EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso Commission for Women announced the opening of nominations for the 2026 El Paso Women’s Hall of Fame.

Nominations will be open until Friday, Jan. 16. You can submit your nomination through the following:

Online at the El Paso Commission for Women’s website

Mail to Anna M Harris Howell, Chair, El Paso Commission for Women, 4804 Apis Court, El Paso, Texas, 79924

A panel of judges, composed of local leaders, will evaluate each submission on each merit. Nominees must have lived or currently reside in El Paso County and must have demonstrated a significant, long-term impact on the community, according to the commission.

Posthumous nominations are also welcomed, and previously nominated women who were not selected may be re-nominated.

The Hall of Fame was established in 1989 and honors women who have made a “lasting difference” in El Paso County through professional achievements, volunteer service or community activism, read the release by the commission.

Here is a list of women who have been inducted:

Pioneers and Civic Leaders

Lucy G. Acosta (1990): A monumental figure in El Paso’s civic history and a co-founder of the Project Amistad. She was a lifelong advocate for civil rights and the elderly, and was the first woman and first Hispanic person to serve on several prominent local boards.

Alicia R. Chacón: A trailblazer in local government, she was the first woman elected to the El Paso County Commissioners Court and later became the first woman to serve as County Judge.

Suzie Azar (2005): Noted for being El Paso’s first (and to date, only) female mayor, serving from 1989 to 1991. She was also a pilot and a long-time advocate for women in politics.

Arts, Science and Education

Rosa Guerrero (1991): A legendary dancer, educator, and cultural historian. She is widely known for her efforts to promote multiculturalism and traditional Mexican dance through her “International Folklorico” group.

Ginger Kerrick (1997): An El Paso native who became a NASA flight director—the first Hispanic woman to hold that role. She has been a major advocate for STEM education for young women.

Dr. Diana Natalicio: The long-time President of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Under her 31-year leadership, UTEP became a top-tier research institution while maintaining its commitment to access for the binational community.

Adair Margo: Founder of the Tom Lea Institute and former Chairman of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities under George W. Bush.

Public Service and Law

Veronica Escobar (2019): Currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Texas’s 16th congressional district. Before Congress, she served as a County Commissioner and County Judge.

Kathleen Cardone (2004): A distinguished United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas.

Recent Inductees (2024)

Dr. Adeeba Raheem: An Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at UTEP, recognized for her contributions to engineering and her mentorship of women of color in STEM.

Dr. Manuela Gomez: A specialist in philosophical pedagogy and ethics who has focused on feminism and Latin American philosophy.

Honorary Members

The Hall also recognizes a select group of “Honorary Members” who represent the historical backbone of El Paso’s progress:

Herlinda Chew: Business leader and activist.

Drusilla Nixon: A pioneer in the African-American community who helped integrate local institutions.

Polly Harris: A long-time community volunteer and civic leader.

Hedwig Schwartz: Known for her extensive philanthropic work.

“This is our opportunity to elevate and celebrate the remarkable women who have shaped the fabric of our city,” said Anna M. Harris Howell, Chair of the Commission. “We invite individuals and organizations to help us identify and honor the women whose contributions have uplifted others and opened doors for future generations,” read the release.

The Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon will take place at noon on Saturday, March 28, at El Paso Community College’s Administrative Services Center, located at 9050 Viscount Blvd.

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