Shawnee State Honors Women (Who Rock)

On Apr. 17, Shawnee State’s Women’s and Gender Equity Center along with Student Life hosted an online version of the 2020 Women Who Rock ceremony. Originally, Women Who Rock was planned to be an in-person ceremony honoring SSU women who were chosen by fellow students, faculty and staff to receive recognition. Due to the cancellation of all in-person events on campus this spring, awards were presented online via Facebook Live.

Christina Baker-Jones, coordinator for the Women’s and Gender Equity Center, presented the awards. There were several categories for nominations and voting that were listed under two divisions: one for students and one for employees, faculty and staff. Since the online format allowed significantly less interaction and encouragement to be shared between nominees, attendees and recipients, Baker-Jones encouraged viewers to comment hearts and encouragement for one another.

Students:

Rising Freshman: “A freshman who is dedicated, motivated and has a bright future ahead at SSU” – Recipient: Katlyin Hughes

Outstanding International Student: “An international student who stands out in all aspects” – Recipient: Sofia Mikhailichenko

Talented Woman of the Year: “A woman on campus who is overflowing with talent—she uses her talents to bring good to Shawnee State” – Recipient: Jordan Keys

Social Butterfly of the Year: “A woman on campus who is outgoing, friendly and makes other people feel appreciated” – Recipient: Brianna Buchholz

Sorority Sister of the Year: “A sister that goes above and beyond in her sorority” – Recipient: Tristan Hazlett (Theta Phi Alpha)

Phenomenal Woman of Color: “A woman of color who inspires others to proudly be themselves” – Recipient: Alecea Howell

Standout Teammate of the Year: “A female athlete who gives 100% for her team and contributes with her talents as well as her words while cheering them on” – Recipient: Bailey Cummins (Women’s Basketball)

Humanitarian of the Year: “A woman who is a champion of character. A woman who is actively engaged in promoting community service.” – Recipient: Megan Shaffer

LGBTQ+ Ally of the Year: “A woman who supports equal, civil rights, gender equality, social movements and challenges her campus community through positive change” – Recipient: Maria Renteria

Distinguished Woman of the Year: “A woman that has stood out in all aspects” –  Recipient: Taylor “Gabby” Ingram

Employees/Faculty/Staff:

Phenomenal Woman of Color: “A woman of color who inspires others to proudly be themselves” – Recipient: Marlita Cadogan

Talented Woman of the Year: “A woman on campus who is overflowing with talent—She uses her talents to bring good to Shawnee State University” – Recipient: Brew Wilson-Battles

Social Butterfly of the Year: “A woman on campus who is outgoing, friendly, and helps others feel appreciated” – Recipient: Janet Stewart

Standout Employee of the Year: “A faculty, staff or administrator that goes out of her way to mentor and assist the students at Shawnee State University” – Recipient: Kimberly Inman

Humanitarian of the Year: “A woman who is a champion of character. A woman who is actively engaged in promoting community service” – Recipient: Marcie Simms

LGBTQ+ Ally of the Year: “A woman who supports equal, civil rights, gender equality, social movements and challenges her campus community through positive change” – Recipient: Ann Linden

Distinguished Woman of the Year: “A woman that has stood out in all aspects” – Recipients: Jennifer Napper and Christina Baker-Jones (tie)

Baker-Jones remarked on her inability to hand out the awards plaques this year and reassured nominees and recipients that they would receive their plaque as soon as possible. She then thanked student organization AHANA for starting the tradition of holding the ceremony, followed by explaining both how the event is typically organized and how it differed this year.

“The Women’s and Gender Equity Center partners with them only to pay for the meal, when people come to [the in-person event]. Since this year. . . we can’t be there in-person, really, my job has been to be the host,” Baker-Jones said, “I think this is the best scenario we could have had so that we could still honor the women on our campus.”

The Women Who Rock Awards stream is available for public viewing on the SSU Student Life Facebook page.