AMES, Iowa -- Three women whose leadership and involvement have contributed to empowering women and/or eliminating racism will be honored by the YWCA Ames-ISU at the Women of Achievement Awards ceremony and reception on Thursday, March 5.
The Ames-ISU community is invited to attend the event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Ave., Ames. Tickets are $10 for students and $35 for one non-student or $50 for two. The reception will feature light appetizers, and performances by the Bhangra Dance Group and the Ames High School Orchestra.Rhoades
Susan Rhoades, director of the Academic Success Center at Iowa State, will receive the Woman of Achievement award, which is presented to a leader who, through a lifetime of volunteer and professional activities, has made outstanding contributions to empower women and/or eliminate racism. She was nominated for her role in empowering underserved populations. Rhoades provides leadership for academic support services including academic coaching, supplemental instruction and tutoring services.Sander
Kayla Sander, senior lecturer in accounting, will receive the Rising Star award. The award is presented to a woman, age 15-35, who is making a difference by serving women and girls and/or eliminating racism in the workplace, school or community. Sander was nominated for her dedicated efforts in organizing events, creating and leading a college business organization and providing advisory/mentor services to students.
Kierstyn Feld, a student in pre-architecture, will receive a $1,000 YWCA scholarship for the 2015-16 academic year. An academic scholar and leader, Feld is active in the ISU Human Trafficking Campaign, serves as conversation partner for foreign students through Friendships International, and is a member of the International Student Ministry at Memorial Lutheran Church and Alpha Phi Fraternity.
YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women's organization in the world. The YWCA Ames-ISU is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and creating peace, justice, dignity and freedom for all. It has served Story County on the ISU campus since 1890. Activities include:
- The GIRLS Power Mentoring Program, which pairs ISU female students with Ames and Nevada Middle School females. They meet biweekly for programs consisting of topics such as bullying, self-esteem, healthy diets, volunteering and career paths.
- The Engaging International Spouses Program helps international students and spouses acclimate into the Ames and ISU communities. They meet twice per week for workshops on how to use CyRide, English pronunciation, resume building, and more.
- International Friendship Fairs are designed to educate the community about different cultures. International students and spouses volunteer to speak about their culture at fairs at Iowa State University, the Ames Public Library and the Ames School District.
- The YWCA's Giving Tree and Food Drive is conducted in November and December and is the only toy drive in Ames that has specific wish lists from children. With the help of the Ames School District counselors, and ISU Faculty Senate, faculty, staff and students, the project sponsors nearly 100 homeless children in Ames with eight gifts each every winter and a turkey-dinner food box.
To purchase tickets for Women of Achievement Awards ceremony and reception, or for more information about YWCA Ames-ISU, contact the YWCA at 515-294-0043, or email amerrick@iastate.edu.
