The Women of Action Awards ceremony, held at Morris Library on Sept. 23, brought together community members and leaders to honor exceptional women making a difference in both the SIU community and the broader Carbondale area. The event highlighted the important roles women play in driving progress and fostering inclusivity.
Renada Greer, a co-host of the event and executive director of the Student Multicultural Resource Center and TRiO Student Support Services, emphasized the often-overlooked contributions of women in various movements for diversity, equity and inclusion.
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“We often ask people to support and to fight for a cause, but often overlook the people who are doing the work, which are sometimes, most often, women,” she said. “Throughout history, women have led the charge in many movements that involve diversity, equity and inclusion. We have the pleasure of honoring those women right here, right now, in our communities.”
The event has grown since its inception, now celebrating its fourth year, and has reached more women in the community than in past years.
Greer said, “I’m always amazed by how surprised women are that they’ve been nominated and that somebody recognizes their work…They don’t make a lot of noise around it. They’re in the schools. They’re trying to close the achievement gaps and the equity gaps, and they see the needs of students, of people in the community.”
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The Women of Action Awards not only honor the achievements of the recipients but also highlight the collective impact of women working together to create positive change.
“I like the idea that one woman will touch another woman, who will touch another woman, who will recognize another woman, and will empower another woman,” Greer said.
Bethany Peppers, co-host of the event and assistant director of Student Involvement and Leadership for the Office of Student Engagement, said that many of the women who work at SIU also live in Carbondale, so they wanted to have a moment to come together and to celebrate all the work that is being done across the area.
“We really get the nominees from the community and from SIU,” Peppers said. “We know that there’s no way that we know every woman who is doing such great work, so we do a wide call out to get as many as we can. And that’s one of the best parts, reading all the nominations and seeing the great, tremendous strides being made in the community and on campus.”
Five categories of achievement were recognized at this year’s ceremony. All nominees were also recognized.
Ascend Award: This award honors women who have served at SIU for under five years and recognizes their achievements as potential future leaders within their profession.
Peppers said, “This rising star has a positive impact on women on campus and the broader community. She furthers their ability to lead and inspire the next generation of women leaders, a woman who uses her voice to raise the bar for women to be seen, heard and valued.”
The award was presented to Sherrica Hunt, who serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the SIU Foundation, having joined the organization in 2022.
Her nominator highlights her as an organizational leader who is proactive and influential in driving significant changes and initiatives. She said that Hunt’s efforts with the foundation, particularly in securing funds for transformative projects, are crucial, especially her work with Women’s Weekend.
Hunt said, “I always try to encourage not only myself, but other young women. I have been motivated. I have a nine-year-old daughter. Just to always do your best to achieve greatness in whatever that means to someone’s personal aspirations and goals, but the path is to always to ascend to whatever you’re doing and be great at that.”
She said she hopes to just continue to put her head down to do the work, to do what she is inspired to do, to help other women to achieve their goals.
“I want to be responsive to women, even if I can’t help them directly, being able to be that center of influence where I can direct them to the resources and opportunities that they’re seeking,” Hunt said.
She also emphasized the importance of having advocates for women to help build a network of support. Hunt said that while one individual may be in the spotlight, there is often a substantial group of 100 supporters standing behind them, ready to assist and empower their efforts.
“We fail to realize sometimes that we stand on the shoulders of others, and so to recognize that we have that power, to own that power, and extending our resources and extending our influence to help other women is important,” Hunt said.
“It’s important just to always have that self confidence within yourself and be fearless. And also…do it with kindness. I think a lot of individuals feel that in order to achieve certain things, that you have to be nasty, you have to be mean. Always work with authority, but remember to be kind to people. You never know what someone is going through,” she said.
Above and Beyond Award: It is awarded to a current SIU student who goes above and beyond in their efforts to create an inclusive environment. It recognizes a current student of SIU with a go-getter mindset and a drive that initiates her spirit to achieve beyond expectations, their dedication to their cause inspires for fellow students to dream big. The recipient is a young role model who is making an impact in their community, inspiring youth to think outside the box, follow their dreams and take action.
The award was presented to Jessica Hardges.
According to her nominator, Hardges, a non-traditional student majoring in fashion design and merchandising, has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the SIU community. A mom and active campus member, she was recommended for the Non-Traditional Student Advisory Committee, where she quickly became an advocate for student parents. Over the summer and into the semester, she assisted with events welcoming transfer and non-traditional students to campus. Hardges is also working on launching a Facebook group and RSO to further support student parents, bringing enthusiasm and energy to every project she takes on.
In her acceptance speech Hardges said, “This moment represents more than an individual achievement. It’s a testament to the power of community, faith and the dreams that drive us all forward, and I’ve got some big ones. This award belongs to us all who refuse to settle for what we know…And together we can create the ripples that reach far beyond this room.”
Empowering the Youth Award: The purpose of this award is to recognize K-12 staff and teachers who pour into the youth of the community. This award is given to someone who not only embraces their personal ability to create influence for meaningful change, but influences local youth to embrace theirs. They are dedicated to the advancement of others and pave the way for the leaders of tomorrow.
The award was presented to Marilynn Ross.
Ross’ nominator said with over three decades of service in the Carbondale School District, Ross has been a key figure in the Carbondale community since the late 1980s. Her nomination outlines her deep-rooted connection and commitment to youth development. Ross is recognized for her transformative impact and unwavering dedication, consistently ensuring students receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed.
In her acceptance speech, Ross said, “My journey is to empower those kids, to love those kids, to give them what they need, no matter when…I appreciate knowing that what I’ve done, my journey, has not been in vain. I appreciate getting my flowers while I’m here, because when I’m gone, I’m gone. The giving now means everything.”
After the ceremony, Ross said that this recognition shows her that the long days, nights, phone calls and efforts spent building relationships with parents are all worthwhile.
“Personally, it means everything that I’ve been working towards is really manifesting,” Ross said. “Empowering the youth to know that they have support, they have voices, they have the future. I’m here to help them make that happen.”
To stay motivated and energized, Ross said she has daily conversations with her staff and mentors, as well as with others facing similar challenges, and values exchanging tools and strategies to overcome struggles and focuses on preventing those issues from reoccurring, continuously learning and growing from each experience.
“Get involved in an organization where your skill sets can come out. Make sure that you’re around the right people, the positive people. Make sure that you know what you’re doing involves more than just yourself. It’s a community. It’s a village,” Ross said.
Ross said she is honored that women in the community thought enough to nominate her.
She said, “You never know who’s watching. You never know who’s trying to see what you’re doing. So everything I’m doing, I must be on the right track.”
Champion of Change Award: This award recognizes community members who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to women and diversity through demonstrated leadership, vision or actions within a profession in an area of expertise or service to the community. Successful candidates will have a commitment and passion for serving others while making an impact and leading with purpose through their work as compassionate and caring humanitarians.
The award was presented to Neophansya Robinson.
Robinson, First Lady of Zion Temple Church, has overcome childhood disabilities and remained dedicated to serving her communities in both Carbondale and Murphysboro. Her nominator said that as a wife, mother, and devout Christian, she continues to stand firm in her beliefs while working diligently to uplift those around her.
Woman of Inspiration: The Women of Inspiration Award recognizes a woman who has dedicated seven years of service to the university, committed to empowering and championing the inclusion of women. This award celebrates a role model who stays true to herself, uplifts others and makes a lasting difference. She empowers and supports women across the university, fostering honest relationships and advocating for their success and vision.
This award was presented to Tena Bennett.
Bennett has spent 18 years in various roles at SIU, including advising the Undergraduate Student Government, Graduate Professional Student Council, and serving with the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. Her nominator said she is a regular presence at campus events like freshmen move-in and commencement, and has mentored countless staff, graduate assistants, and students. Known for her support of women’s inclusion at the university and in the community, Bennett serves as a role model and mentor.
In her acceptance speech, Bennett said, “For me, it’s kind of a head down, eyes up, kind of moment on this campus. I just keep working forward. If it’s for students, if it’s for women, if it’s for men, it’s just to make SIU the best place that we can make it. Because this is where I live. This is where I work. This is my family.”
Greer said the shared experiences and recognition of these women reinforced a common goal: to continue empowering future generations of women.
She said, “It’s an amazing ceremony, an amazing way to recognize women. And we hope that it continues to grow, and we hope that we can continue to partner with women in the community at SIU and in the surrounding area.”
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