June 22, 2007 – The United States Virgin Islands Commission on the Status of Women announced its 2007 inductees. Fourteen women leaders will be inducted into the V.I. Women's Hall of Fame at ceremonies to be held on St. Croix and St. Thomas in August.
The Hall of Fame was established to recognize the significant achievements of V.I. women and to educate the public by identifying those whose efforts have enhanced and improved the quality of life for Virgin Islanders. The women who will be inducted are:
St. Croix District:
Leona Brady Watson; Edith Lewis Galiber; Celia Torres Garcia Maldonado; Jan Mitchell-Larsen; Patricia D. Steele; Esther Brow Moorhead (posthumously); and Athalie McFarlane Petersen (posthumously).
St. Thomas/St. John District:
Lorraine L. Berry; Mavis H. Brady; Ulla F. Muller; Edith Bornn; Gwendolyn Knight; (posthumously); Blanche Sasso (posthumously); and Elaine Ione Sprauve (posthumously).
Sonia Boyce, chairperson of the commission said, "It is important that we learn about the accomplishments of these women and present their stories to the community so that a new generation of women can be inspired and encouraged to become leaders and trailblazers." Boyce further stated that, "The Virgin Islands has produced a number of remarkable women whose accomplishments and contributions to the territory are of major significance, however, they are not found in our history books. The Women's Hall of Fame is one way to show our admiration and gratitude for their contributions."