WDHOF was created in 1999 by six founding sponsors: Armand Zigahn (Beneath the Sea), Hillary Viders, Ph.D., Carol Rose (The Underwater Society of America), Captain Kathy Weydig, Jennifer King (Women’s Scuba Association), and Patty Mortara (Women Underwater). The goal of the Founders was to recognize and honor these accomplishments, while raising public awareness of these women’s exceptional contributions. Each founder has continued to play a huge role in WDHOF and been instrumental in it's evolution from the original concept into becoming one of the leading non-profit organizations in the diving community that it is today.