Governor Ron DeSantis announces the induction of three trailblazing women into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame for their extraordinary service and historic contributions
Tallahassee, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the names of three remarkable women who will be inducted into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame in 2025. The honorees — Belle Yates Bear, Mary Brickell, and Dotti Groover-Skipper — were chosen for their impactful contributions to their communities and their lasting legacy on the state of Florida. The selections were made based on recommendations from the Florida Commission on the Status of Women, which annually submits a shortlist of nominees for final approval by the Governor.
The Florida Women’s Hall of Fame exists to recognize women who have made significant and lasting contributions to the improvement of life for women and all citizens of Florida. This year’s inductees represent three very different yet equally inspiring paths of service — from civic leadership and philanthropy, to pioneering urban development, to frontline activism in the fight against human trafficking.
Belle Yates Bear: A Life Dedicated to Community Empowerment
Belle Yates Bear has made a lifelong commitment to public service in northwest Florida. She serves as a Principal of the Bear Family Foundation and has used her position to drive countless community initiatives in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. She is best known for being a founding member of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, an organization that has provided substantial grants to local nonprofits with a mission to improve lives through collective giving.
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Bear’s service portfolio is long and diverse. She helped launch Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida and held board positions at the YMCA of Northwest Florida, the Arc Gateway Foundation, and the Junior League of Pensacola. One of her most noteworthy achievements is the creation of the Program for the Advancement of Learning and Success, also known as PALS — a partnership with Pensacola State College that supports job training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Over the years, Bear’s work has been widely recognized. She received the Florida Senate Presidential Medal from former Senate President Don Gaetz, was named the Pensacola Blue Wahoos Community Player of the Year, and earned the Pensacola Chamber’s Pioneer Award for lifetime achievement in community service.
Mary Brickell: A Foundational Force in the Birth of Miami
Though she passed away in 1922, Mary Brickell’s legacy continues to shape the city of Miami today. Often referred to as the “Mother of Miami,” Brickell was one of the city’s earliest visionaries. She and her husband arrived in South Florida in 1871, purchasing over 2,000 acres of land along the Miami River. Through this land acquisition and the couple’s tireless efforts, they helped lay the foundation for one of Florida’s most iconic urban centers.
Mary Brickell was not just a landowner but also a community builder. She was involved in the creation of essential services like Miami’s first post office, bank, and general store. During the 1873 typhoid outbreak, she opened her home as a makeshift hospital to care for those in need — an act of compassion that reflected her deep commitment to the welfare of others.
In partnership with fellow pioneer Julia Tuttle, Brickell helped secure the arrival of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway in Miami. By selling key parcels of land to Flagler, she played a pivotal role in transforming Miami into a thriving city. Her strategic vision and generous spirit have earned her a permanent place in Florida’s history.
Dotti Groover-Skipper: A Tireless Advocate for Human Rights
Dotti Groover-Skipper is a well-known voice in Florida’s anti-human trafficking efforts. She serves as the Anti-Trafficking Director at The NOMORE Foundation and chairs the SAFE Alliance of Tampa Bay Board of Directors. Her extensive background in advocacy and policy work has helped shape Florida’s response to human trafficking and support survivors in reclaiming their lives.
She is also a member of the Florida Board of Massage Therapy and has previously served on several key advisory councils, including the Statewide Drug Policy Advisory Council and the Hillsborough County Commission on Human Trafficking. Her tireless dedication has earned her several awards, including the 2024 Women Who Win Award from Tampa Bay Business and Wealth Magazine and the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister.
In addition to her policy work, Groover-Skipper founded the HeartDance Foundation, a nonprofit that uses faith-based guidance to support survivors of trauma, addiction, and exploitation. Her personal mission has always centered on healing, empowerment, and transformation — ideals she has championed in communities across the state.
Honoring Florida’s Legacy Through Leadership
“These women represent the very best of Florida — visionaries, leaders, and tireless servants of their communities,” said Governor Ron DeSantis in his announcement. “Their contributions have made our state stronger, more compassionate, and more resilient.”
Through the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame, the state continues to shine a light on individuals who have changed the course of history in Florida through service, innovation, and unshakable commitment to the public good. This year’s inductees reflect a broad spectrum of influence, and their stories will now be preserved for generations to come.
With these selections, the state honors not just the achievements of three exceptional women but also the ideals of progress, community, and justice that they embody.
