Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame honors Drewry N. Fennell

Recognized for her tireless pursuit of equality for all Delawareans, ChristianaCare’s Chief Communications and Experience Officer Drewry N. Fennell was inducted into the Delaware Commission for Women’s Hall of Fame for 2019 on October 17.

Fennell is responsible for leading communications strategy and philanthropic efforts in alignment with ChristianaCare’s strategic aims and serves as senior advisor to ChristianaCare President and CEO Janice E. Nevin, M.D., MPH.

“Every time Drew has to make a decision – every issue she’s involved with – is centered around how she can help others,” said former Delaware Gov. Jack Markell. “Her commitment and her drive to continue to make a difference for people throughout our state is inspirational and has truly saved lives.”

Fennell joined ChristianaCare in 2017 after serving as Delaware’s first female chief of staff under Markell, where she oversaw the work of 16 cabinet secretaries and other senior staff. Before becoming chief of staff, she served as policy director and deputy chief of staff.

In her letter to the Hall of Fame Committee and the Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy, Lisa Goodman, Esq., who is Fennell’s wife and nominated her for induction, enumerated some of Fennell’s accomplishments on behalf of Delawareans dealing with injustice and in need of strong advocacy, including the LGBTQ community, non-English speaking residents, and people who were previously incarcerated.

Fennell led a 10-year effort to pass non-discrimination legislation, championed prison reform laws, and led efforts to defeat anti-immigrant legislation, among dozens of other legislative accomplishments.

“Drew changes hearts and minds with good arguments, grace, personal courage and more implacable perseverance than anyone I’ve ever met,” said Goodman.

Several other Delaware women were inducted along with Fennell as 2019 Hall of Fame honorees.

Among those who joined the ranks were the late Blanche Williams Stubbs (1872-1952) for her activism in women’s suffrage and civil rights; Tania M. Culley, Esq., children’s rights activist; Maria Matos, president and CEO of the Latin American Community Center, for leadership in the nonprofit community; Superior Court Judge Jan Jurden, for her dedication to ensuring justice for all; and Marie Swajeski, founder of the Delaware Children’s Theatre, for innovation in defining the arts.