Delaware Office of Women's Advancement & Advocacy

06/01/2026

Congratulations to the Delaware Human Resources - OWAA intern Jadyn Gross, on completing her Master of Public Administration through the University of Delaware’s 4+1 program!

OWAA is incredibly proud of Jadyn and all she has accomplished throughout her academic journey. From studying abroad in Rome and London as a University of Delaware World Scholar to her work focused on public service, equity, nonprofit management, and policy research, Jadyn has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to improving communities and advocating for others.

During her time with us, Jadyn contributed meaningful policy research aimed at improving outcomes for women and girls in Delaware, and she also completed a thoughtful capstone project examining prevention resources and support systems for girls across the state. Jadyn’s passion, talent, and dedication have already made an impact, and we know she will go on to do amazing things. Congratulations, Jadyn! We can’t wait to see what’s next for you!

06/01/2026

This June, during National Survivors Month, the Delaware Department of Human Resources – Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy (OWAA) recognizes and honors the strength, resilience, and courage of survivors across our communities.
We remain committed to advancing equity, amplifying voices, and fostering a Delaware where all women and girls can live with dignity, safety, and opportunity.
Together, we stand in support, advocacy, and hope for healing and empowerment.

05/31/2026

Throughout this month, we’ve shared information to help women better understand the signs, risks, and steps they can take to protect their health. From mental health and life stages to autoimmune diseases and bone and joint health, one message remains clear: knowledge, prevention, and access to care matter.

Women’s health is a lifelong priority.

As part of our mission to advance equity and improve the quality of life for women in Delaware through advocacy, education, and access to resources, OWAA is committed to ensuring women have the information and support needed to make informed health decisions.

Take action today:
✔ Schedule your annual check-up or wellness exam
✔ Ask your provider about screenings, including bone density tests or autoimmune evaluations
✔ Don’t ignore ongoing symptoms—early conversations matter
✔ Encourage a friend, mother, or loved one to make an appointment too

If you haven’t already, review and share the resources and statistics highlighted throughout May’s Women’s Health Awareness campaign. Awareness can empower not only individuals, but entire communities.

Together, we can continue to uplift, inform, and support women’s health, this month and every month.

05/30/2026

Healthy aging STARTS NOW.

The habits women and girls build throughout life, including during the teenage years and puberty, can influence mental wellness, heart health, bone strength, mobility, and cognitive health later in life.
Puberty, hormonal changes, stress, and life transitions can all impact emotional and physical well-being, making support, education, and healthy habits especially important at every age.

PREVENTION is not just about living longer; it’s about LIVING STRONGER, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Healthy Aging & Wellness Tips:
• Aim for 150 minutes of weekly activity
• Eat calcium-, fiber-, and nutrient-rich foods
• Maintain healthy sleep habits
• Support your mental health and manage stress
• Reduce to***co and harmful substance use
• Stay current on preventive screenings and wellness visits
• Encourage open conversations about physical and emotional health

Together, we can continue to uplift, inform, and support the health of women and girls at every stage of life.


Source: womenshealth.gov | Delaware DHSS | FDA Office on Women’s Health

05/29/2026

Stages of Menopause

Did you know menopause happens in stages? Understanding the stages and signs can help women seek support earlier and advocate for their health.

🔹 Premenopause
The reproductive years before menopause-related hormonal changes begin. While cycles are generally regular, some women may already begin noticing subtle hormonal shifts or health changes over time.

🔹 Perimenopause: The transition period that can begin years before menopause. Hormone changes may cause intense symptoms that impact work, sleep, mood, and overall quality of life.

🔹 Menopause: Officially diagnosed after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle.

Did you know? Women may spend nearly one-third of their lives after menopause, making healthy aging and preventive care especially important.

🔹 Postmenopause: The years after menopause, when women may continue experiencing symptoms and face increased risks related to bone and heart health.

Helpful wellness tips during any stage include:
✔ Staying physically active
✔ Prioritizing sleep
✔ Eating calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods
✔ Managing stress
✔ Talking with a healthcare provider about symptoms and treatment options

No two women experience menopause the same way. Some women may have mild symptoms, while others face severe physical and emotional challenges that disrupt daily living.

Awareness and education are essential, because women deserve access to informed care, support systems, and policies that recognize the real impact of menopause.





Sources:
CDC – Healthy Aging for Women Over 50
Office on Women’s Health – Menopause
National Institute on Aging – What Is Menopause?
Office on Women’s Health – Early or Premature Menopause

05/29/2026

Quick check-in: How are you really doing today?

Not the “I’m fine” answer—the REAL one.

Life moves fast, and sometimes we don’t pause to ask ourselves this simple question.

At Dept of Human Resources - Office of Women's Advancement & Advocacy (OWAA), we believe supporting women starts with listening.

Drop ONE word in the comments that describes how you’re feeling today.

No judgment. Just community. We’re here with you, ALWAYS.

05/28/2026

CELEBRATING DELAWARE WOMEN who are making history, and their stories deserve to be heard.

We’re proud that the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame, presented by DHR, Office of Women’s Advancement & Advocacy (OWAA) was recently featured on DPM - WDDE Radio 91.1 FM, and we couldn’t be more excited to share this moment with our community!

The Hall of Fame honors extraordinary Delaware women whose leadership, courage, and contributions continue to open doors for future generations.

Their stories matter. Their impact matters. Their legacy matters. A special heartfelt thank you to the memory of Mrs. Charlotte Miller-Lacy.

🎧 Listen to the interview here:
https://www.delawarepublic.org/show/the-green/2026-05-15/enlighten-me-delaware-womens-hall-of-fame-seeks-to-celebrate-prominent-women

From our office, thank you for helping us celebrate the voices, achievements, and legacies of Delaware women.

We occasionally take time on The Green to highlight work by student journalists. This week, we offer a piece produced by Delaware State Univ. senior and Delaware Public Media intern Joyce KasiamaFor this week’s Enlighten Me, Joyce takes a closer look at one way the First State honors female leader...

05/28/2026

Our office was honored to attend the commemoration recognizing the legacy of the historic Brown v. Board of Education decision alongside community leaders, former students at the historic Hockessin Colored School , and advocates for educational equity.

This meaningful event served as a reminder of the courage, resilience, and perseverance of those who helped advance equal access to education and civil rights for future generations. The preservation of Hockessin Colored School continues to stand as an important symbol of history, progress, and community strength. (Www.107c.org)

We remain committed to uplifting opportunities for all women, girls, families, and communities through education, advocacy, and equity.

(Some pics compliments of Wilmington City Council)

05/27/2026

As our office continues to celebrate the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Inductee, Charlotte Miller-Lacy, we are honored to share this special tribute picture reel and her original Hall of Fame induction write-up, highlighting her inspiring story, accomplishments, and lasting impact.

Charlotte Miller-Lacy is a passionate, purpose-driven entrepreneur, visionary leader, author, and speaker. She is the Founder and National Executive Director of I Am My Sister’s Keeper (IAMMSK) and the MSK Community Center. Founded in Wilmington, Delaware in 2015, IAMMSK is a collective of diverse women dedicated to guiding girls and women through holistic programs that foster responsibility, resilience, and respect. With chapters in Dover, Milford, and Chester, PA, IAMMSK has supported thousands through mentorship, travel, and socio-economic resources.

In 2022, Charlotte launched the MSK Community Center in Wilmington’s Hedgeville neighborhood, which also serves as IAMMSK’s National Headquarters. It provides a safe haven and hub of programs focused on education, wellness, and life skills for all ages. Together, IAMMSK and MSK bridge the gap between home, school, and community through strong partnerships and volunteers.

Charlotte’s impact has earned her numerous honors, including the 2025 Delaware Online Most Influential in Community Impact, 2024 High Impact Leadership Award, and President Joe Biden’s 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award for over 4,000 hours of service.

Charlotte is a devoted wife to David L. Lacy for 25 years, proud mother of six, and grandmother of ten. Fondly known in her community as "Momma Lacy," she is cherished for her nurturing spirit and dedication to lifting others up. Her journey is guided by five core principles: Faith, Family, Friends, Persistence, and a Positive Attitude. Charlotte’s enduring legacy is seen in the countless young women and men who return to IAMMSK and the MSK Community Center as volunteers and staff–continuing the cycle of giving back and strengthening their community.

05/27/2026

“Women Experience Disease Differently”

Women do not always experience disease the same way men do, and recognizing those differences can save lives.

Heart disease, the leading cause of death in women, is often underrecognized because symptoms may look different than the “classic” signs commonly seen in men. While men often report chest pain, women may experience fatigue, nausea, dizziness, jaw pain, or shortness of breath.

Autoimmune diseases also disproportionately affect women.
• Conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are more common in women and are frequently misdiagnosed as stress, anxiety, or normal aging.
• Osteoporosis is another condition that primarily affects women due to hormonal changes after menopause.

Too often, women’s symptoms are minimized, misunderstood, or diagnosed later than men’s, delaying treatment and increasing long-term health risks.

Knowing the signs and advocating for care matters.
Prevention & Early Detection:
• Know family health history
• Track symptoms and changes
• Maintain regular checkups
• Discuss menopause and hormone changes with providers
• Seek care early when symptoms feel “off”