Texas Women’s Hall of Fame

About the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame

Created in 1984 by the Texas Governor's Commission for Women, the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame recognizes women who have attained significant achievements in areas such as the arts, community service, education, leadership, health, science and business. Inductees include former First Ladies, astronauts, entrepreneurs and olympic athletes. The Texas Women’s Hall of Fame ensures the achievements and contributions of women from across Texas are written into the state’s legacy.

First Lady Cecilia Abbott at the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in its prior location in Hubbard Hall. — Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott and TWU students visit the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame at its prior location in Hubbard Hall.

Texas Woman’s University was selected to house the permanent exhibit saluting these women. Since its founding more than a century ago, Texas Woman’s has become known for its contributions and leadership in the fields of education, nutrition, the arts, sciences, and especially in the nursing and health care professions. TWU holds a unique position in the Lone Star State and the nation today as America’s largest public university primarily for women.

2023 Honorees

Every other year, the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame awards ceremony recognizes the achievements of women selected for induction. Texas residents submit nominations, and a bipartisan, independent panel of judges chooses who will be inducted from these candidates.

The 2023 honorees are:

Leta Andrews (Athletics)
Mary Horn (Public Service)
Val LaMantia (Business)
Opal Lee (Civic Leadership)
Lavinia Masters (Advocacy/Community Service)
Antonietta Quigg (Science/Technology)
Charlotte Sharp (Philanthropy)
Elizabeth Suarez (Public Service)

Hosted by the Office of the Governor and First Lady Cecilia Abbott, the 2023 Texas Women’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony is held in November, in Austin, Texas.

In the News

The Texas Women’s Hall of Fame and Texas Woman’s University Distinguished Alumna Maj. Gen. Mary Saunders, retired, were featured on the Dallas/Fort Worth TV station CBS 11 News "The Ones to Know." A member of the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame, Saunders currently serves as the executive director of the TWU Institute for Women’s Leadership.

Page last updated 3:13 PM, October 18, 2023