by Christi Mathis
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale recently honored the winners of the second annual Women of Action Awards.
The 2023 Women of Action award winners and presenters, from left, are Bethany Peppers, program director of the office of Student Engagement; Shelly Ridgeway, assistant director of Student Health Services and director of Wellness and Health Promotion Services; Rasheeda Love, Carbondale High School teacher; Madeline Johnson, SIU student; Aleida Iriarte, SIU student; Lilia Angel-Post, assistant director of the Center for English as a Second Language; Renada Greer, executive director of the Student Multicultural Resource Center and TRiO Student Support Services. (SIU photo)
The program celebrates the “everyday heroes” who make a difference by encouraging women, including those in leadership, and by advocating for anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion. The award recipients strive to overcome adversity and succeed in their workplaces and communities. The awards go to SIU faculty and staff and to community members.
The 2023 award recipients are:
- Champion of Change Award – Shelly Ridgeway, assistant director of Student Health Servicesand director of Wellness and Health Promotion Services. This award recognizes a woman who has a sustained commitment to women and/or diversity issues. Nominators praised Ridgeway for her efforts at the Student Health Center, saying she has brought in new funding, revamped the Dawg Lounge, worked hard on the HEROES program and is always willing to put in extra time and effort on behalf of the programs, students and staff.
- Woman of Inspiration Award – Lilia Angel-Post, assistant director of the Center for English as a Second Language, adviser for the Latin American Students Association and AP representative for the Hispanic/Latino Staff and Faculty Council. The award is presented to someone who empowers and supports women and champions their inclusion. Angel-Post has been part of the CESL program since 2014 in one capacity or another, helping with recruitment, assisting with workshops, speaking publicly and much more, and nominators praised her for “amazing interactions with all international students, but especially CESL ladies. She is a wonderful example of an international woman who is successful.”
- The Above and Beyond Award is presented to a current SIU student who is a “go-getter” and a young role model. This year, there are two winners: Madeline Johnson and Aleida Iriarte.
- Johnson is a senior geography and environmental resources majorwith a minor in philosophy from Scheller, Illinois, who transferred to SIU from Rend Lake College. Her nomination cited her “groundedness, practicality, and passionate desire to create a sustainable future. Very much a self-made woman, she enlisted in the National Guard to help pay for her education and has maintained a high level of performance there, just as she has kept a 4.0 GPA in her academic work.” Johnson is in the University Honors Program, doing an honors seminar on designing smart and sustainable cities, and very active in the community and on campus with volunteer efforts including helping with Gum Drops (a local group providing weekend food packages for children in need), helping with Saluki Service Day, campus clean-up, Healing Hands Suicide Awareness and other activities. “She embodies the honors ethos of ‘Learn. Lead. Serve,’ integrating her academic pursuits with civic engagement to better serve society,” her nominator wrote.
- Iriarte, a senior zoology majorfrom Chicago, has participated in the University Honors Program since her freshman year and is a Goldwater Scholar. Her nomination noted she is hard-working and inspiring and said she has accomplished a great deal while excelling at academics and having a passion for research. “But what makes her stand out is her selfless commitment to service and uplifting those around her,” her nominator wrote. “She is the first-generation student of immigrant parents who plans to get a Ph.D. and be a researcher. I have no doubt she will succeed in her endeavors, but what makes her so special is she has already made it a goal to make sure other minority and first-generation students can succeed in careers in scientific research.” She is the Diversify STEM communication officer, holds an office in the zoological fraternity, is community service chair for the Latino Cultural Association, participates in the SIU Wildlife Society and the SIU Backpacking Club, volunteers with Green Earth Sanctuaries, Keep Carbondale Beautiful and Free Again Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, and takes on leadership roles in planning events and activities for these organizations.
- Empowering the Youth Award, presented to a K-12 teacher or staff member who makes a difference in the lives of young people – Rasheeda Love, Carbondale High School teacher. In addition to teaching, Love is involved with youths outside the classroom by serving as sponsor for student organizations such as Educators Rising, the African American History Club and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. Nominators say she is “always so kind and positive” and strives to assure her students have opportunities to grow. “She always has all of her students’ best interests at heart,” the nominators wrote.
The awards were presented by Renada Greer, executive director of the Student Multicultural Resource Center and TRiO Student Support Services, and Bethany Peppers, program director of the Office of Student Engagement. The program is sponsored by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, the Student Multicultural Resource Center and the Women’s Resource Center.