Eight inducted into Michigan Women's Hall of Fame

A world ranked wrestler, a Hispanic community leader, and a Michigan Supreme Court
Justice are among the 8 notable women selected by independent juries for induction into the 2011 class of the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame. The women will be honored at a benefit dinner on Thursday, October 27 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing.

The 2011 Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame honorees in the Contemporary category are:

• Dr. Lois A. Bader of Lansing is dedicated to combating poverty by providing the gift of literacy and language to people in need. She is the executive director of the Capitol Area Literacy Coalition, a literacy Professor at Michigan State University, and author of several books and articles including the Bader Reading and Language Inventory and Read To Succeed.

• Jumana Judeh of Dearborn Heights works as an advocate for Arab American professional women. She started the Women’s Committee under the Arab American Chamber of Commerce, which later became the Arab American Women’s Business Council. Judeh mentors, creates, and supports networks for women in the Arab American community.

• Justice Marilyn Kelly of Bloomfield Hills is a Michigan Supreme Court Justice. She began her career as a French teacher and was elected to the State Board of Education at age 25—later becoming its president. Justice Kelly worked as a courtroom attorney for over 17 years. She was elected to the Michigan Court of Appeals and to the Michigan Supreme Court twice, serving as Chief Justice from 2009-2011.

• Edelmira “Delma” Lopez of Lansing created venues for the Latino community to celebrate and share their heritage and Hispanic culture. Lopez helped found Cristo Rey Church and Community Center in Lansing, was the first Latina on the City of Lansing Housing Commission, and worked for the United Farm Workers.

• Kary Moss of Ann Arbor is the first female executive director of the ACLU of Michigan. During her tenure, Moss has initiated reforms and lawsuits championing women’s rights. As a practicing civil rights attorney, Moss litigated many cases dealing with sex discrimination and women’s rights.

• Rose Mary C. Robinson of Detroit was one of the first women elected to the Wayne County Commission. Her work on the Labor Committee of the Wayne County Commission opened doors for women, disabled residents, and minorities. Robinson is a criminal defense trial lawyer and appellate lawyer, often representing poor and indigent clients pro-bono.

• Tricia McNaughton Saunders, born in Ann Arbor, is the most decorated female wrestler in America. She was the first female to win a Michigan state wrestling title and the first female regional champion. She was the first U.S. woman to win a world wrestling title and has won more than any other American—male or female. Named a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Saunders was the first woman ever accorded this honor.

The Hall of Fame honoree in the Historical category is Valeria Lipczynski of Grand Rapids emigrated from Poland and dedicated her life to serving the Polish American community. Lipczynski grew the Grand Rapids Polish immigrant community and organized social, political, religious, and cultural groups. She was the first woman elected to the Board of Directors of the Polish National Alliance in 1907 and she received the Golden Cross of Merit from the Polish government in 1927.

The Philip A. Hart Award is presented annually to male citizens who have demonstrated a unique understanding and support of women's issues and concerns and have contributed to the advancement of women's rights and interests. This year’s recipient is Scott Burgess, Community Relations & Advertising Specialist for the Accident Fund Insurance Company of America.

The site of the 2011 induction ceremony and dinner, the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, is located at 55 South Harrison Avenue, East Lansing. A reception will begin at 5:00 p.m., with dinner at 6:00 p.m. and the ceremony at 7:00 p.m. Event reservations ($125/person) and information about sponsorships and advertisements will be available at michiganwomenshalloffame.org or by calling 517-484-1880, extension 203.

The Hall of Fame, established in 1983, was created by the Michigan Women’s Studies Association (MWSA). Its mission is to inspire and engage adults and children by celebrating Michigan women’s history, promoting educational opportunities, and honoring the accomplishments of Michigan women.

The Michigan Women’s Historical Center is home to the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame, changing history exhibits, the Belen Art Gallery featuring Michigan women artists, and a unique and sassy gift shop.