It’s time to nominate for the Women’s Hall of Fame Class of 2025

The nomination period for the 2025 Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame is underway.

Established in 1981, the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame recognizes and acknowledges the lifetime achievements of remarkable First State women. 

The award also fosters an understanding of, and an appreciation for, the many contributions of all women across Delaware. 

“The Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Award honors the incredible contributions of women who have shaped our state’s history and continue to inspire future generations,” said Yvonne Anders Gordon, secretary of the Delaware Department of Human Resources. “I encourage everyone to nominate remarkable women in our communities who have made a lasting difference.”

Last year, the 2024 class included: Raye Jones Avery (arts-based public work), Julissa Coriano (clinical social work and sexuality therapy), Anna Marie Leo (dance education), and Colonel Melissa Zebley (law enforcement).

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Women’s Hall of Fame eligibility

Nominees must have resided or previously resided in Delaware for at least ten years and have accomplishments that leave a lasting legacy. 

The honorees are chosen by the The Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy (OWAA) and the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Committee, and the induction ceremony will be held in the fall.

Nomination forms are available online here, and the deadline to submit nominations is midnight on March 31, 2025.  

As part of the induction celebration, the OWAA continues to commission a watercolor portrait of each Hall of Fame member, which will be added to the collection of 170 portraits currently on display at the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics in Newark.

The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular business hours.  

The Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame is announced in July with up to four women inducted each year. 

The nomination period for the She’s on Her Way Awards are also open.

That award, organized by the Delaware Commission for Women, recognizes the achievements and celebrates the contributions of talented young women leaders making a difference in Delaware. 

All nominees must be young women between 18 and 30 years of age by June 30.

Nominees must be native-born Delawareans or have resided in the state for at least five years, and they must demonstrate that they have made a positive impact upon the lives of Delawareans and have exhibited characteristics of good character, promise and hope.

There must be information and/or examples that illustrate the nominee’s positive reputation and/or leadership among her peers, and/or her community.

The Delaware Commission for Women reviews, rates, and deliberates each nomination and selects the awardees, and an award ceremony will take place late spring at the Buena Vista estate in New Castle.