Gov. Matt Meyer and the Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy announced today that nominations are now open for the 2026 Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame and the She’s On Her Way Awards. Nomination forms are available at de.gov/women, and submissions are due by midnight on April 2, 2026.
“Delaware’s history and future are shaped by extraordinary women who lead, serve, and lift up their communities every day,” Meyer said. “The Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame and the She’s On Her Way Awards give us the opportunity to recognize both the trailblazers whose legacies endure and the young leaders who are already making a difference. I encourage Delawareans across the state to nominate the women whose impact deserves to be celebrated.”
Established in 1981, the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame recognizes the lifetime achievements of women whose work has left a lasting legacy in the First State. Nominees must have lived in Delaware for at least 10 years and demonstrated accomplishments that have made a sustained impact. A Hall of Fame committee reviews nominations and selects inductees annually, with the 2026 induction ceremony scheduled for the fall.
As part of the celebration, OWAA commissions a watercolor portrait of each Hall of Fame inductee. More than 170 portraits are currently on public display in the lobby of ChristianaCare’s Center for Heart and Vascular Health in Newark, and OWAA also maintains an online gallery featuring portraits and biographies of all honorees.
The She’s On Her Way Awards, organized by the Delaware Commission for Women, recognize emerging leaders who are making a difference across the state. Nominees must be Delaware residents between the ages of 18 and 30 by June 30, 2026, and must have lived in the state for at least three years. Award recipients are selected by the commission and honored at a celebratory luncheon in June. Organizers encourage nominations that reflect the diversity of Delaware’s communities, backgrounds, and experiences.
