The Delaware Commission for Women is seeking public nominations of women for induction into the Hall of Fame of Delaware Women. The Hall of Fame showcases women who have made significant contributions in their field of endeavor inclusive of professional and volunteer careers, and whose impact is made locally, nationally or internationally.
Nominees must be native-born Delawareans or have resided in the state for at least ten years and can be posthumously nominated. A selection committee receives and reviews all nominations then collaboratively and impartially determines the 2014 inductees.
The 2014 inductees will be honored at the 33rd Annual Hall of Fame of Delaware Women Award Ceremony and Reception on March 27, 2014, joining a prestigious group of 124 women from Sussex, Kent and New Castle Counties.
To ensure a fair process, the simple guidelines and instructions must be followed and submitted on the form provided. Nominations must be received by the Delaware Commission for Women by November 29, 2013. Copies of the nomination form can be obtained on Internet at: http://commissionforwomen.delaware.gov/pdfs/2014NominationForm.pdf. Questions regarding the nomination process can be forwarded to: carmen.gomez@delaware.gov.
The Hall of Fame of Delaware Women was established in 1981 by the Delaware Commission for Women. Since its inception, more than 120 women have been inducted and its distinguished list includes names of women from a variety of backgrounds such as sports, medicine, public service, and civil rights—all of which are commonly associated with acts of heroism, excellence and perseverance.
Among its members are Annie Jump Cannon, a Dover native who developed a system for classifying stars at Harvard University which is still in use today; Mary Ann Shadd Cary, who became the first African-American publisher in North America, second African-American female to earn a law degree, and the first to cast a vote in a general election; as well as Margaret Irving Handy, a Smyrna native, first native-born female Delawarean to become a doctor, Delaware’s first pediatrician, and who was one of the first doctors to specialize in pediatric medicine.