Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame facts for kids
The Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame was created in 1982 by Oklahoma Governor George Nigh. It was made to celebrate and honor amazing women from Oklahoma. These women are recognized for being pioneers in their fields or for projects that help Oklahoma. They have made big contributions to the state and serve as role models for other women. Some are "unsung heroes" who have quietly made a huge difference in the lives of Oklahomans or Americans. Others have actively supported women's issues or worked to change laws that are important to women. All of them show the true "Oklahoma spirit."
The Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame is one of many activities supported by the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women. This group works to "improve the quality of life for women, children and families in Oklahoma." Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, no new members were added in 2020 and 2021.
Who Can Be Inducted?
To be chosen for the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame, a woman must meet certain requirements:
- She must have lived in the State of Oklahoma for most of her life or be clearly known as an Oklahoman.
- She cannot be a current member of the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women.
The women chosen also usually fit one or more of these descriptions:
- They are pioneers in their field or in a project that helps Oklahoma.
- They have made a major positive impact on the State of Oklahoma.
- They serve as great role models for other women in Oklahoma.
- They might be "unsung heroes" who have made a big difference through their actions.
- They have championed other women, supported women's issues, or worked to change public policy for women.
- They truly show what the Oklahoma spirit is all about.
Amazing Women Inducted
The Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame honors many incredible women. Here are some of the recent inductees and a few other notable women who have been recognized for their achievements.
| Name | Image | Birth–Death | Year | Area of achievement | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mo Anderson | 2023 | Community leader | |||
| Patricia Fennell | 2023 | Community activist | |||
| Ann Felton Gilliland | 2023 | Business and community leader | |||
| Donna Grabow | 2023 | Community service | |||
| Kim Garrett Funk | 2023 | Community service | |||
| Cathy Keating | 2023 | Business and community leader | |||
| Freddye Harper Williams | (1917–2001) | 2023 | Civil rights and education | ||
| Sue Ann Arnall | 2022 | Business and community leader | |||
| Carleen Burger | 2022 | Community advocate | |||
| Janice Dobbs | 2022 | Community leader | |||
| Wanda Jackson | 2022 | Rock and roll music pioneer | |||
| Roseline Nsikak | 2022 | Community health and education | |||
| Kayse Shrum | 2022 | University president | |||
| Betty McElderry | 2022 | Community service | |||
| Anna Belle Wiedemann | 2022 | Community leader and volunteer | |||
| Helen Holmes | (1915–1997) | 2019 | Journalist and Women's Army Corps officer | ||
| Noma Gurich | 2019 | Supreme Court Justice | |||
| Jane Anne Jayroe | 2018 | Broadcaster, author, Miss America | |||
| LaDonna Harris | (b. 1931) | 2015 | Comanche activist | ||
| Rita Aragon | (b. 1947) | 2009 | Two-star general in the Air National Guard | ||
| Sherri Coale | (b. 1965) | 2007 | University of Oklahoma basketball coach | ||
| Maxine Horner | (b. 1933) | 2007 | First African American woman in the Oklahoma State Senate | ||
| Mary Fallin | (b. 1954) | 2005 | Governor of Oklahoma | ||
| Vicki Miles-LaGrange | (b. 1953) | 2003 | First woman U.S. Attorney in Oklahoma | ||
| Donna Shirley | (b. 1941) | 2003 | Aerospace engineer, led Mars Exploration Program | ||
| Jari Askins | (b. 1953) | 2001 | Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma | ||
| Penny Williams | (b. 1937) | 1997 | State legislator | ||
| Betty Boyd | (1924–2011) | 1996 | Pioneer journalist | ||
| Bernice Shedrick | (b. 1940) | 1996 | Attorney, judge, state legislator | ||
| Ruthe Blalock Jones | (b. 1939) | 1995 | Native American artist and professor | ||
| Anita Hill | (b. 1956) | 1993 | Attorney and academic | ||
| Shannon Lucid | (b. 1943) | 1993 | Biochemist, astronaut | ||
| Wilma Mankiller | (1945–2010) | 1986 | First woman elected chief of the Cherokees | ||
| Evelyn La Rue Pittman | (1910–1992) | 1986 | Author, composer, and music educator | ||
| Jeane Kirkpatrick | (1926–2006) | 1984 | Professor, diplomat, political activist | ||
| Leona Mitchell | (b. 1949) | 1983 | African-American and Chickasaw operatic soprano | ||
| Kate Barnard | (1875–1930) | 1982 | First woman elected to statewide office in Oklahoma | ||
| Aloysius Larch-Miller | (1886–1920) | 1982 | Suffragist |
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