The object of this award is to recognize those staff members who regularly engage in service activities designed to encourage and facilitate a more inclusive and welcoming climate for all.

2020 Winners

Chelsi Bass, Department of Economics

“It is her everyday, hands-on mentorship with the Female PhD students that has really made a difference in the arena of climate and inclusion. . . .  [She] is also a conduit in which female PhD students turn to when they have issues and or feel uncomfortable in the male dominated ECON profession.”

 

Zuleika Carrasco-Martinez, Departments of Sociology, Hispanic Studies, and International Studies

“[She] has taken under her wing no less than four ethnic, campus-wide student organizations where she encourages activities that promote ethnic camaraderie while also fostering integration into the Aggie community.  Having advised the Puerto Rican Student Association and Philippine Student Association for four years, she has become a surrogate mother, fostering a home away from home environment that gives them a secure base from which to navigate the demands of university life.”

Rebekah Luza, Department of Anthropology

“There have been multiple occasions during her time in Anthropology when she has served as mentor, surrogate parent, and leading advocate for students navigating two challenging environments while trying to successfully complete their undergraduate and graduate degree programs: coming out to family, friends, and peers as non-binary and going through the process of gender transitioning. For several students, these were trying times, and they sought Rebekah’s advice on daily or even hourly bases.”

 

Kris May, Department of English

“Kris is a true leader within the LGBTQ+ community, having worked tirelessly to create and sustain programs and organizations that advocate for and affirm the members of this marginalized community and celebrate its culture. . . .  Kris has been involved for a decade with the LGBTQ+ Pride Center [and], as primary advisor to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Aggies student group since 2007, Kris has mentored countless TAMU students . . . facilitating these students’ efforts to create opportunities for welcoming, safe, and supportive social gathering that strive to minimize the fear of harassment or exposure.”

Daniella Stratta, Department of International Studies

“In her role as an academic advisor, she has taken it upon herself to reach out to admitted students to, to help with their decision of coming to Texas A&M University, but most important to be part of the International Studies Department.  What she has not realized is the impact of her effort has made in the underrepresented population.  Which is a steady growing population in the department. She becomes the person who will be part of their college career, and the person they feel comfortable in confiding in.”