Lawson honored as Indiana Woman of Achievement by Ball State University

INDIANAPOLIS – A career devoted to public service and victim advocacy has resulted in State Rep. Linda Lawson (D-Hammond) being recognized as a 2015 Indiana Woman of Achievement by Ball State University’s College of Sciences & Humanities.

Lawson was among a distinguished group of women honored during a ceremony at Ball State on Wednesday (Oct. 14). Indiana Women of Achievement Award recipients are those who enrich the lives of others through their outstanding accomplishments in a variety of fields. This is the 16th year that the College of Sciences & Humanities has celebrated such achievements. Previous awardees have included judges, a university president, scientists, educators, business innovators, artists, community leaders, and public servants.

Lawson, who has served in the Indiana House since 1998, was honored for distinction in legislative leadership and victim advocacy.

During the program, it was noted that Lawson began her long career in public service when she broke the barriers to women in law enforcement as the first female to serve in the Hammond Police Department, then the first woman to be promoted to Captain in that department.

One of her nominators described Lawson as a “passionate and fearless advocate for women’s issues, including equal pay, prevention of violence against women, and preserving reproductive health.”

During her legislative career, Lawson has gained attention for such issues as creation of protection orders for victims of abuse, as well as strengthening laws against puppy mills.

She also became the first woman elected to lead a caucus, when her colleagues selected her as Indiana House Democratic Leader in 2012.

In nominating Lawson for the award, one person said, “Helping others is what led her to the Statehouse, and it is her mission.”