Dorothy Stimson Bullitt (1892–1989) was a charter member of the Junior League of Seattle (JLS) and one of the city’s most influential civic and business leaders. Widowed at 40 during the Great Depression, she took the helm of her family’s lumber and real estate holdings and rebuilt the business through courage, grit, and an unwavering sense of responsibility. Her success later paved the way for her to found King Broadcasting, becoming the first woman in the United States to buy and operate a television station. Her leadership helped redefine both local media and the role of women in positions of influence.

Dorothy’s connection to the JLS shaped both the organization’s identity and its future. In a final act of generosity and belief in the League’s mission, she became our first Legacy Circle donor and left us her Capitol Hill home with the understanding that it would be sold to strengthen the organization she helped build. The proceeds from that sale allowed the League to purchase our Madison Park headquarters outright. That moment created long term financial stability and continues to anchor our work today.

Her legacy also lives on through the Bullitt Fund, an endowment held at the Seattle Foundation. The fund supports the League’s long-term sustainability and fuels our continued impact across the community. Together, the Madison Park property and the Bullitt Fund reflect Dorothy’s enduring belief in the power of women to lead, serve, and shape a better Seattle.

She was a remarkable woman whose impact on our community will be felt in Seattle for many generations to come. Through this award, we annually honor and revere her lifetime contribution to our community and dedication to JLS.