Women’s Hall of Fame Class of 2025 include 4 trailblazing Delawareans

This year’s class of the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame has been announced.

This year’s Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame class has been announced, honoring four Delaware women whose careers and service have left a profound mark on the First State.

Selected from over 50 nominations, the honorees were chosen by the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Committee in partnership with the Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy.

“Our 2025 honorees exemplify the unwavering leadership, resilience, and vision of Delaware women,” said Brenda Wise, chair of the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Committee. “This year’s class continues the legacy of trailblazers who have shaped our state and our nation – women who have advanced equity, driven statewide initiatives, and uplifted our youth and communities by breaking barriers with courage and purpose.”

This year’s class includes political strategists, racial justice advocates, public servants, and community leaders—all of whom have demonstrated leadership, resilience, and impact across Delaware.

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The 2025 inductees are:

Valerie Biden Owens: a longtime political advisor and sister of President Joe Biden, who led his campaigns for decades and currently serves as Chair of the Biden Institute. She is recognized nationally for her advocacy of women in leadership and public service.
Claire DeMatteis: an attorney and senior advisor to three Delaware governors. She has also served as senior counsel to then-U.S. Senator Joe Biden and is one of few Delawareans to hold leadership roles across all three branches of state government.
Charlotte King: founder and Chair Emeritus of the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice. A retired social services administrator, King has spent decades advocating for equity and serving on numerous boards throughout Sussex County.
Charlotte Miller-Lacy: a dynamic community leader and entrepreneur who founded I Am My Sister’s Keeper (IAMMSK) and the MSK Community Center. She is also an author and inspirational speaker focused on empowerment and purpose-driven change.

“I am elated that these women have been chosen to join the august group known as members of the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame,” said Sherese Brewington-Carr, director of the Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy. “Their individual and collective work is exemplary and has made an immeasurable impact in social justice, gender equity, governance, advocacy for girls, and world democracy within our community, Delaware.”

Founded in 1981, the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame is the state’s oldest annual recognition of women’s contributions. It honors individuals from all walks of life—including artists, scientists, public servants, and community advocates—who have made a lasting impact on Delaware and lived in the state for at least 10 years.

“Each honoree has forged a path that empowers young women to lead boldly and ensures Delaware remains a place where voices are heard and valued,” Wise said.

The inductees will be honored at the 44th Annual Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Ceremony this fall.

“No doubt, through personal sacrifice and courageous leadership, these women are most deserving of this honor,” Brewington-Carr said. ” Thank you to the Delaware Hall of Fame Committee and Chairwoman Brenda Wise for their work, commitment, and dedication to this process and opportunity.”