Duncan woman selected for OK Women's Hall of Fame

A Duncan woman has been selected for induction into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame.

The Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women (OCSW) has selected six women to be inducted into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame (OWHOF). The women will be honored at the induction ceremony on Friday, September 27, 2024, at the Omni Hotel and Resort in downtown Oklahoma City.

To be eligible for the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame, nominees must live in Oklahoma or be

a former resident of Oklahoma. Inductees were nominated because they have made enduring

contributions to the state of Oklahoma and beyond. “Whether positively elevating the status of

women and girls, opening new frontiers for women, or achievements in her professional work,

the 2024 class is special. This honor is the highest bestowed upon a woman by the State of Oklahoma,” said Commissioner Briana Ramos, who is serving as Co-Chair of the 2024 Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame with Commissioner Emmalee Barresi.

The 2024 Inductees of the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame are:

Dr. Nancy Anthony, of Oklahoma City, served as the executive director of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation for 38 years. Dr. Anthony became recognized as one of the most effective, respective, and important leaders in philanthropy in the nation. Her leadership lead to the largest organizational endowment program in the United States and the largest independent scholarship program in Oklahoma, laying the groundwork for women across this city, state, and region to rise to leadership positions on their own.

Marilyn Mauer Hugon, of Duncan, is a lifelong Oklahoman who served on the board of directors of Duncan Regional Hospital where she helped bring state-of-the-art cancer care and imaging services to Southwest Oklahoma. Hugon’s efforts brought the highest quality of healthcare to women in the region. She is a noteworthy geologist and worked in various sectors, including finance and energy industries. In 2023, she was inducted into the Duncan Area Arts Hall of Fame and currently serves on the Oklahoma Arts Institute Foundation board of directors.

Edie Roodman, of Oklahoma City, is executive director of the Oklahoma Israel Exchange and former executive director of the Jewish Federation of Oklahoma City. With a deep commitment to public service and advocacy, Roodman has made great contributions to the state of Oklahoma through her work with non-profits to implement support programming for women re-entering the job market. In addition, she has collaborated with counseling departments to maximize delivery of counseling and other job services available to women.

Jane Semple Umsted, of Durant, is a world-renowned artist, educator, and community leader from the Choctaw Nation, whose career has contributed to elevating the profile of both women and Native American people in Oklahoma. Umsted’s artistic work, inspired by her heritage and culture, is prominently displayed in Oklahoma museums, businesses, and homes. Currently, she serves on the Institute of American Indian Arts board of trustees, appointed by President Joe Biden.

Crystal Stovall, of Tulsa, is co-founder of the Stovall Center for Entrepreneurship, which awards undergraduate degrees at Oral Roberts University, and the Stovall Foundation that provides scholarships for students. She co-founded the Emmy Award-winning Narrative Television Network, which makes movies, TV shows and educational programming accessible to 13 million blind and visually impaired Americans and their families. She serves on the Tulsa Ballet Board of Directors and is Chair of the $16 million Preserving the Legacy Campaign.

Molly Wehrenberg, of Edmond, is a former nurse and Spanish translator for eye surgeons doing surgery on non-English speaking patients. As a leader in helping to refurbish the Oklahoma acre at Valley Forge Medal of Honor Grove in Pennsylvania, Wehrenberg’s efforts brought nationwide attention to the women and men from Oklahoma who served our nation and received the highest military decoration. She previously served as a Commissioner on the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women.

After being established in 1982 by then-Gov. George Nigh, the 2024 inductees will add to the current 141 women who have been inducted into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame since 1983.

Co-Chair and Commissioner Barresi added, “The ceremony will include the presentation of the Guardian Award to an Oklahoma elected official, and the Kate Barnard award to a woman who exemplifies excellence in public service. The Commission looks forward to honoring these state officials at the event. It will be a special time to celebrate Oklahomans making a difference in the lives of women!”

Event sponsorship levels for the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame can be found at WHOF Sponsorship Response or visit the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women website at www.oklahoma.gov/ocsw.