More than 40 employees receive recognition for their artistic excellence

 

Dover, Del. (March 24, 2025) – Creativity and artistic expression were on full display at the 14th Annual Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition, where employees and their families shared their talents with the community. Hosted by the Delaware Division of the Arts, this highly anticipated exhibition ran from February 25 – March 21, 2025, at the Arts Center/Gallery at Delaware State University in Dover. With an impressive 209 submissions from State of Delaware employees and their immediate family members, the exhibition provided a platform to celebrate creativity, recognize artistic excellence, and highlight the diverse talents within the state workforce.

The winners were officially announced on March 9, 2025, at a special awards ceremony held at the Delaware State University Arts Center/Gallery. The event drew an audience of 300 attendees, including state employees, family members, and community supporters. Attendees heard from Governor Matt Meyer, Secretary of Human Resources Yvonne Anders-Gordon, Delaware Division of the Arts Director Jessica Ball, and Deputy Director Kristin Pleasanton, who all shared inspiring remarks about the importance of the arts in fostering creativity, connection, and innovation within the state workforce.

“This exhibition is a testament to the immense creativity within Delaware’s state workforce and their families,” said Jessica Ball, Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “Art has the power to inspire, connect, and strengthen communities, and it’s wonderful to see how these employees bring that creativity into their professional and personal lives.”

“Providing an opportunity for state employees and their families to showcase their creative work fosters an appreciation for the arts in unexpected places,” said Kristin Pleasanton, Deputy Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts. “The enthusiasm and talent on display this year were truly inspiring, and we are honored to celebrate these artists.”

The exhibition was more than just a competition; it was a showcase of artistic passion and innovation. Through a range of mediums—painting, photography, sculpture, works on paper, craft, and mixed media—participants demonstrated the power of visual storytelling. Beyond the awards, the event fostered a sense of community, underscoring the importance of the arts in professional and personal life.

Submissions for the 15th Annual State Employee Art Exhibition will begin to be accepted in mid-December 2026.  For more information on next year’s deadlines (when posted), visit the Division’s website.

A gallery of winning artwork can be found here.

 

2025 Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition Winners:

(Click names to see their artwork)

 

Best of Show ($400): Brianna Shetzler, Department of Education, Clayton

Art Education Award ($200): Nawal Noon, Department of Education, Newark

 

People’s Choice Award:

Online: Kayleigh Vodvarka, Department of Education, Bridgeville

In-Person: Rick Slocum, Department of Health and Social Services, Smyrna

 

Special Awards:

Abstract: David Chambers, Voices (2024, Painting), Department of State, Smyrna

Landscape: Jung Marie Kim, Department of Education, Middletown

Monochrome: Cassie Hilliard, Department of Education, Magnolia

Pets: Sandra Henning, Department of Education, Frederica

Marine Life: Annabelle Taylor, Delaware Technical and Community College, Georgetown

Portrait: Sharif Sadiq, State Housing Authority, Seaford

 

Professional Category:

First Place ($350): Donald Doheny, Department of Education, Bridgeville

Second Place ($250): Cindy Morris, Department of Education, Hockessin

Third Place ($150): Sallyanne McLaughlin, Department of Education, Greenwood

Honorable Mentions: Caitlyn Rudolph (DOE, Vineland, NJ), Marciana Esteves (DHSS, Milford), Rick Burrow (DOE, Camden-Wyoming)

 

Intermediate Category:

First Place ($350): Elizabeth Chen, Department of Education, Middletown

Second Place ($250): Chloe Hannah, Department of Education, Camden

Third Place ($150): Michael L. Conlan Jr., Department of Health and Social Services, Wilmington

Honorable Mentions: Logan Farro (DHSS, Greenwood), Hyo Lee (DSU, Dover), Grume Abraham (DOT, Newark), Sydney Horton (OMB, Dover)

 

Amateur Category:

First Place ($350): Maureen McCambridge, Department of Education, Houston

Second Place ($250): Brady Lamers, Department of Finance, Middletown

Third Place ($150): Akane Miyazawa, Department of Education, Middletown

Honorable Mentions: Ben Ables (DOE, Georgetown), Ashley Jensen (DOE, Camden), Adenike Davidson (DSU, Dover)

 

Teen Category:

First Place ($150): Sophie Rissmiller, Department of Education, Coatesville, PA

Second Place ($100): Nathanael Taylor, Department of Education, Milton

Third Place ($50): Kendall Hill, Department of Education, Middletown

Honorable Mentions: Kamora Jones (DOT, Wilmington), Chase Puszkarczuk (DOE, Wilmington), Leah R. Cooper (DOF, Milford), Kaitlyn Ritts (DOE, Greenwood)

 

Youth Category:

First Place ($150): Elly Wendel, Department of Education, Wilmington

Second Place ($100): Leah Citron, Department of State, Wilmington

Third Place ($50): Izzabella West, DNREC, Camden

Honorable Mentions: Christopher Saxton Jr. (DNREC, Camden), Hannah Parnell (DOE, Wilmington), Norah Parnell (DOE, Wilmington), Sabrina Rambo (DNREC, Harrington)

 

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Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications

302-577-8280, andrew.truscott@delaware.gov

About the Delaware Division of the Arts
The Delaware Division of the Arts is an agency of the State of Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

About the National Arts Program

At the National Arts Program, we empower organizations across the country to host art exhibitions that showcase the creativity of their employees and families. By fostering a strong and inclusive community that builds confidence, encourages risk-taking, and values self-expression, we grow and strengthen workplaces and communities. We ensure that creativity is recognized and validated, sometimes for the first time, with prizes, scholarships, and awards programs. Learn more at https://nationalartsprogram.org/.

WILMINGTON, Del. — On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in honor of the 70th anniversary of the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision, the State of Delaware’s Department of Human Resources, Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, in collaboration with the Governor’s Office, hosted a panel discussion featuring descendants of the Delaware cases that were upheld in the Supreme Court ruling. The event took place at the historic Hockessin Colored School (HCS) #107C, an institution that played a significant role in the Brown v. Board of Education decision and helped pave the way for nationwide school desegregation.

The panel discussion, moderated by Department of Human Resources Secretary, Claire DeMatteis, brought together individuals deeply connected to the history of the school and the historic ruling. The panel featured:

• Chief Justice Collins J. Seitz, Jr.: Son of the Delaware Court of Chancery Chancellor who made the historic desegregation rulings in 1952, which were upheld in the U.S. Supreme Court’s Brown. v. Board of Education decision.
• Rev. JB Redding: Daughter of Louis L. Redding, Esq., the attorney who filed and argued the landmark cases.
• Rene Ricks-Stamps: Daughter of nine-year-old Shirley Bulah, the lead plaintiff in Bulah v. Gebhart, who was one of the first colored students to integrate public schools and buses.
• James “Sonny” Knott: Former HCS #107C student.
• Dr. Mark Holodick: Delaware Secretary of Education.
• Dr. Lanette Edwards: Author and HCS #107C historian.

“Education, past, present and future, is one of the cornerstones of our state,” said Governor Carney. “As we reflect on 70 years since the Brown v. Board of Education decision, we renew our commitment to providing every child with the quality education they deserve.”

“Chancellor Seitz, Attorney Redding, and the parents, students and school board leaders of Howard High School, Claymont High School and the Hockessin Colored School #107C are Delaware heroes,” said Claire DeMatteis, Secretary of the Department of Human Resources. “By honoring these historical events, we honor these heroes and their families.”

“Honoring Delaware’s journey post-Brown v. Board of Education, we crave a space for truth, reconciliation, and progress, weaving a narrative that acknowledges past injustices and propels us toward a future of educational equity and unity,” said Richard M. Potter, Jr., Chief Diversity Officer, Department of Human Resources.

To view a recording of the event, visit the Governor’s YouTube channel, and to learn more about the HCS #107C, visit their website.

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WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, the Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy and the Delaware Women’s Commission announced four exceptional women that were selected as honorees for the 2024 She’s on Her Way Award. With over 40 applications received by the committee, four nominees were chosen for their incredible work in Delaware.

This year’s inductees include:

• Vaishali Ameen, a dedicated volunteer and manager at Charity Crossing, a Delaware non-profit with a large volunteer base. She’s received recognition for her tireless commitment to mentoring youth volunteers and supporting the South Asian community in Delaware.
• Brittanni Barnes, a Sergeant in the Wilmington Police Department and mentor to junior officers, embodies dedication and service. Beyond her professional duties, she extends her impact through volunteerism, especially with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., focusing on initiatives like food security and youth development.
• Renee Delcollo, an attorney at Greenberg Traurig and a dedicated mother. Her passion for community service is evident through her leadership roles at the Wilmington Library and her pro-bono legal advocacy for vulnerable children through the Office of the Child Advocate.
• Javonne Rich is known for her impactful work in policy analysis and advocacy within organizations like the ACLU of Delaware. Her efforts in leading crucial reforms in the probation system and championing the right to representation in eviction proceedings have left a lasting mark on the state.

The She’s on Her Way Award recognizes the achievements and celebrates the contributions of talented young women leaders making a difference in Delaware. Nominees must be young women between 18 and 40 years of age by June 30, 2024, and either native-born Delawareans or residents of the state for at least five years. They must demonstrate a positive impact on the lives of Delawareans and exhibit qualities of good character, promise and hope, and have a positive reputation and leadership among their peers or community. The Delaware Commission for Women reviews, evaluates, and selects the awardees.

“Each year, the She’s on Her Way Award sheds light on the remarkable achievements of women leaders in Delaware who are driving positive change in our communities,” said Melanie Ross Levin, Director of the Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy. “These honorees exemplify the spirit of dedication, service, and leadership that uplifts us all.”

“Congratulations to this year’s recipients and thank you to everyone who participated in the nomination process,” said Marian Palley, Chair of the Delaware Women’s Commission. “Let’s continue to celebrate and empower the inspiring women of Delaware.”

Inductees will be recognized at a ceremony in May. Appreciation is extended to First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney whose support helped make this awards ceremony possible. For more information, including how to nominate a young woman for the 2025 She’s on Her Way Award, visit https://dhr.delaware.gov/women/.

 

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DOVER, Del. – Today, Governor John Carney hosted his annual awards ceremony to honor Delaware state employees as a part of Public Service Recognition Week observed from May 5-11, 2024. The event celebrates the dedication of government employees who play a crucial role in supporting both the operations and welfare of Delaware. Notably, this year’s event returned to an in-person format, held at the Modern Maturity Center. The Governor, joined by members of his Cabinet and the state’s business community, recognized Delaware’s public servants and the outstanding contributions of state employees.

“I am proud to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our public servants,” said Governor Carney. “It is an honor to work with state employees who are committed to serving Delawareans each day.”

“Our state employees are the heartbeat of all we do,” said Department of Human Resources Secretary Claire DeMatteis. “They are dedicated, hard-working, compassionate, and resilient employees, and they exemplify excellence in public service. Their commitment to serving our Delaware communities is inspiring and essential.”

The following individuals and teams of state employees were honored for their excellence and commitment to public service during the 2023 calendar year.

Awards were presented in the following categories:

• Delaware Award for Excellence and Commitment in State Service
• Governor’s Team Excellence Awards: Commitment Award, Champions Award, and
  GEAR P3 Innovation & Efficiency Award
• GEAR P3 Trailblazer Award
• Delaware Award for Heroism

To view the ceremony, visit https:/www.youtube.com/johncarneyde.

Delaware Award for Excellence and Commitment in State Service Award

The Delaware Award for Excellence and Commitment in State Service Award is presented to up to five State of Delaware employees, or small groups of up to five employees, who exemplify the highest standards of excellence and commitment in state service. Recipients of the 2023 award are:

• Caleb Bontrager, Department of Technology and Information
• Jason Gingerich, Department of Health and Social Services
• Rebecca Salmon, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
• Jessica Jason-Torres, Department of Health and Social Services
• Charlotte Walsh, Justice of the Peace Court

Governor’s Team Excellence Awards

This award category includes the GEAR P3 Innovation & Efficiency Award; Champions Award; and Commitment Award. The Governor’s Team Excellence Awards, presented annually to a team of six to 20 state employees, encourages teamwork by recognizing groups of state employees for their efforts to use continuous quality improvement tools to excel in leadership, team dynamics and communication to produce superior customer service and tangible results.

Commitment Award
This award recognizes teams that demonstrate a commitment to developing and applying quality improvement tools and techniques and achieving results that lead to continuous improvement in their organization. Recipients of this award are:

• Claymont Transportation Center Team – Department of Transportation
• Peer Support in Long-Term Care Team – Department of Health and Social Services

Champions Award
This award recognizes teams that demonstrate a superior knowledge of continuous quality improvement techniques, produce tangible results, and increase efficiencies, customer satisfaction, or cost savings. Recipients of this award are:

• FOCUS Team – Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families
• Delaware State Police Aviation Section Team – Department of Safety and Homeland Security
• Unifier Migration Team – Department of Transportation
• SNAP Stolen Benefit Replacement Workgroup – Department of Health and Social Services

GEAR P3 Innovation & Efficiency Award
This top award honors teams that not only use continuous improvement tools to achieve outstanding results but also develop innovative designs and processes, establish best practices, and produce verifiable results that are sustainable, scalable, and adaptable to other areas of government. These teams serve as clear role models for other organizations. The recipients of this award are:

• DHR Agile Workspace Project Team – Departments of Human Resources and Technology and Information
• DSS Unwinding Team – Department of Health and Social Services
• Continuous Quality Improvement Initiative Team – Department of Health and Social Services

GEAR P3 Trailblazer Award

The GEAR P3 Trailblazer Award provides special recognition for individuals or small teams of employees who implement projects that increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of State government. These recipients are acknowledged for using continuous improvement tools to develop innovative processes, establish best practices, and produce verifiable results that are impactful, sustainable, and adaptable to other areas of government.
Recipients of the 2023 award are:

• Ashley Kavanagh, Department of Human Resources
• Digitization Project Team, Departments of Human Resources and Technology and Information – Ashley Lebo, Alex LeClaire and James Robinson
• Comprehensive Review Tool Project Team, Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families – Jerrica Boyer and Tina Selby Ware
• Connect Community Project Team, Department of Health and Social Services – Ke’Andra Hackett, Nicole Jingozian, Barnabas Kerkula, and Melissa Winters

The GEAR P3 Trailblazer Award and the GEAR P3 Innovation and Efficiency Award were established through the support of the Government Efficiency and Accountability Review (GEAR) Board and a Public-Private Partnership (P3) between the State of Delaware and the local business community. Corporate sponsors include, Buccini Pollin Group (BPG), Corporation Services Company (CSC), DuPont, Highmark BCBS Delaware, JP Morgan Chase Bank, M&T Bank, Morris James LLP, The Precisionists Inc. (TPI), W.L. Gore & Associates, and WSFS Bank.

“As chairman of the Governor’s Efficiency & Accountability Review (GEAR) P3 Taskforce for Governor Carney’s GEAR initiative, I am thrilled that the private sector, with the strong backing of the Delaware Business Roundtable and the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, has partnered again with the State of Delaware on the Public-Private Partnership (P3) Governor’s Innovation & Efficiency, and Trailblazer Awards. This program is a terrific step toward better government, and in recognizing state employees and teams on outstanding accomplishments,” said Ernie Dianastasis, CEO of The Precisionists (TPI).

Delaware Award for Heroism

The Delaware Award for Heroism recognizes state employees who have demonstrated outstanding judgment, exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness and presence of mind, and unusual swiftness of action, regardless of his or her own personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life and/or property. The 2023 recipients are:

• Juan Arroyo-Camacho, Department of Transportation
• Thomas Catalfamo, Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Delaware State Police
• Adam DeLucia, Department of Transportation
• Matthew Downes and Matthew Sampson, Department of Transportation
• Matthew Lichtenstein, Department of Transportation
• Sara Miller, Tracy Purnell and Sasha Rampersad, Department of Labor
• John Walker, Department of Transportation

 

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DOVER, Del. — The Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy, in collaboration with the University of Delaware, announces the opening of the annual Women’s Hall of Fame Art Exhibition. The showcase, featuring portraits by Delaware Artist, Theresa Walton, pays homage to outstanding Delaware women and marks the start of Women’s History Month in March.

This unique collaboration with the University of Delaware reflects a commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive space to honor the legacy of remarkable Delaware women. The exhibition, open from March 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025, will display 169 watercolor portraits, capturing the essence of these influential women and their collective impact on the state.

“The University of Delaware is proud to be working with the state to host this exhibition and pay homage to these pioneers, all of whom have been key figures in the formation and positive transformation of the First State,” said Dennis Assanis, President of the University of Delaware. “These women serve as exemplars and role models for our students, who after graduation will make their own mark on the world. While the opening of this exhibition commemorates Women’s History Month, the University is always committed to advancing equity, promoting inclusion, and recognizing the achievements of women.”

“The Women’s Hall of Fame Art Exhibition underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diverse accomplishments of Delaware’s women. This collaboration with the University of Delaware provides a platform to honor the trailblazers who have shaped our state’s history and continue to inspire positive change in our communities,” said Melanie Ross Levin, Director of the Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy.

Established in 1981, the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame recognizes the achievements of outstanding Delaware women from across various fields. From artists to athletes to community advocates and scientists, members represent diverse backgrounds. Nominees, irrespective of age, must have made a significant and lasting impact on the lives of Delawareans, and resided in the state for at least 10 years during their lifetime.

The 2023 honorees, which include two University of Delaware professors, showcase the breadth of accomplishment within the state. They are as follows:

• Patricia Dailey Lewis: Current CEO of the Beau Biden Foundation and former Deputy Attorney General with the Delaware Department of Justice.
• Bonnie Meszaros: Assistant professor of economics at the University of Delaware, an advocate for economics and personal finance education, and associate director of the UD Center for Economics Education and Entrepreneurship.
• Paulette Sullivan Moore: Delaware’s first African American female attorney, dedicated to addressing the needs of domestic violence victims. She also served as the New Castle County Recorder of Deeds from 1990 – 1994.
• Leslie Newman: Former CEO of Children and Families First for over a decade, and chairperson for the Delaware Community Foundation’s COVID-19 grant award committee, providing vital assistance to Delaware nonprofits during the pandemic.
• Lynn Snyder-Mackler: Celebrated physical therapist and sports medicine researcher, instrumental in making the University of Delaware’s Physical Therapy Graduate Program the top-ranked program in the country.

Event Details:

Women’s Hall of Fame Art Exhibition
Date: March 1, 2024 – January 15, 2025
Time: Monday-Friday 8:30am- 5pm
Location: Alfred Lerner Hall Atrium, 20 Orchard Rd, Newark, DE 19716

Note: The space may occasionally close for booked events. Plan your visit by contacting Lerner College of Business & Economics at 302-831-8163.

The public is invited to attend and explore this celebration of Delaware’s trailblazing women. The exhibition extends beyond the physical space, with an online showcase on the Office of Women’s and Advancement’s website, featuring all inductees and their accomplishments.

Applications for the 2024 Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame are open through March 28, 2024, and can be found at de.gov/women.

Sponsors: The Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy and the University of Delaware collaborated to organize the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Art Exhibition. The exhibition receives support from the Delaware Department of Human Resources and the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Committee. Additional support is offered, in part, through a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Explore Delaware arts events at www.DelawareScene.com.

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