COLUMBUS (September 4, 2003) - Governor Bob Taft today announced that 11 women will be inducted into the 2003 Ohio Women's Hall of Fame. Governor Taft and First Lady Hope Taft will host the 25th annual induction ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse on October 7.

"These inductees exemplify the accomplishments of Ohio's women in diverse fields such as arts, business, science, activism and government," said Taft. "In honoring these women, we celebrate Ohio's strong and vibrant heritage and provide guidance and inspiration for future generations of Ohioans."

Women selected in 2003 will join other outstanding members, including America's first female physician Elizabeth Blackwell, best-selling author and syndicated columnist Erma Bombeck, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Designer Maya Lin, Ms. founder Gloria Steinem, Nobel prize winner Toni Morrison and Doris Day, renowned star of stage and film.

The October 7 induction ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse will be held at 6:00 p.m. and will be followed by a reception. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services administers the Hall of Fame.

Tickets for the event, which is open to the public, are $35. For tickets or for more information, please contact the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, 145 S. Front St., 6th floor, Columbus, OH 43215-4156, or call (614) 466-4496.

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