Vision Award recognizes women leaders
Cindy Oakley-Paulik
Issue date: 6/2/09 Section: Campus News
The Office of Diversity Initiatives and the Women's Center kicked off its second annual Vision Award Luncheon by recognizing four Embry-Riddle students for outstanding leadership in Women's Initiatives. "Our programming and initiatives are creating a shift in perspective and contributing to cultural changes, making us all contributors to the history of women at Embry-Riddle" commented Cindy Oakley-Paulik, Director of the Women's Center. Senior Sarah Mansell concurred saying that she can graduate from ERAU knowing that the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Campaign that she began here four years ago will continue to flourish due to the network of supporters that she has organized and inspired. She stated "I am proud to leave this program as my legacy to ERAU." Mireya Ortiz surprised herself by establishing The Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority. In her acceptance speech, she commented, "I never thought I would join a sorority -- much less become president of one, but I saw a need for one for Hispanic women here at Embry-Riddle, so here I am."
Organizing V Day to raise awareness to stop violence against women has been Ana Taylor's passion for the past two years. We are proud to recognize her for her efforts.
Sarah DuPree was honored for the excellent mentoring she provides to freshmen females in the FIRST Program. She was also recognized for the outreach work she has done including working with female students at Cypress Creek Elementary and Campbell Middle School in addition to being a student ambassador for ERAU at local high schools.
Staff and faculty were also awarded for their significant contributions toward Women's Initiatives last year. Associate Professor Michele-Summers-Halleran launched a program to inform female students of the scholarships available to them. In fact, this fall she will present this information to new and returning female students at Tuesday's Treasures in September. For establishing a mentor program for COE women and working with the Women's Center to expand it to the FIRST program, Assistant Professors Heidi Steinhauer and Lisa Davids earned their second Vision Award. Both were also recognized advising and mentoring students in Women's Mini-Baja and in the FIRST program. Prolific filmmaker Libbie Searcy, who could start her own gender and identity film festival by now, was also recognized for her films, readings and lectures that she so generously presents each semester. Maurie Johnson, who has worked tirelessly to promote programs for women at ERAU by coordinating community leaders with ERAU staff and faculty was also honored. She was also thanked for hosting numerous female student groups in her home.
Finally, a very special recognition was given to Assistant Professor Lynn Koller for her community service work with the Volusia County School Board. For the past year, she has served on a committee that has researched and advised policy makers on the curriculum of the sexual education program in Volusia County. Her committee was effective in changing the previous abstinence only policy to one that introduces alternatives.
Embry-Riddle is indebted to these women who together have made significant contributions to establishing and supporting programs that addressed issues affecting women.
Organizing V Day to raise awareness to stop violence against women has been Ana Taylor's passion for the past two years. We are proud to recognize her for her efforts.
Sarah DuPree was honored for the excellent mentoring she provides to freshmen females in the FIRST Program. She was also recognized for the outreach work she has done including working with female students at Cypress Creek Elementary and Campbell Middle School in addition to being a student ambassador for ERAU at local high schools.
Staff and faculty were also awarded for their significant contributions toward Women's Initiatives last year. Associate Professor Michele-Summers-Halleran launched a program to inform female students of the scholarships available to them. In fact, this fall she will present this information to new and returning female students at Tuesday's Treasures in September. For establishing a mentor program for COE women and working with the Women's Center to expand it to the FIRST program, Assistant Professors Heidi Steinhauer and Lisa Davids earned their second Vision Award. Both were also recognized advising and mentoring students in Women's Mini-Baja and in the FIRST program. Prolific filmmaker Libbie Searcy, who could start her own gender and identity film festival by now, was also recognized for her films, readings and lectures that she so generously presents each semester. Maurie Johnson, who has worked tirelessly to promote programs for women at ERAU by coordinating community leaders with ERAU staff and faculty was also honored. She was also thanked for hosting numerous female student groups in her home.
Finally, a very special recognition was given to Assistant Professor Lynn Koller for her community service work with the Volusia County School Board. For the past year, she has served on a committee that has researched and advised policy makers on the curriculum of the sexual education program in Volusia County. Her committee was effective in changing the previous abstinence only policy to one that introduces alternatives.
Embry-Riddle is indebted to these women who together have made significant contributions to establishing and supporting programs that addressed issues affecting women.
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