Knoxville attorney and women’s rights advocate Wanda Sobieski has been named a 2026 Remarkable Woman, part of a nationwide initiative led by Nexstar Media Group that honors women who have influenced public policy, social progress, and the quality of life in their communities.
Sobieski was among women from across the United States recognized during a celebration held Saturday, March 7 in Nashville, Tenn., where recipients gathered to celebrate their impact and leadership in communities across the country.
The Remarkable Women initiative, coordinated annually by Nexstar Media stations nationwide, highlights women whose leadership, advocacy, and service are creating meaningful change and inspiring future generations. Honorees are selected from local nominations submitted across Nexstar’s markets, recognizing women who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving their communities.
A longtime Knoxville attorney and civic leader, Sobieski has spent decades breaking barriers in the legal profession while championing women’s rights and preserving the history of the women’s suffrage movement.
Early in her legal career, Sobieski became the first female trial attorney at the law firm founded by former U.S. Senator Howard Baker, at a time when women were rarely considered for such roles. While raising a young family, she continued practicing law and advocating for greater opportunities for women in the profession.
Later, she founded Sobieski, Messer & Associates and became a leading voice in preserving Tennessee’s suffrage history. Sobieski co-founded the Suffrage Coalition, helped lead the creation of multiple memorials honoring the women’s suffrage movement, and has been instrumental in digitizing historical archives connected to Tennessee’s pivotal role in the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
Most recently, Sobieski secured two properties in downtown Knoxville to establish what is envisioned as the nation’s first dedicated Women’s Suffrage Museum – Events & Cultural Center, an initiative designed to preserve artifacts and tell the story of Tennessee’s role in securing women’s right to vote.
“Receiving this recognition is deeply meaningful because it reflects the work of so many people who have dedicated themselves to preserving the history of women’s suffrage and advancing opportunities for future generations,” said Sobieski. “The fight for equality and civic participation is ongoing, and I’m honored to stand alongside so many remarkable women working to strengthen our communities.”
Sobieski’s recognition will also be highlighted by WATE-TV, Nexstar’s Knoxville affiliate. The station will air a feature story about Sobieski during its 5 p.m. newscast on Tuesday, March 10.
“Wanda Sobieski’s leadership and determination have helped shape our community in lasting ways,” said Lori Tucker, anchor at WATE-TV. “Her work preserving the history of the women’s suffrage movement and inspiring civic engagement exemplifies the spirit of the Remarkable Women initiative.”
In addition to local coverage, the The CW Network will broadcast a national, 60-minute special titled “Remarkable Women of 2026” on March 20 from 8–9 p.m., featuring stories from honorees across the country.
Sobieski is among dozens of women recognized nationwide through the initiative. A map highlighting the 2026 honorees can be viewed here:
https://pix11.com/community/remarkable-women/map-remarkable-women-2026-winners/
Additional information about Sobieski’s work with the Women’s Suffrage Museum – Events & Cultural Center can be found at: https://womenssuffragemuseum.org/
