The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has announced that nominations for the 2009 Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame are now being accepted by the Governor’s Office for Women’s Initiatives and Outreach..

Established in 1978, the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame recognizes the many outstanding contributions Ohio women have made to their state and nation.

“The Women’s Hall of Fame is a great way to acknowledge the accomplishments of Ohio women who have set an example for their generation and generations to come,” said ODJFS Director Douglas Lumpkin.

Members of the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to excellence, achievement and service to others. More than 375 women have been inducted.

“We’re looking for extraordinary women who have made a difference and serve as an inspiration to others,” said Hollie Hinton, director of the Governor’s Office for Women’s Initiatives and Outreach “We are proud to celebrate and recognize their outstanding achievements through the Women’s Hall of Fame.”

Nominations for this years’ class will be reviewed by an appointed committee and forwarded to the Governor for confirmation. The Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame program is currently administered through a partnership between the Ohio Departments of Development and Job and Family Services, the Ohioana Library Association and the Governor’s Office for Women’s Initiatives and Outreach.

Nomination Criteria
Nominees must have been born in Ohio or lived in Ohio a minimum of five years.

Women will be evaluated on the scope and impact of the nominee’s verified achievements and the extent to which her efforts provide inspiration for other women.

A summary of the nominee’s achievements should include:

• A description of all significant accomplishments, including dates, the beneficiaries of these efforts and their local, statewide, national or international impact.
• An explanation of the uniqueness of the nominee’s contributions to the course of history to impact past, present or future generations, and how they provide an example for others.
• An account of how the achievement is or was unprecedented, unequaled, a first for women or an inspiration to others.
• A chronological listing of significant awards received by the nominee.

Selection criteria and a nomination form are available online at http://jfs.ohio.gov/women/.

Nomination forms must be returned no later than July 1 and should be submitted to the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame, Governor’s Office for Women’s Initiatives and Outreach, 77. S. High St., 30th floor, Columbus, Ohio 43202. They can also be e-mailed to women.policy@governor.ohio.gov or faxed to 614-466-9354.

The Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place this fall and will be free and open to the public. More details about the ceremony time and location will be forthcoming.

Other inquiries regarding the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame Program can be made by contacting the Ohio Department of Development, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Division, at (614) 466-2718.