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Texas Women's Hall of Fame facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Ride on the Middeck - GPN-2000-001081
Astronaut Sally Ride

The Texas Women's Hall of Fame celebrates amazing women from Texas! It was started in 1984 by the Governor's Commission on Women. Every two years, new honorees are chosen from suggestions sent in by people like you. To be honored, a woman must either be born in Texas or live there when she is nominated. These women are recognized for their incredible achievements and contributions to Texas and the world.

Where to Visit the Hall of Fame

The Texas Women's Hall of Fame Museum is located inside the Blagg-Huey Library. You can find it on the campus of Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas. The museum has a special exhibit that shows off the accomplishments of each woman who has been honored. It's a great place to learn about their inspiring stories!

Meet Some Amazing Honorees

Many incredible women have been inducted into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame. Here are just a few examples of the inspiring Texans who have made a big difference:

Trailblazers in Space and Aviation

  • Sally Ride (inducted 1986): Sally Ride was an astronaut and the very first American woman to travel into space! She flew on the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983. Her journey opened doors for many other women in science and exploration.
  • Mae Jemison (inducted 2002): Mae Jemison is another astronaut who made history. She was the first African American woman to go into space, flying on the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992. She is also a doctor and an engineer.
  • Tammie Jo Shults (inducted 2018): Tammie Jo Shults is a brave airline pilot. She was one of the first female fighter pilots in the U.S. Navy. She became famous for safely landing a Southwest Airlines plane after an engine failed, saving everyone on board.
  • Ginger Kerrick (inducted 2016): Ginger Kerrick is a NASA Administrator. She was the first Hispanic female flight director at NASA. She helped guide many missions to the International Space Station.

Champions in Sports

  • Simone Biles (inducted 2018): Simone Biles is one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. She has won many Olympic and World Championship medals, showing incredible strength and skill.
  • Sheryl Swoopes (inducted 2004): Sheryl Swoopes is a professional basketball legend. She was one of the first players in the WNBA and won multiple championships and Olympic gold medals.
  • Lauren Anderson (inducted 2021): Lauren Anderson is a famous ballet dancer. She was the first African American principal dancer with the Houston Ballet, inspiring many young dancers.

Leaders and Activists

  • Opal Lee (inducted 2023): Opal Lee is a dedicated activist. She worked for many years to make Juneteenth a federally recognized holiday, celebrating freedom for all.
  • Barbara Jordan (inducted 1984): Barbara Jordan was a powerful politician and civil rights leader. She was the first African American woman elected to the Texas Senate and the first Southern African American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • Ann Richards (inducted 1985): Ann Richards was a strong and charismatic leader who became the Governor of Texas. She was known for her wit and her dedication to public service.
  • Sandra Day O'Connor (inducted 2008): Sandra Day O'Connor made history as the first female justice on the United States Supreme Court. She served for many years and was a very important figure in American law.

First Ladies of the United States

  • Lady Bird Johnson (inducted 1984): Lady Bird Johnson was the First Lady of the United States. She was a passionate environmentalist who worked to beautify America and protect nature.
  • Barbara Bush (inducted 1989): Barbara Bush also served as the First Lady of the United States. She was a strong advocate for literacy and encouraged everyone to read.
  • Laura Bush (inducted 2018): Laura Bush, another First Lady, was a teacher and librarian. She continued to promote education and literacy during her time in the White House.

Artists and Entrepreneurs

  • Selena Quintanilla-Pérez (inducted 2016): Selena was a beloved musician and singer, often called the "Queen of Tejano music." Her music and style continue to inspire fans around the world.
  • Mary Kay Ash (inducted 1986): Mary Kay Ash was a successful businesswoman who founded Mary Kay Cosmetics. She created opportunities for many women to start their own businesses.

See also

  • Awards and decorations of the Texas government

Images for kids

  • Opal Lee at Juneteenth Legacy Project (cropped)

    Opal Lee, an activist for Juneteenth

  • Lauren Anderson, Dancing for the Glory of God

    Lauren Anderson, a ballet dancer

  • Dawn M. Ferrell

    Major General (ret.) Dawn Ferrell

  • KS-HOMESHOOT-2020-7674 (1) (1) (1) (1)

    Business entrepreneur Kendra Scott

  • Simone Biles Rio 2016e

    Olympic gymnast Simone Biles

  • Laura Bush portrait

    Former First Lady Laura Bush

  • Grand Gala du Disque in de RAI. Vikki Carr tijdens repetitie, Bestanddeelnr 921-1452 (cropped)

    Entertainer Vikki Carr

  • Tammie Jo Shults WH

    Airline pilot Tammie Jo Shults

  • Judith Zaffirini 2009 CROPPED

    Texas state senator Judith Zaffirini

  • Ginger Kerrick NASA Headshot

    NASA Administrator Ginger Kerrick

  • Renu Khator (cropped)

    Chancellor of the University of Houston System Renu Khator

  • Col. Kim Olson (cropped)

    President and CEO of Grace Under Fire Kim Olson

  • Anita Thigpen Perry, July 2019 (48355676047) (cropped)

    Former First Lady of Texas Anita Perry

  • Senfronia Thompson 2757 (cropped)

    Texas state representative Senfronia Thompson

  • Nina godiwalla 2011

    Author and journalist Nina Godiwalla

  • Major general mary saunders

    Major General Mary Saunders

  • Pamela Pitzer Willeford

    United States Ambassador Pamela Willeford

  • Dr. Elsa Murano - Texas A&M

    President of Texas A&M University Elsa Murano

  • Sandra Day O'Connor

    First female justice on the United States Supreme Court Sandra Day O'Connor

  • Huda Zoghbi

    Health researcher Huda Zoghbi

  • Susan Combs by Gage Skidmore

    Former Texas Comptroller Susan Combs

  • Sheryl Swoopes WNBA

    Pro basketball player Sheryl Swoopes

  • KarenHughes

    Political advisor Karen Hughes

  • Mae Carol Jemison

    Astronaut Mae Jemison

  • Anna Maria Farias official photo (cropped)

    Politician Anna Maria Farias

  • P20220707AS-1352 (52308684498) (cropped)

    President of Texas Southmost College Juliet V. García

  • Professional golfer Judy Rankin - DPLA - 1cbab65b9cc9d266b1b743546b702467

    Golf pro Judy Rankin

  • Kay Granger, official portrait, 111th Congress

    Member of the U.S. House of Representatives Kay Granger

  • Marsha Sharp former head coach of Texas Tech University's women's basketball team cropped

    Women's basketball coach Marsha Sharp

  • RitaCrockerClements1975

    Former First Lady of Texas Rita Crocker Clements

  • Zina Garrison 2000

    Tennis pro Zina Garrison

  • Kay Bailey Hutchison, official photo 2

    United States Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison

  • Rosa Guerrero

    Founder of International Folklorico Dance Group Rosa Ramírez Guerrero

  • Barbara Bush portrait

    Former First Lady Barbara Bush

  • Brinker nancy 200

    Co-founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure Nancy Brinker

  • 05-7254-1 (Portraits) Lillian Dunlap, cropped

    Brigadier General Lillian Dunlap

  • Jean Dougherty Strother (cropped)

    Aviation pioneer Dora Dougherty Strother

  • Anne Armstrong 1982

    American ambassador Anne Armstrong

  • MaryKay

    Founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics Mary Kay Ash

  • Jody conradt

    Women's basketball coach Jody Conradt

  • Wilhelmina Ruth Delco, Summit on Race

    Texas state legislator Wilhelmina Ruth Delco

  • Sally Ride (1984)

    Astronaut Sally Ride

  • Ada Simond

    Civic involvement Ada Simond

  • Liz Carpenter in the University of Texas at Arlington's Library's Special Collections (10003849) (cropped)

    Political speechwriter Liz Carpenter

  • Lydia Mendoza (cropped)

    Tejano musician Lydia Mendoza

  • AWR Portrait

    Governor of Texas Ann Richards

  • Christia Adair (13270285254)

    Civil rights activist Christia Adair

  • Lila Cockrell

    Former mayor of San Antonio Lila Cockrell

  • Hobby-Oveta-Culp

    Newspaper publisher and government official Oveta Culp Hobby

  • Lyndon B. Johnson taking the oath of office, November 1963

    United States district judge Sarah T. Hughes

  • Lady Bird Johnson, bw photo ca1962

    Former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson

  • Rep. Barbara Jordan - Restoration

    Politician Barbara Jordan

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