In 1983, Jo and her former partner, Cris Sommers, began a 1 page newsletter, specific to women riders, for the second chapter of Women in the Wind in the Chicago area. The newsletter received such a positive response that they realized a true need for a women’s publication. In 1985 Jo and Cris presented their idea to Harley-Davidson corporate for possible licensing. After a couple of meetings, Harley-Davidson licensed them, encouraged them, offering them assistance with the upcoming magazine entitled Harley Women. They printed 2,000 (each) of the first 3 issues, collating and stitched each one themselves. Cris left the magazine around 1990, but Jo continued on. Jo has encouraged many riders and enthusiasts, both female and male, to follow their dream. She emphasizes the need for motorcycle safety and is an icon in the motorcycling world as a woman who is dedicated to what she believes in. She was given recognition by the AMA in 1991in their Women in Motorcycling Exhibit. Around 1987-88, she had to give up her chapter of Women in the Wind because the magazine was rapidly taking up more and more of her time, in addition to holding down her regular job. At that time WITW made her an honorary member. Jo was also the Secretary of the Illinois Chapter of ABATE in the late 70’s and is a strong promoter of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and other motorcycle rights groups.
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Sturgis Museum and Hall of Fame - Sturgis, South Dakota