GOVERNOR MEYER ANNOUNCES 2026 DELAWARE WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 31, 2026

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Jonah Anderson

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GOVERNOR MEYER ANNOUNCES 2026 DELAWARE WOMEN'S HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

DOVER, Del. - Gov. Matt Meyer today announced the four distinguished leaders who will be inducted into the Delaware Women's Hall of Fame. Their extraordinary leadership, service and lasting contributions have strengthened communities, shaped institutions and helped define Delaware's future.

Presented by the Office of Women's Advancement & Advocacy, a division of the Delaware Department of Human Resources, in partnership with the Delaware Women's Hall of Fame Committee, the annual Hall of Fame honors women whose achievements have strengthened Delaware and inspired generations of future leaders.

This year's inductees will be formally recognized during the 45th Annual Delaware Women's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. The ceremony will bring together state leaders, members of the Delaware Women's Hall of Fame, community partners, family members and distinguished guests in celebration of this year's honorees.

The 2026 Inductees:

• Mary C. Dennison (posthumously) - Pioneering educator and civic leader who helped establish the Girls Club of Wilmington, now Girls Inc., and guided one of Wilmington's largest elementary schools through the early years of school integration, creating lasting opportunities for generations of Delaware girls.
• Judith Drexler - First director of Delaware's Division of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families, transforming services for vulnerable children while advancing opportunity for women and families.
• LaVerne Harmon - First African American woman to lead a Delaware college or university as president of Wilmington University, expanding academic opportunity and increasing access to higher education for Delaware students.
• Terri Kelly - Former president and CEO of W.L. Gore & Associates, leading one of Delaware's most innovative global companies while advancing engineering excellence, innovation and philanthropic leadership.

"These four extraordinary women didn't just achieve success in their own fields-they opened doors for others, strengthened our communities and helped shape the Delaware we know today," said Governor Matt Meyer. "Their leadership reminds us that progress is built by people willing to serve, innovate and create opportunities for those who follow. It is an honor to recognize their remarkable contributions and welcome them into the Delaware Women's Hall of Fame."

"I am honored again this year to recognize, celebrate, and induct these four remarkable women into the Delaware Women's Hall of Fame. Each one brings a legacy of authentic and selfless service to the state and has demonstrated personal courage and resilience," said Sherese Brewington-Carr, Director of the Office of Women's Advancement & Advocacy. "They are models of leadership for women today and for Delaware girls to emulate in the future."

"Each year, we recognize extraordinary women whose vision and dedication have strengthened Delaware's communities and opened doors for others. Their achievements remind us that true leadership is measured not only by success, but by the opportunities we create for those who follow. It is a privilege to celebrate their remarkable accomplishments," said Brenda Wise, Chair of the Delaware Women's Hall of Fame Committee.

The Delaware Women's Hall of Fame was established in 1981 and remains the state's longest-running recognition program celebrating the accomplishments of Delaware women. Since its inception, the Hall of Fame has honored more than 150 women from a wide range of professions and backgrounds whose leadership, innovation, advocacy and service have created meaningful and lasting change throughout the First State.

Learn more about the Delaware Women's Hall of Fame and the women whose achievements have shaped our state here. Additional information about the 2026 inductees is available here.

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