13th annual Louise Daniel Women’s History Luncheon to be held Aug. 25

How far have women come socially, politically, and economically since they gained the right to vote in 1920? Dr. Lloyd Potter, Texas State Demographer, will discuss this question at the 13th Annual Louise Daniel Women’s History Luncheon, Friday, Aug. 25, at 11:30 a.m., at the Amarillo Botanical Garden Ballroom.

Panhandle women judges will also be celebrated at this luncheon. “ There are 71 Judgeships filled by women in our 26-county area,” said Sonya Letson, former Amarillo Municipal Judge. “For significant,” she added.

In addition, the luncheon always recognizes Women’s Equality Day, which Congress set for Aug. 26, in 1973. “It's very important to recognize Women's Equality Day after Congress designated it to commemorate the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution that enabled women to vote. This day is intended to recognize the ongoing struggle for equal rights, and it's a great time to reflect, discuss, learn and inspire each other to keep working toward that goal,” Claudia Stravato, chairwoman of the luncheon, said.

Dr. Potter, the guest speaker, was appointed State Demographer in 2010. He holds a Ph.D., in Demography and Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Public Health degree from Emory University, a Master of Science in Education from the University of Houston at Clear Lake, and a Bachelor of Science from Texas A & M University. He is a professor in the Department of Demography at The University of Texas at San Antonio where he also serves as the Director of the Institute for Demographic and Socioeconomic research (IDSER). He has extensive experience working as an applied demographer in several settings.

Two Amarillo College women students have been awarded the Louise Daniel Luncheon scholarship this year, Evelyn Minjares and Kaydence Shaw. They will be recognized at the luncheon, Stravato said. The Annual Louise Daniel Luncheon was established in her honor to educate young women and reflect on the struggles for equality in the workplace and the role of women in public life.

“Women have long served this nation by working to clear barriers, enforce laws, implement new ideas, and change people’s attitudes. The luncheon provides $1,000 scholarships to two women attending Amarillo College each year,” Stravato said.

Louise Daniel, 1933-2003, a graduate of Amarillo College and West Texas State University, dedicated 36 years to introducing young students at Olsen Park Elementary to the magic of science. Through her many civic duties, Louise contributed her time, energy, intellect and enthusiasm to Amarillo, its citizens and its children. Her high expectations of excellence in community development projects raised the benchmark for performance among non-profit agencies.

Louise Daniel was a community leader, and an accomplished photographer. She specialized in wide angle pictures of the Panhandle landscape, especially of playa lakes. One of her framed playa lake photographs will be raffled at the luncheon, Stravato said. “When on sees the vistas of the Panhandle captured in panoramic view, one certainly can identify that work as one by Louise Daniel,” Stravato added.

For more information, or to make a reservation, contact Kay Porter at 214-455-1143, or Claudia Stravato at 806-626-2452. Reservations will be taken through Aug. 18.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: 13th Louise Daniel Women’s History Luncheon to be held Aug. 25