Women's Commission Women's Community Impact Award
Award Description & Nomination Criteria
This annual award (formerly known as the Women's Impact Award) has been established by the Women’s Commission to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions for the advancement of women at GVSU and in the community. This award will honor an individual for contributions as a professional, volunteer, or agent of change. The Women’s Community Impact Award will be presented at the annual Women's Commission Celebrating Women Awards Ceremony.
Nominations are encouraged from all employment groups at the University. The nomination and selection process is confidential. Please do not notify the candidate of your decision to nominate them. Those chosen for the award will be notified prior to the event. Nominees must be current employees of Grand Valley and will be based on the following:
- Advocacy, beyond one’s job responsibilities, for gender equality in alignment with the mission of the Women’s Commission
- Commitment to improving the lives of women at Grand Valley and/or women and girls in the community
- Empowerment and inspiration of other women as a mentor, role model and/or friend
- Commitment to community service
- Demonstration of positive contributions to the lives of women and/or girls
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.
Past Women's Community Impact Award Recipients
2019 - Susan Howard
2018 - Casey Thelenwood
2017 - Allison Ford
2016 - Cara Obobock
2015 - Shorouq Almallah
2014 - Diane Rayor
2013- Mitzi Loving Johnson
2012 - Dr. Debra Ross & Pat Smith
2011 - Lois Smith Owens & Dana Munk
2010 - Ramya Ramanath & Barbara Bivens
2009 - Laurie Witucki
2008 - Karen Gipson & Carol Sanchez
2007 - Shelley Irwin & Coreen Pelton
2006 - Star Swift & Elizabeth Eubanks