This annual award, established in 2016, is presented to an emerging professional who has already made significant contributions toward leadership in support of the rights of women at Grand Valley State University. The Emerging Professional Award will be presented at the annual Women’s Commission Celebrating Women Awards Ceremony.

Nominations are encouraged from all employment groups at Grand Valley. The nomination and selection process is confidential. Please do not notify the candidate of your decision to nominate them. Any member of the Grand Valley community may be nominated for this award, and will be judged in part on these qualifications:

• Contribution to an environment that supports the rights of all women at Grand Valley State University
• Commitment to working in partnership with the University on the development of policies that remove barriers which impede women's learning, professional growth, creativity, employment, and society
• Promotion and  creation of opportunities for interaction among all women on campus

This list is not intended to be inclusive, but rather to give some measure of excellence. The nominee need not excel in all areas. The contribution can be in the recent past or over a longer period of time.

2019 - Amanda Syers

2018 - Jessica Tuzinowski

2016 - Allison Montaie