She was “the ultimate brave person,” according to Watergate reporter Bob Woodward. “The ideal boss,” according to former Post Managing Editor Robert Kaiser. “Our maximum leader,” in the words of Post gossip columnist Lloyd Grove.

Instinct means you trust yourself. For women then—and for some women still—that was something to emulate.

“What she shared with them was a ladylike but faintly defiant tilt of her head, the determination not to be bullied. Mrs. Graham had that thing female athletes and activists in women’s sports are always trying to acquire, charge of their own arms and legs. Mrs. Graham took charge of herself. “

—Sportswriter Sally Jenkins in the Washington Post

Katharine Graham took charge not only of herself, but also of Washington. She declined to speak at the all-male Gridiron Club. She refused to cede to the customary after-dinner conversational separation of men and women—and in her refusal, destroyed it. She entered boardrooms full of men and made them think that meeting with her could be normal, or maybe special.