TAFT TO INDUCT 15 INTO OHIO WOMEN'S HALL OF FAME

COLUMBUS - Governor Bob Taft will induct 15 women into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame on Oct. 24. The Hall of Fame, which was established in 1978 to recognize Ohio women leaders and trailblazers, will mark its 22nd year of existence on that date. The institution is administered by the Women's Section of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS).

"I am proud to welcome these extraordinary women into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame," Taft said. "The contributions they have made in their professional lives and their community service will be recognized in the history of our state. Future generations of Ohioans will look to these remarkable role models for inspiration and guidance."

The Governor and First Lady Hope Taft will host the annual event at the Ohio Statehouse Capitol Atrium beginning with a reception at 5 p.m. and an induction ceremony from 6 - 7 p.m.

The public is invited to attend the hors d'oeuvres reception and the induction ceremony. Tickets for the event are $25. For tickets or for more information, individuals may contact the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame, Women's Section, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, 145 S. Front St., Columbus OH 43215, (614) 466-4496.

The purpose of the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame is to create a public recognition of the many outstanding contributions that Ohio women have made to their communities, state and nation. Members of the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame have come from all walks of life; each has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence, achievement and service to others.

For more information, contact Susan McKinley at ODJFS at (614) 466-4496.

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Editor's note: A list of the 15 Ohio Women's Hall of Fame inductees is shown below.

2000 Ohio Women's Hall of Fame Inductees

Maude Collins, Vinton County - Law enforcement pioneer as Ohio's first woman sheriff; after succeeding her husband in that office in 1925, Ohioans later elected her to a full term; nationally known for her clever investigation and solving of a double homicide.

Faye H. Dambrot (1934 ? 2000), Summit County ? Tireless advocate for equal opportunity for women and minorities in northeastern Ohio. Founded the Women's Network, the Women's History Project and the Women's Studies program at the University of Akron, as well as Akron Rape Crisis Center.

Margarita DeLeón, Lucas County ? Dynamic leader and civil advocate for Hispanic community. Founded Northwest Ohio Chapter of IMAGE (International Mexican American Government Employees), and co-developed the Ohio Latina Leadership Institute, a training program for women.

Patricia Louise Fletcher, Jefferson County ? Founded Grandparents Academy, which seeks to recapture moral values of "grandparents' generation" and make them relevant for today's youths. Visionary educator, introducing international curriculum to elementary students; president of National Association of Colored Women's Clubs and Youth Affiliates.

Shirley G. Hoffman, Cuyahoga County ? Saver of countless lives by insisting that those conducting cervical cancer Pap tests be professionally and comprehensively trained. Co-founded Ohio Society of Cytology; served on national board of American Society of Cytology.

Sister Jean Patrice Harrington, Hamilton County ? Premiere educator; president emerita and former president, College of Mount St. Joseph; served as interim president, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College; former executive director, Cincinnati Youth Collaborative; served as acting director, Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation; former president, Miami University Board of Trustees.

Sister Dorothy L. Kazel (1939 ? 1980), Cuyahoga County ? As member of the Cleveland diocesan mission team, she worked with victims and refugees of civil war in El Salvador; served as communication link between parishioners and parish; was one of four nuns abducted, interrogated, abused, and murdered by terrorists in 1980.

Farah B. Majidzadeh, Franklin County ? Trailblazing international engineering entrepreneur who founded business in basement of family home, now with offices across Ohio and Saudi Arabia. Actively promotes innovation throughout industry; first female member of International Road Federation.

Ada M. Martin (1949 ? 2000), Franklin County ? Known as "angel" to the homeless; co-founded with husband "Take It to the Streets," a grassroots, community-based organization dedicated to helping the homeless, women with children, unruly teens, the needy, and chemically dependent individuals.

Paige Palmer-Ashbaugh, Summit County ? Fitness expert and legend; first to develop and promote her own exercise equipment; starred as the First Lady of Television Fitness for 25 years and hosted radio show for 10. World traveler and author of 20 award-winning travel books; art collector, philanthropist.

Lorle Porter, Knox County ? Ohio's historical conscience, author and educator dedicated to restoring awareness of Ohio's lost local history; stimulator of pride in Ohio heritage tourism; inspiration for Ohio Hill Country Heritage Area, an officially designated heritage area.

V. Lanna Samaniego, Mercer County ? Civic and humanitarian leader seeking to improve the lifestyles of Ohio's Native American population through education, employment, and advocacy. Executive director of the North American Indian Cultural Centers.

Yvonne Walker-Taylor, Greene County ? Outstanding educator; former president of Wilberforce University, a historically black college; the only daughter to have followed her father into the presidency of an American college; first woman to be elected to African Methodist Episcopal Church Judicial Council.

Margaret W. Wong, Cuyahoga County ? Considered one of the "Best Lawyers in America;" immigrated from Hong Kong and created region's largest law firm dedicated to handling all facets of immigration and naturalization law issues; one of first non-U.S. citizens licensed to practice law in New York and Ohio.

Betty Zane (circa 1765 ? circa 1828), Belmont County ? Girlhood act of bravery to save others helped to end the last battle of the American Revolution.