News Summary
Governor Ron DeSantis has revealed the three inductees for the 2025 Florida Women’s Hall of Fame. The honored women—Belle Yates Bear, Mary Brickell, and Dotti Groover-Skipper—have made significant contributions to Florida’s growth in philanthropy, community service, and social advocacy, showcasing the impact women have on the state.
Florida, Tallahassee – Governor Ron DeSantis has officially announced the three esteemed inductees for the 2025 Florida Women’s Hall of Fame. The chosen individuals are Belle Yates Bear, Mary Brickell, and Dotti Groover-Skipper. Each has been recognized for their significant contributions to the state and its communities, emphasizing the impact women have had on Florida’s development and social landscape.
Every year, the Florida Commission on the Status of Women recommends candidates for this honor, and the governor ultimately selects three individuals to be inducted based on their achievements and service to the state.
Belle Yates Bear
Belle Yates Bear is a prominent philanthropist and the principal of the Bear Family Foundation. She has made substantial contributions to the communities of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Bear co-founded IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, an organization that has granted over $17.5 million to local non-profit organizations since its inception in 2004. Her commitment to community service is further demonstrated through her roles on various boards, including the YMCA of Northwest Florida, the Arc Gateway Foundation, and the Junior League of Pensacola.
Bear’s influence extends to education and workforce development through the founding of the Program for the Advancement of Learning and Success (PALS), which aims to assist individuals with disabilities. Her many accolades include the Florida Senate Presidential Medal and the Pensacola Chamber’s Pioneer Award for lifetime achievement in community service. Additionally, she has served on the Governor’s Mansion Commission, further solidifying her impact in Florida’s philanthropic and social arenas.
Mary Brickell
The late Mary Brickell, who passed away in 1922, is celebrated as one of the co-founders of Miami and is often referred to as the “Mother of Miami.” Her arrival in South Florida in 1871 marked the beginning of her instrumental role in the area’s early development. Brickell acquired over 2,000 acres along the Miami River and engaged in various initiatives that laid the foundation for the city.
Brickell opened the first post office, bank, and general store in Miami, facilitating essential services for early residents. Her efforts were pivotal in securing the arrival of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway, which was crucial for Miami’s growth. Additionally, during the 1873 typhoid outbreak, she opened her home as a makeshift hospital, showcasing her commitment to community welfare and public health during a time of crisis.
Dotti Groover-Skipper
Dotti Groover-Skipper is recognized for her tireless advocacy against human trafficking. She currently serves as the Anti-Trafficking Director at The NOMORE Foundation and chairs the Board of Directors for the SAFE Alliance of Tampa Bay. Throughout her career, Groover-Skipper has contributed to several boards, including the Florida Board of Massage Therapy and the Hillsborough County Commission on Human Trafficking, demonstrating her deep involvement in social justice initiatives.
As the founder of the HeartDance Foundation, Groover-Skipper focuses on helping individuals recover from exploitation, addiction, and trauma. Her dedication to this critical issue has been recognized with the 2024 Women Who Win Award from Tampa Bay Business and Wealth magazine and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. Groover-Skipper has played an influential role in shaping both state and national anti-trafficking policies while actively driving community action and legislative reforms.
The induction of these three remarkable women into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame highlights their legacy and lasting impact on the state. Their contributions span philanthropy, community service, and social advocacy, reflecting the diverse ways women have shaped Florida and continue to inspire future generations.
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Additional Resources
- TBBW Magazine: Women Inducted into Florida Women’s Hall of Fame
- Wikipedia: Florida Women’s Hall of Fame
- Islander News: Mary Brickell Inducted into Florida Women’s Hall of Fame
- Pensacola News Journal: Belle Yates Bear Enshrined in Florida Women’s Hall of Fame
- Florida Governor: Governor Ron DeSantis Selects Inductees for Florida Women’s Hall of Fame
- Google Search: Florida Women’s Hall of Fame
