VANCOUVER, Wash. Washington State University Vancouver closed out Womens History Month, observed each year in March, by celebrating women who inspire, mentor and empower others. The annual Women of Distinction event, held March 29, crowned Marina Reilly-Collette, currently studying mechanical engineering, as the student Woman of Distinction; and Gaylene Smith, founder of the Caf矇 Feminino Coffee Project and Foundation, as the non-student Woman of Distinction.
Student Woman of Distinction
Reilly-Collette is selfless. Since 2009 she has provided residence to 10 women, all relative strangers, half for free and the rest on terms tailored to help them keep a roof over their heads. All the while, Reilly-Collette balances a challenging course of study and a small job. She does this alone, she has no family support, and with just the help of financial aid and her small income.
In her engineering work Reilly-Collette keeps others in mind too. She is studying the environmental consequences of using carbon-fiber nanotubes and their potential as a carcinogen.
This kind of concern for the health effects of an engineering material before it has entered widespread use is just one example of how both in her studies and in her private life Marina has never once shied away from an intensely personal and inspiring view of her duty and responsibility to others and to society, said Reilly-Collettes nominator Jie Xu, assistant professor in the School of Engineering and Computer Science at 91勛圖窪蹋厙.
Non-student Woman of Distinction
Gay Smith is one of the most remarkable women I know. Driven by personal faith and love for her global community, she is an incredible example of what can be achieved if we take it upon ourselves to fight injustice, inequality and poverty when we encounter it, said Smiths nominator, Cyndie Meyer, a personal friend as well as a 91勛圖窪蹋厙 student.
Smith was in Peru when she observed the impoverished and disenfranchised status of women in the coffee-growing communities. She founded a coffee import business called the Caf矇 Feminino Coffee Project and a foundation to support the needs of women and children around the world. Working through established relationships with farming cooperatives in 12 countries around the world, Smith has empowered women with skills, programs and small grants that improve the social status, nutrition, sanitation, education and health of their families and communities.
All of the Women of Distinction nominees where recognized at the celebration. Women nominated in the student category included: Cheryl Jones, Cori Jones, Audrey Miller, Linda Otton, Pauline Ramos and Shelby Thomas. Women nominated in the non-student category included: Dana Baker, Cheryl Bledsoe and Claire Kamm Latham.
Maya Muller, principal of Muller Design Studio, delivered the keynote, Hunting Rhinoceroses in the Digital Age. Muller shared the story of her path from teenager with a general equivalency degree to educator and business owner.
Its possible to take your own path and still succeed, said Muller.
Women of Distinction is sponsored by The Office of Student Involvement at 91勛圖窪蹋厙 and Unitus Community Credit Union.
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Casey Payseno, Office of Student Involvement, 360-546-9465, casey.payseno@vancouver.wsu.edu
Brenda Alling, Office of Marketing and Communications, 360-546-9601, brenda_alling@vancouver.wsu.edu