The WHOF recognizes the life-time accomplishments of diverse women whose documented history of professional or volunteer work has made exceptional contributions to the San Diego region and beyond. Recognition is accomplished through an induction ceremony and presentation of an award to the recipient as well as the holding of the individual’s name and record of accomplishments in a permanent archive held in the collection of the Women’s Museum of California.

​

The WHOF was established in 2001 by Sue Gonda and Olivia Puentes-Reynolds to establish a way for local women to be recognized for their achievements and to be remembered for their achievements in history. It was also established to raise community awareness of the roles of women in creating San Diego County and impacting greater society as a whole.

​

The WHOF operates as a program of the Women’s Museum of California in partnership with the San Diego State University Department of Women’s Studies and the San Diego County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.