I met Effie during the 2015 Smithsonian Emerging Leaders Development Program (ELDP), which was in itself an incredible experience with inspiring people, she being one of them. So resourceful, so brilliant--I admired her ability to somehow mentor even those who were her own age. She had great wisdom and was generous and warm. Our small group of ELDP ladies' lunches kept me afloat during so many work difficulties. She held my hand during a significant loss, and let me know how normal it was for me to feel. We attended meditations and a transformative workshop at IMCW. For a long time we met for weekly yoga practice in the somewhat dodgy Air & Space gym, commiserating about her advocacy for her daughter's school, her neighborhood, the importance of our mental health, and her search for new opportunities at work. She introduced me to Rancho Gordo beans, NYT Cooking, and single-origin spices. We made cranberry-apple shrub. I was thrilled when she moved near us to Silver Spring, and was overjoyed to have shared meals with her and her family this year. My stories are similar to so many: of sharing meals and recipes, yoga practice, and being inspired by our incredible friend. I treasured every moment. Sending love and hope for solace to Andrew, Melina, Glenda, and the rest of your family and friends.

When Effie and her family joined us to celebrate our daughter's first birthday.

When Effie and her family joined us to celebrate our daughter's first birthday.

Brunch with friends! So many wonderful memories with Effie sharing food and recipes.

We both had a baby in our belly... sort of. :) Effie, Melina, me, and not-yet-born Liana, April 2017.

So sorry to hear the news. We have wonderful memories of Eddie from her high school days. Rest In Peace Effie.

Blurry, but so happy (impromptu glow stick baby dance party) — with Aimee Lê

Sending love and prayers from a member of the Smithsonian Community. I just learned today of Effie's transitioning and although we didn't know each other personally, my heart truly goes out. 

Point Bonita Lighthouse

Afternoon picnic at Stinson...

We were drinking wine on the roof of our apartment building in San Francisco

I'm so grateful to have worked with Effie at the Smithsonian. She was an incredibly inspiring, innovative, driven, kind, and thoughtful person. I first met her through various digital initiatives and the Open GLAM scene. Later we worked more closely through the American Women's History Initiative. She cared deeply about access, opportunity, equity, and women's representation. For a time, we lived in the same neighborhood in Northeast DC and would periodically talk about local issues, the Anacostia River, and Kingman Island. One time, during the pandemic in 2020, we both trekked out to Kingman Island to clear invasive honey suckle and gather branches for Maren Hassinger's "Monument" sculpture, which was commissioned by the Smithsonian, and honored the connection between nature and community. It was hard labor, but a gratifying adventure. She was always a joy to work with no matter the context. Rest in peace, Effie.

Effie with Ella Frank in Chipmunk Costume

— with Aimee Lê and Chris Abraham

I met Effie as part of our Emerging Leaders program at the Smithsonian and was impressed with not only her passion for her work and leadership, but also her devotion to her family and her community. We quickly bonded over the fact that we lived a few blocks away from each other in DC at that time and, though I had just met her months prior through work, she was incredibly supportive of me when I was going through a tough time related to some neighborhood issues. I will never forget how comforting her support was and I am glad to have known her. May her memory be a blessing to all who mourn her-- her family, especially, will be in my thoughts. 

Effie's memory will continue to be a blessing. Her impact was great and will continue on. If I could pull it off, I'd be wearing bright red lipstick and get some artful glasses. I, like many, counted on Effie for her vision and her tenancity to pursue the vision to completion. I am so grateful to have had Effie in my life and will continue to hold her tight.

I met Effie as a yoga instructor in the Smithsonian conservation lab when we both worked at Capital Gallery. Just like her classes, Effie was a breath of fresh air, a respite, a calming influence. We worked in different units, and though our paths did not often cross with work, whenever they did outside the office- on the street or in the hallways, she always had a huge smile and a caring word to say. I will carry her beautiful spirit with me, and I know it will be carried too with all who knew, admired and loved her. Sending much love to her family and all her friends and colleagues.

I began my real adult museum career with Effie starting at the Smithsonian Photography Initiative and then at SIA. Effie was the first mentor in my career who really encouraged me. She told me that I could "direct a museum" if I wanted. As a young woman, that kind of support and deep belief really changed my trajectory (and today I'm an assistant director of a museum, thanks Effie!). The work that we did together on the Flickr Commons, The Bigger Picture, and telling hidden histories, especially women's histories, has continued to influence my work greatly. More important than our shared work, however, is that Effie was just a wonderful person. I have so many memories of doing yoga in the paper conservation lab at SIA, rooftop vegetarian potlucks, and many meals graciously hosted by Effie, Andrew, and Melina at their beautiful home. Even after I left DC, she stayed in touch and continued to trade recipes, and encourage and support me, especially during some difficult times. Effie made a culture of openness and welcome wherever she went, making others feel at home in the world. She has been such a gift to the universe, and I'm so sad about her death, even as I remember fondly all of my beautiful memories with her. To Andrew and Melina, and all of her loved ones, my family holds you in light and love. xoxo Cat Roberts Shteynberg

Effie & Melina sharing a quiet moment during the Smithsonian Open Access Launch

My little one Maya exploring Effie’s pregnant belly

Effie, Mary, Samantha and I at a “spa day” circa 2011

I knew Effie as a neighbor for over 10 years when we both lived on the same block in DC. One of my earliest memories of Effie is when she invited neighbors to her home to meet with our local commissioner to talk about crime concerns. That meeting prompted me to get more involved in my community — and is only one example of how Effie worked to bring neighbors together, to make sure we felt we were part of a community. Effie was often the one to suggest block parties, brunches, a pizza party in front of her house during COVID, and other gatherings, always looking to create opportunities for neighbors to meet and get to know each other. Effie was such a loving, kind, and positive force in our neighborhood. She did so much to help build a unique, wonderful, tight-knit community on our little block. I am so sad about this and also feel extremely fortunate and blessed to have known her. My heart goes out to her family. 

I was lucky enough to share a session with Effie at the MCN conference Austin 2010 in which we were both giving presentations. It was my first presentation in the US, coming over from the UK, but my nerves were calmed thanks to an excellent Mexican lunch with Effie and the other presenters beforehand. We were buddies for the rest of the conference and I've followed her career with admiration since. My loss is nothing compared to others but it is a measure of the impression she made on all of us, even if for a few days over a decade ago.