By Jamara Harper
On March 28, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hosted the 26th annual Salute to Women Luncheon Ceremony. The Salute to Women is an award given to advocates of gender and equity, who strive to improve more than just the Grand Rapids Community College community.
This year GRCC honored Alumna Jodie Boelens, GRCC Librarian Sophia Brewer, former GRCC employee, Orletta E. Caldwell and student Susy Chavez.
GRCC Alumna Winner: Jodie Boelens
Boelens is a GRCC 1998 alumna who graduated with an associate’s degree in nursing, and later completed an associate of arts degree while also earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing.
“I’ve truly had no greater privilege than to be a part of GRCC,” said Boelens during her speech.
Current Employee Winner: Sophia Brewer
Brewer is the librarian at GRCC’s Library and Learning Commons. Earning her master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Wayne State University, Brewer is heavily involved in the local community. Currently on the board of the Michigan Library Association, Brewer also has a column in the Grand Rapids Times. She is the most recent recipient of the Gordon Olson Local History Award presented by the Kutsche Office at Grand Valley State University.
“…This award is about all of you, because you- this GRCC family, is the environment where I have been able to do all the things that I have been able to do,” Brewer said.
GRCC Former Employee Winner: Orletta E. Caldwell
During her time at GRCC, Caldwell served as the Athletic Director. Caldwell has taken on several roles, such as Executive Director of Camp Baber, Assistant Professor, and Program Manager for Tech Soup. Caldwell is now the Executive Director of the Michigan Council of Women in Technology.
“As a former employee, this award signifies that the efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all… have not gone unnoticed,” Caldwell said.
GRCC Student Winner: Susy Chavez
Chavez is a first-generation student, studying Graphic Design at GRCC. On top of being a student, Chavez is currently a student assistant for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Vice President of the Campus Activities Board (CAB) where she organizes and hosts events for the GRCC campus.
During her speech, Chavez recognized the important women in her life and their support for her.
“…these women have driven my success and I strive to embody them in everything that I do no matter what, I’m eternally grateful for your belief in me. Thank you.”
Jamillya Hardley, Interim Director of the Woodrick Center of Inclusion and Multicultural Affairs opened the event with a few remarks along with GRCC President Charles Lepper.
“I thought the event was successful in highlighting and recognizing our very own talented GRCC stakeholders, Hardley said. “We were able to create a shared space for celebration, inspiration, and advocating for gender equality.”
Current GRCC students celebrated the women with performances. Mary Baker a poet and ODEI Ambassador, shared an original poem titled “Queen.” Black Africana Student Union (BASU) president, Tyrell Jackson, performed the song, “Girl On Fire” by Alicia Keys.
For lunch, attendees had the option of a chicken wrap, vegetable soup, salad, potato salad, and rolls. Desserts and refreshments were included courtesy of Creative Dining.
Over 65 people were in attendance to celebrate the winners and over 20 tuned in online.
