Each March, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s my honor to take part in the induction ceremony for the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame. This annual event honors Maryland women who have made unique and lasting contributions to the economic, political, cultural and social life of the state, and who are visible role models of achievement for tomorrow’s female leaders.
Photo by Tom Nappi.
During a ceremony last evening in Annapolis, the Maryland Commission for Women welcomed six accomplished women into the Hall of Fame, which is housed in the Women’s Heritage Center in Baltimore City. The well attended event was a reminder of the important role women have played and the key contributions they have made in helping others here in Maryland and across the nation.
The honorees were:
- Del. Jean B. Cryor – As a newspaper writer and later as a state legislator, former Del. Cryor fought tirelessly for pay equity for women.
- Former Congresswoman Helen Delich Bentley – Her name is name is synonymous with the Port of Baltimore and maritime industry in Maryland.
- Dr. Charlene Mickens Dukes - The first woman president of Prince George’s Community College, she’s been recognized as one of the 100 most powerful women in the region.
- Ellen Sauerbrey – A distinguished former state legislator and Ambassador to the UN Commission on the Status of Women who strives to improve women’s rights both here and abroad.
- Linda A. Pollack Shevitz – A national leader on issues of gender equity, sexual harassment and women’s history.
- Beatrice Tignor - She devoted her life to improving educational opportunities for children both as an educator and in the Maryland Senate.
