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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State of Delaware offices in Kent and New Castle Counties will open at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 22, 2018. Non-essential employees who live or work in Kent and New Castle Counties do not report until 10 a.m. Essential employees are to report as scheduled.

State of Delaware offices in Kent County are closing on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 from noon until 11:59 p.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in Kent County are to leave for the day at noon. Essential employees are to remain at work and report as scheduled.

State of Delaware offices in New Castle County are closed Wednesday, March 21, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Non-essential employees who live or work in New Castle County are not to report to work for this period. Essential employees are to report as scheduled.