The Associated Students of Madison Diversity Committee recognized some of UW-Madison’s leading female undergraduates Wednesday night in the Outstanding Women of Color Reception.
“Everyone in here knows that this campus is predominantly white,” UW senior Angela Rose said to begin the award presentation. “We want to recognize people of color so they stay here.”
ASM sponsored the event, along with numerous other students’ organizations, including the Multicultural Student Coalition, the Black Student Union, and the Campus Women’s Center.
Rose, founder of Preventing Assault, Victim Empowerment, came up with the idea for the reception in correlation with another senior, Mya Ross. Together, they received support from many student organizations like PAVE, Gen2008, Wunk Sheek, the Young Feminist Task Force and Men Opposing Sexual Assault, which were eager to partake in such a cause.
Rose said the idea for the reception stemmed from Black History Month and is the first of what she and Ross hope will become an annual event.
“We were looking for students and faculty members who are involved with improving the campus climate,” Ross said. “These are powerful women on campus who define what makes a woman outstanding.”
She said the task these powerful college-age women have undertaken is magnified because of UW’s current campus climate.
“I think it’s important to be recognized, especially since Madison is the whitest of the UW schools. It makes it very hard and frustrating. Everyone on this list deserves to be nominated,” Rose said.
Rose and Ross introduced the ceremony, explaining their cause and expressing their gratitude.
The reception honored two faculty administrators and four students. Admiring friends, coworkers or fellow students elected the nominees. With the exception of Gina Miranda, each nominee was present to receive her award.
UW senior Alissa DeVaughn received the first award. She said she was very surprised to have been both nominated and chosen. A member of the Student Print organization, she will be the first member of her family to receive a college degree.
Heidi Kong, also a UW senior, received an award for her contributions to the many student organizations of which she is a member.
Rose introduced Jennifer Epps, a UW sophomore and chair of ASM’s diversity committee. Epps addressed the surprise she said she shared with other award recipients.
“The amazing thing is not that they are getting an award, but that they don’t expect it,” she said.
The two faculty members receiving awards were Ruby Paredes and Assistant Dean of Students Yolanda Garza.
Rose said Garza was honored for her psychological support to campus women.
“She has saved lives,” Rose said.
