Heroines Making History
The Florida Women’s Hall of Fame recognizes women who leave a legacy of greatness
Mary McLeod Bethune, Lilly Pulitzer, Rosemary Barkett, Gloria Estefan, Chris Evert, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas: an educator, a fashion designer, a Florida Supreme Court chief justice, a singer, an athlete, and a women’s suffrage advocate and conservationist. These diverse trailblazers are among the 118 extraordinary women who have been inducted into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame. Since 1982, Florida governors have recognized women whose contributions have improved the quality of life in our state.
Announced in May, the 2024 inductees will soon be honored with bronze plaques in Florida’s Capitol Rotunda. They include Pensacola-area philanthropist and principal of the Bear Family Foundation, Belle Yates Bear; the “Mother of Miami,” Mary Brickell; and Dotti Groover-Skipper, an ordained minister, former Miami Dolphins cheerleader, and lifelong advocate who’s made groundbreaking efforts in combating substance abuse and human trafficking.
Tallahassee Magazine spoke with the chair of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women, Lori Day, about this pioneering group.
WHAT SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE THESE WOMEN MADE IN FLORIDA?
“Belle Yates Bear is a force for inclusion and philanthropy. Belle co-founded Impact 100 Pensacola and launched the PALS program,
creating pathways to independence for people with developmental disabilities.
“Mary Brickell defied societal norms to champion inclusion, offering land and protection to Native and Black communities, while shaping the foundation of modern South Florida with visionary leadership.
“Dotti Groover– Skipper transformed lives through her antihuman trafficking work and the HeartDance Foundation, empowering vulnerable women and families across Florida.”
SHARE A LITTLE ABOUT A TALLAHASSEE WOMAN HONORED.
“Elizabeth ‘Budd’ Bell, inducted in 2012, dedicated 77 years to advocating for Florida’s most vulnerable populations, founding
Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend and helping to pass landmark legislation, including the Child Care Bill and the Baker Act.”
WHY IS THIS INITIATIVE SO IMPORTANT?
“The Commission on the Status of Women benefits the public by supporting initiatives advancing the well-being and economic security of women and families. By identifying and addressing key issues affecting women, such as health care access, education, leadership, and safety, it helps create a more equitable society and a more prosperous Florida for all.”
CAN THE PUBLIC ATTEND THE CEREMONY HONORING THE NEW INDUCTEES?
“The Florida Women’s Hall of Fame welcomes the public to the ceremony and reception held on September 30
in the Toni Jennings Committee Room at the State Capitol.”
