The Chancellor's Commission on Women at the U of A will host its annual Extraordinary Women and Women's Advocates Recognition Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 29, in room 349 of the Cordia Harrington Center for Excellence (CORD). The event honors faculty, staff and students whose outstanding contributions have advanced gender equity, empowered women across campus and demonstrated exceptional leadership in advocacy.

Each year, the commission recognizes individuals whose work embodies its mission to foster a more inclusive and equitable university environment. This year's honorees exemplify those ideals through their mentorship, service, scholarship and advocacy.

The event is free and open to all members of the university community.

Extraordinary Women Honorees

An extraordinary woman leads by example, is a role model and an inspiration for others seeking gender equality and women's empowerment. She empowers those around her and makes a positive impact on women's experiences on our campus, while working to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all. This year's honorees are:

• Faculty: Meredith Neville-Shepard, assistant professor, Department of Communication, Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences: Recognized for her exceptional mentorship of women graduate students, award-winning research on gender and communication, and commitment to developing scholars through her teaching and research guidance.
• Staff: Romona West, assistant dean, Student Success, Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences: Honored for her leadership in student success and inclusive excellence initiatives, open-door mentorship approach and dedication to celebrating and elevating women across campus through storytelling and community-building events.
• Student: Josey Duncan, exercise science, pre-AT track major, with double minors in psychology and medical humanities, College of Education and Health Professions: Selected for her advocacy in fighting food insecurity, empowering women in STEM fields, and pursuing a path to join the small percentage of women athletic trainers in professional sports.

Women's Advocates Honorees

A women's advocate is an individual who actively champions gender equality, serves as a mentor and creates opportunities that advance women's empowerment across campus. This individual advocates for policy changes and initiatives that positively impact women's experiences at the university while helping all students, faculty and staff succeed. This year's honorees are:

• Faculty: Michelle Gray, department head of Health, Human Performance and Recreation; College of Education and Health Professions: Recognized for creating an environment where women faculty thrive professionally, championing women's leadership development and mentoring female faculty toward leadership positions.
• Staff: Myrlinda Soedjede, manager, HR Operational and Fiscal Projects, Division of Finance and Administration: Honored for her role as a bridge between campus communities, Soedjede connects diverse groups through her service as a staff senator, as one of the founding members of an employee resource group for caregivers and as a member of the Chancellor's Commission on Women. She leads with empathy, passion and a tireless dedication to service.

We hope you can join us to celebrate these extraordinary women and women's advocates! RSVP to Olivia Graham at og012@uark.edu.

For additional information about the event, please contact Amy Allen, chair of the Chancellor's Commission on Women's Events Committee, at ala005@uark.edu.

---

About the Chancellor's Commission on Women: Founded in 2010, the Chancellor's Commission on Women is an advisory group charged with reviewing and monitoring policies, programs and issues to ensure that all women at the university are given the best possible opportunities for success within the institution and in their professional and college careers as part of the University's efforts to help all faculty, staff, and students succeed. Membership comprises both graduate and undergraduate students, faculty and staff who serve on staggered three-year appointments to ensure fresh and diverse points of view. Learn more at uawomen.uark.edu.