Deadline for consideration for the 2019 induction cycle is May 15, 2019 

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, Delaware’s Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy, a division of the Delaware Department of Human Resources, and the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Committee are now accepting nominations for induction into the 38th Hall of Fame of Delaware Women. An awards reception honoring the 2019 inductees will take place on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at Dover Downs.

“It’s important for us to shine a light on the Delaware women who make positive impacts on their communities every day,” said Governor Carney. “This annual honor is an opportunity to celebrate all of their achievements. We’re looking forward to receiving nominations for the many women who contribute to their schools, neighborhoods, businesses, and more.”

“The Hall of Fame of Delaware women is truly an event that is for the people and by the people. Nominations are open to the public and widely publicized. The women we induct are truly remarkable – they make us proud in every way, not only as Delawareans but as Americans,” said Melanie Ross Levin, Director of the Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy.

The Hall of Fame of Delaware Women was first established in 1981 to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Delaware women. More than 145 women have been inducted into the Hall of Fame of Delaware Women.

“There are countless Delaware women whose professional and personal work has left a lasting impression on the First State, and it’s our distinct honor to share their stories and recognize their contributions,” said Kay Keenan, Chair of the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Committee. “We’re eager to hear from Delawareans, up and down the state, about women who have positively impacted our community, and I look forward to celebrating their achievements this fall.”

Eligible nominees must have made an important and lasting impact on the lives of Delawareans and been born in Delaware or resided in the State for 10 years. Posthumous nominations are also accepted.

“So many incredible Delaware women deserve recognition for the impactful work they do every day,” said Saundra Ross Johnson, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Human Resources. “We encourage all Delawareans to consider honoring a role model in their lives by submitting a nomination for consideration for this year.”

Nomination forms are available online at de.gov/women until midnight EST on May 15, 2019.

For additional information or inquiries about the Hall of Fame, please contact the Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy at DelawareWomenHOF@state.de.us or 302-577-8970.

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Induction ceremony set for Thursday, September 27 in Dover

WILMINGTON, Del. — Governor John Carney on Friday announced the Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy and the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Committee have selected four remarkable women to be inducted into the Hall of Fame of Delaware Women in September.

The inductees include former Second Lady and higher education access advocate, Dr. Jill Biden; the first woman and person of color from Delaware to serve in Congress, Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester; retired educator, historian, and civic leader Dr. Reba Ross Hollingsworth; and former superintendent of the Smyrna School District, Deborah Wicks. Each of these remarkable women have made significant and meaningful contributions to Delawareans through their personal and professional achievements.

“This year’s Hall of Fame inductees have achieved incredible things in their fields of work,” said Governor Carney. “Dr. Jill Biden, Debbie Wicks, Dr. Reba Hollingsworth and Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester are role models to all in our state, women who go above and beyond to positively contribute to their communities every day.”

Kay Keenan, Chair of the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Committee, expressed excitement around the diversity of the inductees. “These inductees differ in terms of race, background, and many other components, but their one common characteristic is the significance of their positive impact in Delaware. I’m honored to have had to opportunity to lead the new Hall of Fame Committee in its first inductee selection.”

Inductees will be recognized at the 37th Annual Hall of Fame of Delaware Women awards reception on Thursday, September 27, at Dover Downs. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with heavy hors d’oeuvres and stations, followed by the event program.

Tickets for the event can be purchased online at de.gov/women. Early bird pricing will last through Wednesday, August 15, 2018.

Melanie Ross Levin, Director of the Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy, encouraged the public to attend the 37th Annual Hall of Fame of Delaware Women awards reception on September 27. “The Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy and the Delaware Hall of Fame Committee is beyond excited to honor this group of inductees at our annual event. Despite our size, it’s clear that there’s no shortage of accomplished women in Delaware. Please join us as we pay homage to this incredible group of women who have served our state with such distinction.”

“Delaware is fortunate to be the home to so many inspiring women,” said Saundra Ross Johnson, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Human Resources. “These exemplary women serve as role models to all Delawareans as they passionately work to create a long-lasting positive impact on communities across the State.”

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Deadline for consideration for the 2018 induction cycle is May 15, 2018

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, Delaware’s Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy, a division of the Delaware Department of Human Resources, and the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Committee are now accepting nominations for induction into the 38th Hall of Fame of Delaware Women. An awards reception to honor the 2018 inductees will take place on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at Dover Downs.

“Delaware women contribute significantly to our communities, our workforce, and our culture across the state,” said Governor Carney. “We look forward to receiving a diverse group of nominees who have made lasting impacts, and recognizing their achievements through this annual honor.”

“Delaware women do not neatly fit into one box; we represent all ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds, and I am excited to seek a pool of nominees that reflects the unique and vast diversity of women in the First State,” said Melanie Ross Levin, Director of the Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy.

The Hall of Fame of Delaware Women was first established in 1981 to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Delaware women. More than 100 women have been inducted into the Hall of Fame of Delaware Women.

“While the current members of the Hall of Fame of Delaware Women are all hardworking and inspiring women, I can’t help but wonder how many other impressive Delaware women there are who also deserve recognition for their contributions to our state,” said Kay Keenan, Chair of the 2018 Hall of Fame Committee. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to cast a wide net in our search for additional remarkable Delaware women, and shine a light on the many ways women have added to the legacy of the First State.”

Eligible nominees must have made an important and lasting impact on the lives of Delawareans and been born in Delaware or resided in the State for 10 years. Posthumous nominations are also accepted.

“We are fortunate that so many exemplary women call Delaware home,” said Saundra Ross Johnson, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Human Resources. “Everyone is encouraged to nominate a woman who inspires and contributes to the welfare of our community.”

Application forms are available online at de.gov/women until midnight EST on May 15, 2018.

For additional information or inquiries about the Hall of Fame, please contact the Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy at DelawareWomenHOF@delaware.gov or 302-577-8970.

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Policymakers, Public Join Together for Women’s History Month Celebration and Lecture

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney, Delaware’s Office for Women’s Advocacy and Advancement, the Delaware Department of Human Resources, the Delaware Commission for Women, and Delaware Women’s Workforce Council, today hosted the first lecture of its kind titled “Redefining Women in the Workplace” in honor of Senator Margaret Rose Henry and Women’s History Month.

“Senator Margaret Rose Henry is a trailblazer, and we are going to miss her leadership in Dover,” said Governor Carney. “Her commitment to the advancement of women is exactly why we are honoring her at this event today. It’s been a privilege to work with her protecting Delaware’s most vulnerable citizens.”

The Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy, under Delaware’s Department of Human Resources, is responsible for leading the ongoing implementation of women’s rights legislation and evaluating current women’s rights legislation. The Office is run by Melanie Ross Levin, who serves as the Office’s Director.

“Delaware made history when Senator Margaret Rose Henry became the first African American woman to join the Delaware State Senate. And Delaware continues to make history today, by investing in the first state-wide Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy,” said Melanie Ross Levin. “As a new office, we look forward to continuing to work with Senator Margaret Rose Henry and all of the champions for women and girls in the legislature, executive branch and community to move policies forward for women and girls in the first state.”

This lecture focused on issues including sexual harassment in the workplace, equal pay and paid parental leave, bringing together policymakers, business leaders and others concerned with women’s issues for a productive conversation. The lecturer was Lisa Maatz, Former Vice President of Government Relations at the American Association of University Women and leader of several national coalitions working to advance opportunities for women and girls.

“The theme of this event is so relevant to the work of the Department of Human Resources,” said Saundra Ross Johnson, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Human Resources. “We are committed to creating and sustaining an equitable environment for all State employees that is free from discrimination, sexual harassment, and assault.”

Shortly following the lecture, the Governor joined Representative Longhurst, Senator Hansen, Senator Henry, U.S. Senator Coons, Congresswoman Blunt Rochester and many members of the General Assembly for a rally supporting Delaware’s Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). House Bill 399 aims at filing an ERA for the Delaware Constitution to expand and protect women’s rights. This amendment will reduce sex-based disparity and codify Delaware’s value of equality.

More information about the Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy can be found here.