Our Inductees for 2020

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Trailblazer:  Congresswoman Susan Davis

Susan Davis, civic servant since the 1970s through the League of Women Voters, San Diego School Board, State Assembly, and U.S. Congress, has authored laws expanding patient rights, women’s rights and improving educational programs. 

Historian: Iris Engstrand

                Dr. Iris Engstrand, history faculty at University of San Diego since 1968, has published extensively about both San Diego and California history; she has been editor of the Journal of San Diego History and has led numerous museum and historical organizations. 

Activist:  Kathi Anderson

Kathi Anderson’s international and counseling expertise led her to co-found and lead Survivors of Torture, International (SURVIVORS), a non-profit agency assisting survivors and educating the public; she has worked on many boards locally, nationally and internationally.

Empowerer:  Nola Butler Byrd

                Dr. Nola Butler Byrd, Ph.D. is a scholar/activist at SDSU’s School of Education (Counseling and School Psychology and Director, Community-Based Block Program). Her  multiculturalism focus frames her national and local social justice work such as with  National Conference for Community and Justice (formerly National Conference for Christians and Jews).

Bridgebuilder: Dr. Lupe Buell

Dr. Lupe Buell, longtime member of MANA, a national Latina organization, served on its board and co-chairs several MANA initiatives.  She has devoted academic and civic efforts to improving culturally responsible teaching of English-language learners at all levels of education.

Spirit of the Hall of Fame: Dr. Sue Gonda and Olivia Puentes Reynolds

Together they are credited with founding the San Diego County Women’s Hall of Fame in 2001.

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Dr. Sue Gonda, historian of U.S. and women, teaches and holds leadership positions at Grossmont College and part-time, SDSU’s Women’s Studies.  As president of the Women’s Museum of California (1998-05), she created grants, exhibits, collaborations, and presentations. 

Olivia Puentes Reynolds, is a Chicana civic leader and activist who has served on numerous boards (often as president) locally and nationally, including MANA, Girls Scouts, and the Women’s Museum of California. She was Chair of the Hall of Fame Committee for several years.

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Thank you to MOXIE Theatre for producing this year's virtual event.

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We congratulate our 2020 Inductees and welcome them to the

San Diego County Women's Hall of Fame

     Photos of previous years event.