Florida Commission on the Status of Women
Florida Women's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 
Greetings!

The Florida Commission on the Status of Women is proud to announce that Florida Governor Rick Scott will induct Dr. Ruth H. Alexander, Elizabeth "Budd" Bell, and Vicki Bryant Burke into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame on Tuesday, March 06, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. in the Capitol Courtyard. The Florida Women's Hall of Fame recognizes women who, through their lives and efforts, have made significant contributions to the improvement of life for women and for all Floridians. We hope that you will enjoy learning a little more about the Florida Women's Hall of Fame.

 

Sincerely,
The Florida Commission on the Status of Women
2011/2012 Inductee
Dr. Ruth H. Alexander
 

Mary Brennan KarlDr. Ruth H. Alexander of Gainesville, is a pioneer in the field of women's sports. She served as Chair of the Department of Physical Education for Women at the University of Florida (UF). In 1972, she established the "Lady Gator Athletic" program. Before this no opportunities existed for women to participate in intercollegiate athletics. This program is ranked in the top ten in America annually. Under her leadership, the South Eastern Conference for University Women's (SEC) competition and championships were organized. In 1987, she was promoted to Distinguished Professor, an elite ranking that fewer than 10 women have ever received at UF.

Learn more here.

2011/2012 Inductee
Elizabeth "Budd" Bell
Elizabeth "Budd" Bell, formerly of Tallahassee, served for 77 years as a passionate advocate of children and women, the elderly, the mentally ill, and the disadvantaged. She pioneered coordinated childcare legislation in Florida, and helped pass the Child Care Bill, which secured the funding of early learning programs across the state. In 1972, Ms. Bell founded Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend, an organization that now serves thousands of children and families. Working tirelessly at both a state level and national level, she created lasting policies and laws to benefit those who otherwise had no voice. She worked to craft the landmark legislation known as the Baker Act, which protects the rights of persons with mental illness in Florida. In 1974, Ms. Bell founded the Clearinghouse on Human Services, a statewide advocacy coalition that includes over 100 organizations. Learn more here.
2011/2012 Inductee
Vicki Bryant Burke
Vicki Bryant Burke of Jacksonville graduated from the University of South Carolina and moved to Florida in 1978. She began working as a counselor with adolescent males and females in a juvenile justice day treatment program. Through her work, Ms. Burke learned institutionalization or incarceration was often the juvenile justice system's response to addressing the needs of girls who committed delinquent acts and/or status offenses. As a result, Ms. Burke founded PACE Center for Girls; the first and only non-residential program for troubled adolescent females in Florida. On January 7, 1985, PACE opened its doors at Snyder Memorial Methodist Church to 10 young women released from the detention center. After being recognized by Florida's Juvenile Judges for the Outstanding Dependency Program Award in 1987, juvenile judges began requesting that PACE expand to their cities. Learn more here.
Florida Women's Hall of Fame Committee

Susanne Hebert, Chair

Claudia Kirk Barto

Lourdes Castillo de la Pena
 
Mona Jain, M.D., Ph.D.
 
Amy Kryak
L
aura McLeod
Laurie Pizzo
Anne Voss
 
Nancy C. Acevedo,

Commission Chair  

A speical thanks to the following sponsors for helping to make the 2011 - 2012 Florida Women's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 

Robert M. Levy & Associates
Flamingo Graphics
Shutts & Bown, LLP

Senator Jack Latvala
Kailash, Mona &
Anila Jain
The Florida Historic Capitol Museum
PuertoRican/HispanicChamber of Commerce of Polk County, FL

 

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The induction ceremony is open to the public. All persons attending the ceremony are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the event. This year marks the thirtieth
anniversary of the Florida Women's Hall of Fame. The Commission accepts nominations for the Florida Women's Hall of Fame from the public each year from April 1 - July 15. Additional information is available on the Commission's website at
http://www.fcsw.net, or by calling 850-414-3300.