around the same time, my ex-husband and I separated, leaving me to live alone and work a part-time job on top of my full-time job for two years. 

I kept a lot to myself, and I was a very private person. I informed my mentor, who was the first to know that I was separated and would eventually go through a divorce. I did not want any false rumors to circulate.  In 2011, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I broke my thumb and had to have major surgery. It was a painful process. I also had physical therapy. In addition, I broke my foot in three places and fractured my ankle.

I had to have major surgery, and during recovery, I needed a nurse and physical therapy at home until I was able to go to an outside therapy service. I could not walk for a long period of time, and I could not return to work. I depleted all my savings. 

Starting all over again was rough, but keeping the faith kept me grounded. God would see me through these challenging times with much prayer. I would bounce back to a new beginning and a renewed purpose in life. Because of my journey, I now have empathy for others with a disability. 

Wanda Oliver and Dr. Height at the Bethune Recognition Program

That same book eventually reemerged with a foreword from Dr. Height. What did it mean to have her voice included in that work?

Wanda: It meant a lot to me to have Dr. Height write about her mentor in my foreword, as I included a poem about Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune in my collection. I felt honored that she was comfortable with what I had written, and she felt that it was a part of her own reality when reading some of my work. I was grateful. 

We had a lot of discussions about poetry when we met up. She would tell me how Langston Hughes would read his poetry to her while she was in Harlem, New York. She loved poetry. I enjoyed reading poetry to her. One poem that I read to her was “A Kiss Of A Different Kind.” I thought that I was going to lose my mind. That poem gave her so much laughter.  I had never seen her laugh that hard before. 

When you think about the lessons Dr. Height passed down to you, which one still guides the way you lead today?

Wanda: There were many lessons that Dr. Height taught me; that her name was a part of my book, and she wanted me to carry out the same demeanor and to keep a positive attitude. 

She instructed me to be careful with the circle that I surrounded myself with, and it is important to keep my good reputation intact. When you have challenges, it is important to have the same mindset and vision to move forward in order to reach your goals.  

Mentorship played a major role in your journey. How did Dr. Height mentor you in ways that went beyond career advice?

Wanda: Dr. Height put me in roles in which I worked behind the scenes for another organization–holding rooms for VIP guests, a research assignment, and other assignments. 

I met with Dr. Height and the resolutions committee for the national convention of the NCNW. I was invited to witness as she and John Lewis placed their feet in cement at Macy’s in Washington, DC. On a few Fridays, we would meet with some of the sponsors before the Black Family Reunion.

Many leaders talk about legacy, but you are actively carrying forward Dr. Height’s. What does that responsibility feel like in your day-to-day work?

Wanda: Legacy is important. Women did not have a voice during the Civil Rights era. However, Dr. Height co-organized the March on Washington in 1963. There she stood on stage with her friend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., where he delivered his famous " I Have A Dream.”

However, after the march, Dr. Height addressed the issue. Dorothy addressed the issue that women should have a voice. She raised a consciousness founded on the principles of freedom, justice, and liberty for all. 

Wanda Oliver and Dr. Height at an event

Were there moments when Dr. Height challenged you or pushed you outside your comfort zone?

Wanda: When I was meeting with Dr. Height, she amazed me at 90-something years old, reciting the 13,14,15, 16, and 17^th amendments. She challenged me to learn more about the amendments. When I would speak with her over the phone at home, she would always have the TV on the news channel, keeping abreast of what was happening in the world; her mind was sharp. 

She inspired me to know and be more aware of what was going on in the world and what we were facing as a nation. To advocate for change, you would need to continue to educate yourself,  have an awareness, and be able to address the issues effectively.  

For younger women who admire leaders like Dr. Height, what qualities do you think are most important for building that same kind of impact today?

Wanda: I believe that to make the same impact today, they would have to continue to educate themselves about so many issues that are happening in our country, where there are many problems. 

Looking back on your own journey, from setbacks to publishing success, what do you hope readers take away from your story?

Wanda: It is my hope that readers will take away from reading the stories concerning my publishing and other setbacks that occurred that you just have to stay focused and keep moving forward until you reach your dream. Believe in what you anticipate achieving. It is hard work; keep the faith and keep it moving. 

As we celebrate Women's History Month, what do you want people to remember most about Dr. Dorothy Height and the path she helped pave for women today?

Wanda: What I want people to know about Dr. Dorothy Height and how she paved the way for women. Dr. Height made significant measures regarding women during the civil rights era in the 1960's. Although she was on stage with Dr. Martin Luther King and was a co-organizer of the march, there were no women who spoke.

After the march, she addressed her concerns when she met with the Big Six. (Dr. Martin Luther King, Whitney Young, A Phillip Randoolf, James Farmer, Roy Wilkins, and John Lewis). She was the only woman at the table, and she gave her thoughts about women not being included in the march.

Dr. Height was phenomenal in advocating for women regarding voter registration, racial and gender equality, and economic empowerment. In addition, she was able to bridge conversations between White and Black women’s groups. She was known for making an impact with her influence among both parties, Democratic and Republican, with her nonpartisan views. 

She was the advisor to many Presidents of the United States, and there were various organizations that she was involved in. She received awards from Presidents Regan, Clinton, Bush, and Obama. Dr. Height is known as the Godmother of the Civil Rights Movement.