Seven local women will be inducted - including two posthumously - into the Western New York Women's Hall of Fame on Thursday, Mar. 27, 2003, at an 11:30 a.m. luncheon in their honor in the Grand Ballroom of the Adams Mark. They will join 53 women inducted in previous years.

The winners of the annual Western New York Women's Hall of Fame Creative Contests open to high school students, and Outstanding High School Girls will also be recognized at the annual event, sponsored by Project FLIGHT, Buffalo State College, Business First, Key Bank and MTL-ACTS Consumer Products Services Division of Bureau Veritas.

Established by the Western New York Women's History Committee, the Western New York Women's Hall of Fame recognizes women who have achieved high distinction and demonstrated commitment of service to the Western New York community.

Since 1994, the Women's History Committee, chaired by Dr. Geraldine Bard, co-director of Project FLIGHT and professor of English at Buffalo State College, has organized regional events during the month of March that focus on women's issues. Dr. Gail Staines of the Western New York Library Resource Council chaired this year's luncheon committee. A. Laura Brosnahan and Florence Baugh co-chaired this year's Hall of Fame selection committee.

"Once again, we meet to induct an outstanding group of women pioneers whose collective works have had a major positive influence on life in Western New York. We are proud to be able to recognize these women during Women's History Month, and proud to carry on their tradition," Dr. Bard said.

This year's Western New York Women's Hall of Fame inductees are:

? Alice Mae Jemison, a Native American politician, activist and journalist, who will receive the award posthumously. An adamant defender of Native American rights who was born on the Seneca's Cattaraugus Indian Reservation into a politically active family, Jemison began her public career in the defense of two Indian women accused of murder in Buffalo. She continued as a columnist for the North American Indian Newspaper Alliance and a lobbyist for the Seneca Nation of Indians in Washington, D.C. Her defense of Indian treaty rights and the sovereignty of Indian nations put her at odds with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and allied her with unpopular fringe organizations exploiting Indian discontent. To some of her contemporaries, she was controversial, but to advocates of Native American rights, she is a hero.

? Anne W. Bunis, a Russian immigrant, entrepreneur and founder of the Sample Shop, who will receive the award posthumously. A dressmaker, designer, entrepreneur, wife and mother, she did it all in an era when women were not supposed to. A native of Russia, as a young girl she worked as a seamstress to help support her siblings, and as a young wife and mother, she put her talents for retail to work in the family's flat on Hertel Avenue, selling off-price dresses to a growing clientele. The enterprise became the first Sample Shop. The business grew to more than a dozen stores. In retirement, she put her extraordinary talents to work for dozens of community organizations.

? Bertha Skinner Laura, an educator, social worker, administrator and community activist, whose personal and professional life has been defined by her need to help people help themselves. As a young social worker and educator in 1966, she developed a pioneering infant day care center for unwed mothers. She helped develop a comprehensive service that eventually reduced teen pregnancy in Buffalo and Erie County. The University at Buffalo educator and administrator trained hundreds of aspiring social workers. She was the first African American women to serve as president of the Health Care Plan board of directors and the first chair of the Community Health Foundation of Western and Central New York.

? Brenda Williams McDuffie, president and chief executive officer of the Buffalo Urban League, who is known for her passionate commitment to the Western New York community, especially those within it who need a helping hand. As a dedicated professional working with an array of public service organizations, from the American Red Cross to the United Way to Legal Aid, she has extended her warmth and compassion as well as a helping hand. The former executive director of the Buffalo and Erie County Private Industry Council continues to enhance the quality of life in this community.

? Gloria R. Lucker, president and chief executive officer of Optimal Therapy Associate Services, who created an innovative occupational therapy program that has benefited hundreds of rural residents and disabled school children. She has supported countless women and minorities and aspiring businesswomen through the local chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. She is active in community service through her leadership role in organizations such as the Everywoman Opportunity Center and the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women.

? Denise E. O'Donnell, former U.S. attorney and partner in Hodgson Russ, who is regarded by her associates in the legal community as one of its greatest assets. The first woman to serve as United States attorney for the state's Western District, she is known for her energy and dedication to her profession and community. A former vice chair of the Attorney General's Advisory Committee in Washington, D.C., her influence has extended beyond Western New York.

? Myrna F. Young, executive director of the Everywomen Opportunity Center, who has opened the door to productive and rewarding lives for thousands of displaced homemakers, single mothers and disadvantaged women. The program serves as a model for others throughout the state and has gained national recognition. Young's also helped found the Niagara Frontier National Women's Political Caucus and the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women.