About the El Paso Commission for Women
The El Paso Commission for Women was founded with a mission to pursue a positive course of action toward achieving equal rights and responsibilities for women in our community. We are committed to recognizing, understanding, and respecting the cultural and ethnic diversity of the women we serve, and we strive to be a model of plurality and inclusiveness in all that we do.
Our Origins: A National Legacy of Advocacy
In 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed Executive Order 10980, establishing the first Presidential Commission on the Status of Women. Chaired by former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and vice-chaired by Esther Peterson of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau, the Commission was formed to advise on critical issues facing women nationwide. Inspired by this national effort, many states and municipalities—including Texas—began forming their own women’s commissions.
Establishing the El Paso Commission for Women
In the fall of 1984, two El Paso women serving on the Texas Governor’s Commission for Women were tasked with forming a local extension that would address the unique needs of women in the El Paso region. They engaged with diverse community groups and individuals to assess local interest—and the response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic.
A committee was soon formed to draft bylaws, and on January 6, 1985, the El Paso Commission for Women was officially established. From the beginning, the organization chose to operate independently, not under the governance of city or county structures, in order to retain a focused and community-driven mission.
Honoring Women: The Hall of Fame
As part of its ongoing efforts to recognize women’s achievements, the Commission launched the El Paso Commission for Women Hall of Fame Banquet in 1990. This prestigious annual event celebrates women in El Paso County who have made lasting and meaningful contributions in various sectors, including:
Arts – Creative/performing artists, authors, poets, or significant arts contributors
Business – Leaders with lasting impact in the business sector
Civic Leadership – Humanitarian, civic, or historic preservation leaders
Education – Educators, administrators, or board members with lasting impact
Military / Military Spouses – Military or military community leaders
Professional – Professionals with outstanding community impact
Public Service – Elected/appointed officials making a community impact
Science / Health Care – Leaders in research, healthcare, or science
Social Media / Technology / PR – Influential contributions in these areas
Sports / Athletics – Lasting impact through sports or athletics
Volunteer – Significant uncompensated contributions to the community
Community Activist – Agents of change through awareness, advocacy, or action
Since its inception, the Hall of Fame has served as a powerful platform to elevate the voices and accomplishments of exceptional women. Each year, honorees are recognized at a formal banquet, and their names are permanently displayed at both El Paso City Hall and the El Paso County Courthouse—ensuring their legacies continue to inspire future generations.
