We congratulate our 2020 Inductees and welcome them to the San Diego County Women’s Hall of Fame.
This year’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place Sunday, June 28th at 2:30 PM on Zoom and will be free to attend. You can register here.
Thank you to MOXIE Theatre for producing this year’s event.
Our Inductees for 2020
Trailblazer: Congresswoman Susan Davis
Hon. Susan Davis, civic servant since the 1970s through the League of Women Voters, San Diego School Board, State Assembly, and U.S. Congress, has authored laws expanding patient rights, women’s rights and improving educational programs.
Historian: Iris Engstrand
Dr. Iris Engstrand, history faculty at University of San Diego since 1968, has published extensively about both San Diego and California history; she has been editor of the Journal of San Diego History and has led numerous museum and historical organizations.
Activist: Kathi Anderson
Kathi Anderson’s international and counseling expertise led her to co-found and lead Survivors of Torture, International (SURVIVORS), a non-profit agency assisting survivors and educating the public; she has worked on many boards locally, nationally and internationally.
Empowerer: Nola Butler Byrd
Dr. Nola Butler Byrd, Ph.D. is a scholar/activist at SDSU’s School of Education (Counseling and School Psychology and Director, Community-Based Block Program). Her multiculturalism focus frames her national and local social justice work such as with National Conference for Community and Justice (formerly National Conference for Christians and Jews).
Bridgebuilder: Dr. Lupe Buell
Dr. Lupe Buell, longtime member of MANA, a national Latina organization, served on its board and co-chairs several MANA initiatives. She has devoted academic and civic efforts to improving culturally responsible teaching of English-language learners at all levels of education.
Spirit of the Hall of Fame: Dr. Sue Gonda and Olivia Puentes Reynolds
Together they are credited with founding the San Diego County Women’s Hall of Fame in 2001.
Dr. Sue Gonda, historian of U.S. and women, teaches and holds leadership positions at Grossmont College and part-time, SDSU’s Women’s Studies. As president of the Women’s Museum of California (1998-05), she created grants, exhibits, collaborations, and presentations.
Olivia Puentes Reynolds, is a Chicana civic leader and activist who has served on numerous boards (often as president) locally and nationally, including MANA, Girls Scouts, and the Women’s Museum of California. She was Chair of the Hall of Fame Committee for several years.
The four co-hosts of the San Diego County Women’s Hall of Fame are the Women’s Museum of California, San Diego County Commission on the Status of Women, Women’s Studies Department, San Diego State University and The Women’s Center, University of California, San Diego.
Each year the co-hosts request the participation of their boards, faculties, and colleagues to sit on the committee, assist in the production and help select each years Inductees from the community nominations.
Women’s Museum of California 