Abbott unveils 2023 inductees for Texas Women's Hall of Fame

Gov. Greg Abbott announced the eight 2023 honorees for the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame on Aug. 29. A press release issued by Abbott's office said the future inductees have been recognized for outstanding achievement in their fields.

“The Texas Women’s Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates remarkable Texas women not only for their individual achievements but also for their contributions to building an even stronger Texas of tomorrow,” Abbott said in the release. “I am honored to welcome these accomplished women as inductees.”

The governor, a Republican, said the women hail from various fields such as business, community service, philanthropy, public service, science, sports, and more. “What unites them is the difference they have made for others,” Abbott said. “Women of vision, tenacity, and generosity, they are an inspiration for the next generation of leaders who will follow them. [First Lady] Cecilia [Abbott] and I thank these distinguished honorees for their enduring contributions to the future of this great state.”

The honorees are teacher and coach Leta Andrews, late former Denton County Judge Mary Horn, beverage distribution company Val LaMantia, civil rights activist Opal Lee, sexual violence awareness advocate Lavinia Masters, researcher Antonietta Quigg, late philanthropist Charlotte Sharp, and municipal government veteran Elizabeth Suarez, the release said.

The release said that the Governor’s Commission on Women created the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 1984. The 2023 induction ceremony is slated for Nov. 9 in Austin, the governor’s office said.