Earlier this month, before a striking backdrop of 171 portraits of extraordinary women who have made a lasting impact on the state, Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer and Lt. Gov. Kyle Evans Gay officially proclaimed Women’s History Month.
The signing, held at the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Portrait Gallery, currently on display at the University of Delaware, was more than just a ceremony. It also marked the launch of the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Lessons in Leadership speaker series, featuring a fireside chat with 2019 Hall of Fame inductee Drew Fennell. UD community members and state and local leaders attended the event.
The Lessons in Leadership series is also part of UD’s inaugural HERstories: Celebrating Women’s Impact event series, which highlights the contributions of women and fosters discussions on leadership and advocacy throughout the spring semester.
A night of inspiration and recognition
Women’s Hall of Fame committee member and director of UD’s M.A. in Strategic Communication program Tara Smith opened the evening by thanking those who helped make the event possible, including the Delaware Department of Human Resources Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy (OWAA) and the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) at UD. Smith emphasized the importance of recognizing the achievements of women and encouraged attendees to nominate candidates for the 2025 Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame or the She’s On Her Way award, which honors women at various stages of their careers. The nomination period closes on March 31.
“As a member of the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Committee, I encourage all of you to help us recognize women who have made a difference in Delaware,” Smith said.
UD President Dennis Assanis followed, highlighting the University’s ongoing commitment to advancing women’s leadership. He expressed pride in UD’s role as the host of the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Portrait Gallery, an exhibit created by OWAA featuring watercolor portraits by artist Theresa Walton. Many of those featured have connections to UD as alumnae, faculty, staff, parents or friends who have made significant contributions across various fields, including advocacy, education, business and healthcare. It is on display in the Lerner Atrium through July 2025.
“This is a special occasion for us to recognize and celebrate the amazing women who have shaped our state and our world,” Assanis said. “Many of the women featured here today are connected to the University of Delaware. Their accomplishments inspire our Blue Hen community, and their stories deserve to be told.”
First Lady Eleni Assanis also addressed the audience, speaking on the importance of women’s leadership and the role that women play in strengthening both UD and the broader community. She acknowledged the contributions of women at the University and praised the evening’s events as vital moments of celebration and reflection.
“Women bring incredible power to the table,” Eleni Assanis said. “This University is better because of the women who work here every day, and it’s an honor to stand alongside them as we celebrate their achievements.”
Stories that must be told
Gay delivered an impassioned speech on the significance of Women’s History Month. She emphasized the power of storytelling in recognizing the often-overlooked contributions of women throughout history. While acknowledging progress, she stressed that the month also serves as a reminder of the challenges that remain.
“Women’s History Month is an opportunity for us to tell the stories that have too often been left untold,” Gay said. “As we look at the portraits behind me, I am reminded of the countless women whose stories have gone unrecognized for too long. These women fought not only for their rights but for the betterment of their communities.”
Gay also underscored the importance of uplifting the voices of young women and future leaders, sharing her own experiences of mentorship.
“There are so many women here tonight who have impacted me personally,” Gay said. “They didn’t do what they did to be recognized. They did it because they believed in their communities, in collective action, and in the power of their voices.”
Meyer followed with remarks on the ongoing importance of supporting women’s rights and leadership. He reflected on the crucial role women have played in shaping Delaware and the nation, pointing out current challenges to gender equity and the need for continued progress.
“While we celebrate, we must also recognize the threats we face to the advancements women have made,” Meyer said. “We must stand together, continue the work that has been done, and ensure that the future we create is one of greater opportunity and equality for women everywhere.”
Meyer also expressed pride in the leadership of women in Delaware, particularly within his administration, where nearly 65% of senior leadership positions are held by women.
“Creating a diverse and inclusive leadership team is not just a priority for our state — it is critical to shaping a government that reflects the needs of all its people,” Meyer said.
Lessons in leadership: advocacy and social activism
Following the proclamation signing, Wendy Smith, Dana J. Johnson Professor of Management and co-founder and faculty director of UD’s Women’s Leadership Initiative, introduced Anne Boylan, professor emerita of history and women’s and gender studies at UD. Boylan’s research and writing focus on women’s history, voluntary associations, religion and historical memory.
Smith then moderated a fireside chat titled “Lessons in Leadership: Advocacy and Social Activism” featuring Fennell, executive vice president of social contract, and former chief of staff during the Markell Administration. Fennell discussed the intersection of criminal justice reform and women’s leadership, emphasizing how policy changes can empower women and reduce systemic inequalities.
Looking ahead: HERstories event series
As part of the HERstories: Celebrating Women’s Impact series, UD will host additional events throughout the spring. Members of the community are invited to explore inspiring stories of leadership, resilience and legacy. For more information on upcoming events in April and May, visit the UD website.
The Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy organized the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Art Exhibition, with support from the Delaware Department of Human Resources and the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Committee. Additional support is offered, in part, through a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Speaker Series is a collaboration between the Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy and the University of Delaware.