Mission
The mission of the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame is to present, recognize and honor outstanding women in the community for their service and contributions through induction into the organization; and to provide funding to support higher education attainment for deserving local women pursuing a college education, and to promote their individual development in order to improve their status, interests, and needs of our community.
President’s Message
As we embrace the Thanksgiving season, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame members. Your continued support, dedication, and involvement are what make SAWHOF truly special. Thank you for being an integral part of our mission. The demands of life often feel overwhelming and time slips away too quickly. I hope that this holiday season offers you a chance to slow down, rest, reflect and enjoy the moments that matter most.
Happy Thanksgiving! May your day be filled with gratitude and happiness.
Doris
2025 Inductees Announced
During the November 19th Board meeting the Officers and Board of Directors of the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame approved the following for induction during the 2025 Gala, March 1, 2025:
Civic Leadership
- Kim Jefferies
- Roxana V. Vargas
Communication
- Norma Reyes
Creative Arts
- Shelly Lares
Education PreK-12
- Yvette Reyna
- Dr. Claudia L. Walker
Health Professions
- Dr. Cheryl E. Davis
- Dr. Monika Kapur
- Dr. Nichole J. Van de Putte
Higher Education
- Dr. Maria Danet Lapiz Bluhm
Law
- Hon. Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez
Military
- Eileen M. Collins
Public Service
- Renee Watson
Volunteerism
- Velma Willoughby Kemp
- Dr. Keely Holland Petty
Be sure to check the SAWHOF Facebook page for more information and contact Liz Ruiz (lizsanantonio12@gmail.com) or La Juana Chambers Lawson (ceo@growthistacit.com) and their PR Committee to report member news.
Save the Date!
March 1, 2025
2025 San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Gala
Valero Event Center – more details to follow
Holiday Event and Introduction of the 2025 Inductees
The Annual Membership Holiday Event will be held on Thursday, December 5th at the Alamo Colleges District Office Board Room. The event begins at 6:30 PM.
During the event members will also be introduced to the 2025 SAWHOF Inductees.
Be sure to RSVP for the event.
Use this link if you have not already responded.
Contact Adrienne Cox with any questions
Member News
Dr. Susan Blackwood, Rosemary Kowalski, Martha Tijerina, Anne Krause and Diana Barrios Trevino were honored at the inaugural Women in Film and Television San Antonio Celestial Awards. Lila Cockrell and Joci Strauss were honored posthumously.
Congratulations to our beloved Poet Laureate Dr. Carmen Tafolla on winning the TOMÁS RIVERA BOOK AWARD 2024 for her beautiful book, her 40th, “Warrior Girl.”
Yulanee McKnight has been appointed to KLRN Community Advisory Board and attended her first Board meeting in November.
Congratulations Dr. Sylvia Reyna on her appointment as president of Incarnate Word High School. She’s the first female and the first alumna to serve as president of her alma mater.
Mary Dennis was featured in a recent article in the San Antonio Report – The Daily Reach for her 14 years of service to the Live Oak community! Read more about Mary Dennis.
Congratulations to Nora Lopez on her new monthly talk show on KLRN Television! It’s called Texas Talk with Nora Lopez. The show airs at 7:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. Watch the first episode here.
Congratulations to Pat Jasso on her recent Madrina Award from the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, San Antonio Chapter! She was recognized for serving as coordinator of “Can We Talk.”
Patsy Torres was recognized in several categories for her latest album at the 44th Annual Tejano Music Awards Congratulations Patsy!
City Councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito was sworn in during an October City Council meeting as Mayor Pro Tem. Congratulations Marina.
Great article in “La Prensa” about Elaine Ayala. You can hear her beautiful voice narrating the PBS documentary Voces: Our Texas, Our Vote. If you missed it, you can watch it here.
San Antonio Report published an article about Marisol Deluna and her foundation. Read the San Antonio Report article here.
Dr. Carmen Tafolla will be the Honorary Grand Marshal of the Fiesta Flambeau Parade May 3, 2025. The theme is “Deep in the Arts” of Texas and Dr. Tafolla will represent the literary arts.
Rachel Sakai will receive the Civic and Community Leader award at the 2025 YWCA Women of Influence Luncheon.