In addition to inducting Rosa DeLauro, Barbara Hackman Franklin, Linda Koch Lorimer, and Augusta Lewis Troup at its 20th Annual Induction Ceremony & Celebration, “Women’s Education – Women’s Empowerment,” on November 6, 2013, the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame (CWHF) will recognize 10 Education and Empowerment Honorees for 2013. Jane Doe No More founder Donna Palomba is one of those Honorees.
Donna Palomba is founder of Jane Doe No More, a national non-profit dedicated to improving the way society responds to victims of sexual assault through education, awareness, advocacy and support. Established after Palomba’s experience following a harrowing home invasion and sexual assault complicated by further victimization from investigating officers and other professionals, the organization works to break stigmas and minimize re-victimization. Jane Doe No More works to educate first responders and the public to the effects of sexual assault on all aspects of a victim’s life as well as its effects on society as a whole. The organization’s groundbreaking R.A.P.E. (Raising Awareness through Personal Experience) Outreach program prepares and empowers male and female survivors to speak publicly; ultimately advancing their own healing while helping others. Palomba was also instrumental in the repeal of Connecticut’s statute of limitations on sexual assault crimes involving DNA evidence. She has received numerous awards for her tremendous leadership and dedicated advocacy work on behalf of sexual assault victims nationwide.
“As we mark 20 years of highlighting remarkable women’s stories, we celebrate the incredible community we are building to inspire the next generation and women of all ages,” says Katherine Wiltshire, executive director of the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame. “This year’s honorees are leaders throughout the state who have devoted their careers to educating and empowering women and fostering their advancement."
The other nine Education and Empowerment Honorees for 2013 are:
Andrée Aelion Brooks - Celebrated journalist and author committed to increasing the number of women running for public office; founder and first president of Women’s Campaign School at Yale.
Carmen Cid - Long-time educator committed to advancing women and minorities in the field of science; Dean of Arts & Sciences, Eastern Connecticut State University.
Julie DeGennaro - 20 year advocate developing gender-specific programming to better serve high-risk girls; Associate Executive Director, Domus.
Merle Harris - Pioneer for on-line education and promotion of women moving back into the workforce; retired President, Charter Oak State College.
Fran Pastore - Leader promoting women’s economic empowerment and self-reliance; Founder, President, CEO, Women’s Business Development Council.
Alice Pritchard - Nationally recognized expert empowering women and girls to achieve equal opportunities in their personal and professional lives; Executive Director, CT Women’s Education and Legal Fund.
Jessica Sager/Janna Wagner - Innovative leaders lifting standards and availability of childcare, empowering women to become child care providers; Executive Director/ Chief Knowledge and Learning Officer, Co-Founders, All Our Kin.
Lynne Williamson - Creator of The Sewing Circle providing support and skills for immigrant women; Director, CT Cultural Heritage Arts Project, The Institute for Community Research.
Teresa Younger - Champion for women’s rights, equality and economic opportunity; Executive Director, Permanent Commission on the Status of Women.
Made possible by platinum sponsor The Hartford and other distinguished sponsors, the CWHF’s 20th Annual Induction Ceremony & Celebration which will take place on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. Inductees are: Rosa DeLauro, U.S. Representative of Connecticut’s 3rd district since 1990, sharp political strategist and champion of women’s causes; The Honorable Barbara Hackman Franklin, President and CEO of Barbara Franklin Enterprises, 29th U.S. Secretary of Commerce, led the first White House effort to recruit women for high-level government jobs; Linda Koch Lorimer, Vice President of Yale University, visionary leader in higher education, spearheading strategic partnerships locally and abroad; and historic Inductee Augusta Lewis Troup, union organizer, journalist and promoter of the suffrage movement, beloved educator and advocate for teachers and minority groups.
The Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame is an educational outreach organization whose mission is to honor publicly the achievement of Connecticut women, preserve their stories, educate the public and inspire the continued achievements of women and girls. Founded in 1994 in Hartford, Connecticut, the Hall fills the void that traditional curricula still fail to address and today stands as the state’s premier source for women’s history with 102 Inductees. These women’s lives and accomplishments are celebrated and documented through a wide spectrum of innovative statewide programs offered free of charge to Connecticut citizens. Historically, the CWHF web site has been a learning tool attracting international, national and local researchers, teachers and students. The CWHF’s website, www.cwhf.org, is a “Virtual Hall” where visitors can explore its educational resources. To join the CWHF via social media, find and like ctwomen on Facebook and follow @ctwomen on Twitter.
