The Delaware Commission for Women invites the public to celebrate Women’s History Month at the 33rd Annual Hall of Fame of Delaware Women Award Ceremony and Reception Thursday, March 27.
Since 1981, the commission has celebrated Women's History Month by recognizing and honoring Delaware women for their exceptional achievements and contributions with an impact in the lives or others locally, nationally or internationally.
The event is the state’s most prestigious ceremony honoring the achievements of Delaware women. The Hall of Fame of Delaware Women inductees are selected from nominations submitted by individuals and organizations from throughout the state. Ratings for each nominee are based on lasting work, impact on others, reputation among colleagues, resiliency, and other achievements.
The 2014 Hall of Fame of Delaware Women inductees include the following:
Stephanie Louise Kwolek, scientist/inventor, invented DuPont Kevlar, a material with more than 200 applications, including nylon stockings, steel belts for radial tires and body armor used to save the lives of military personnel, police officers and others.
Catherine Devaney McKay, CEO/behavioral health, founded Connections Community Support Programs Inc. It offers services for people recovering from mental health, substance abuse, homelessness, developmental and intellectual disabilities, HIV/AIDS, and incarceration.
Patricia H. Purcell, pediatrician, is the first African-American pediatrician in Delaware. She has broken gender and racial barriers to establish an outstanding reputation as a professional and philanthropist with a deep compassion for Delaware’s youth. She is now serving her third generation of pediatric patients.
Latricia Odette Wright, She Who Knows, is an educator and elder in the Nanticoke Indian Tribe. She created a lasting legacy for future generations through her work to preserve the culture and heritage of Delaware’s Nanticoke Indians.
The Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony will be held at the Duncan Center, 500 Loockerman St., Dover. The evening begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by the presentation of awards at 6:30 p.m. and a dessert reception at 7 p.m.
For reservations, contact the Delaware Commission for Women at 302-577-5287, or 2014dcwhalloffame.eventbrite.com. RSVP by Friday, March 14.
