Celebrating Women Awards
The Celebrating Women Awards has been an ongoing tradition for GVSU for many years, and a longtime collaboration between the Women's Commission, Positive Black Women, the Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and the Center for Women and Gender Equity.
Congratulations to our 2025 Celebrating Women Awards winners:
- Emerging Professional Award: Bailey Pudlowski, Community Director, Housing & Residence Life
- Unsung Hero Award: Keigh-Cee Bell, Director of Tutoring and Supplemental Instruction
- Jennifer Palm Community Impact Award: Hannah Scholten, Program Advisor, TRIO Teacher Preparation, Student Support Services
- Maxine Swanson Advocacy Award: DL McKinney, Director, Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center
- Jean Enright Women and Gender Studies Scholarship: Kennedy Betancourt
- Positive Black Women Scholarship
- Leya Shekanena
- TaNyla Billips
- Maisha Marriott
- Mickeal Harlan
- Makia Hill
- Amani Hurt
- Scarlett Kihn
- Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity Student Recognition
- Mounika Pentukar
- Lilah Wolfer
How are winners chosen?
Once the nomination window closes, the Women’s Commission Leadership Team and the Celebrating Women Awards Committee independently review all materials and vote on the recipients. The voting process is blind to help ensure fairness and equity for all nominees.
2025 Celebrating Women Awards Photos
“She sprinkles kindness around like confetti! She is inclusive and empowers others.”
—
Anonymous
“To all the women who inspire me, challenge me, encourage me, and fill my cup - it is a joy and HONOR to serve our students alongside you!”
—
Anonymous
“I'd like to commend my colleague [...], for the culture of care she has built. Through her advocacy, she creates spaces where people can be their full selves. She brings joy and service into everything, from small acts of kindness to lasting, larger efforts.”
—
Anonymous
Nominations are closed for the 2025 Celebrating Women Awards. Stay tuned for more information on submitting your 2026 award nominations!
|
Award |
Presented By |
Criteria |
Due Date |
Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Emerging Professional Award |
Women's Commission |
- Contributes to an environment that supports the rights of women - Seeks to create opportunities for interaction among women |
September 1 |
|
|
Unsung Hero Award |
Women's Commission |
- Contribution to the mission, vision, and values at GV - Positively impacts GV and/or the surrounding community from behind the scenes - Improves lives of others through generous acts of kindness |
September 1 |
|
|
Jennifer Palm Community Impact Award |
Women's Commission |
- Contribution to the advancement of women at GV and/or the community - Empowers and/or inspires other women as a mentor, role model, or friend - Commitment to community service |
September 1 |
|
|
Maxine Swanson Advocacy Award |
Women's Commission |
- Contributes to an environment that supports the rights of all women at GV - Creates opportunities for interaction among all women on campus |
September 1 |
|
|
Barbara Jordan Award |
Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies |
- Lasting and profound contributions in the areas of women’s learning, scholarship, and leadership |
March 1 |
|
|
Jean Enright Scholarship Award |
Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies |
- A degree-seeking junior or senior majoring or minoring in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies - Demonstrated participation in community and/or campus service that is centered on gender equity |
March 1 |
|
|
Positive Black Women Scholarship |
Positive Black Women |
- Any current GV student that has made a significant service-related contribution to African-American women or girls and/or a demonstrated commitment to African American Women’s issues |
March 1 |
|
|
Outstanding Student Award |
The Gayle R. Davis Center for Women & Gender Equity |
- Any current GV junior or senior who demonstrates a commitment to gender justice |
Typically Sometime Winter Semester |
Contact the Center for Women and Gender Equity for more information |