Danyelle Reeher didn't let her gender hinder her chances of progressing.

Miss Reeher of Brookfield is the first woman to be installed as exalted ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Sharon Lodge 103. She received her crown on April 3.

I was very excited," she said. "It has always been a fraternal organization. When I finally made it through that was a big accomplishment."

The exalted ruler is an elected position at the lodge, which has always been dominated by male members.

She said she has experienced "no animosity."

"She's a respected member of the lodge and has been well received. She gets along with everyone," said Paula Cain, a lodge officer.

The exalted ruler is the group's primary representative. She runs the meetings, represents the lodge at state and national Elks conventions and presides over voting issues.

"It's work," Miss Reeher said.

Miss Reeher had to pass several rounds of approval to become exalted ruler. Each year officers who wish to move up to another position have to wait for a group of past exalted ruler to approve or oppose it. There are four past rulers, each of whom approved Miss Reeher for the position.

Miss Reeher didn't have any competition for the position.

Exalted rulers usually serve a one-year term before lodge succession rules advance the next approved candidate for the post. If the upcoming candidate isn't able to perform the duties, a previous ruler can be voted back in again, Miss Reeher said.

She has been a member of the Elks Lodge for nine years. Four years ago she became the first female officer in the lodge.

The Order of Elks started out in 1868 as the Jolly Corps in New York City, a fraternal organization founded by a group of actors. The local Sharon organization, which until 1995 admitted men only, was comprised of more than 2,000 members in the '40s and '50s. The Sharon Lodge now has about 560 members, more than 50 of them women, and provides financial assistance for children with medical disabilities.

She said the lodge pays for more than 25 home care nurses to visit people with mental and physical handicaps. The group also holds local and statewide fund-raisers for the nurses and other charities.

"We're here to provide help," Mrs. Cain said.