The Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women will celebrate its 30th anniversary while inducting seven women into the county’s Women’s Hall of Fame during a ceremony August 25 at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center.
- The free event begins with a reception and cash bar at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program at 6:30 p.m. Past commission members are invited to attend and share their memories of the organization’s three-decade history. Attendees must RSVP at occsweventrsvp@gmail.com.
Since the first Women’s Hall of Fame ceremony in 1995, the commission has inducted 147 women who have made important contributions to Okaloosa County. This year’s inductees represent diverse fields of service across the community.
Peggy Brockman will be inducted in the Business Professional category. A community leader with more than 30 years of service in Okaloosa County, Brockman founded Bring Hope Now and champions youth mental health, suicide prevention and domestic violence support. She has earned multiple awards for her advocacy, leadership and commitment to empowering women and youth.
The Education category posthumously honors Martha “Jenny” Hamilton, who dedicated more than 35 years to shaping young lives at Choctawhatchee High School as an educator, cheer sponsor and student activities director. Known for her compassion, high standards and support of students and staff, she built a legacy of leadership, spirit and service.
Helen Harris receives the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts inductee recognition as president of ADSO, which promotes artistic development to the public, nonprofit organizations and schools. She owns HH Arts, which hosts artist studios, classes and a gallery, and serves as a meeting place for Okaloosa Public Arts, developers of the Heron Project.
Sherry Harlow earns Pioneer inductee status as a retired marketing and public relations manager with 45 years at Eglin Federal Credit Union. A founding member of the Emerald Coast PR Organization, she remains active in Okaloosa Saves and a national financial education organization while sponsoring scholarships and performing military financial programs at Eglin Air Force Base for 20 years.
Kay Rasmussen will be recognized as the Military inductee. The associate director of One Okaloosa EDC is a national board-certified economic developer with more than 20 years of service as a military liaison. She has secured hundreds of millions in federal funds, led defense initiatives, influenced national policy and advanced partnerships benefiting military readiness, infrastructure, community relations and environmental sustainability.
Eloise Stevens receives the Community Service inductee honor as a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel with 20 years of distinguished service, including during Desert Storm. The dedicated community leader mentors youth, leads Bible studies, organizes voter drives and champions women’s health, senior safety and education.
Donna Tashik will be inducted as the Carolyn Spencer Humanitarian recipient. A community leader with more than 16 years of experience serving vulnerable populations, she serves as executive director of Fresh Start for Children & Families, empowering homeless families toward self-sufficiency. Her dedication, leadership and advocacy continue to transform lives and build stronger communities along the Emerald Coast.
