In an inspiring celebration of Women’s History Month, the University of the Pacific paid tribute to five remarkable women who have made significant contributions to their communities through leadership, advocacy, and positive impact. The Women of Distinction Awards ceremony, held on March 22, honored these individuals for their tireless efforts and inspiring journeys.
Allison Dumas, the university’s associate vice president of community engagement and enrollment strategy, praised the awardees, emphasizing the profound influence of their stories. "Hearing their stories, you could hear how impactful they are," Dumas remarked. "Each one has their own story that is beautiful and inspiring. If we could just take a moment every day to recognize and celebrate the women in our lives, just think what a better world we would have."
2024’s Esteemed Recipients:
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Rosabella Lopez ’24 is not just a senior at Pacific but a beacon of hope for young scholars. As a fellow in the College Corps program, Lopez has dedicated over 450 volunteer hours to K-12 education. Majoring in education and Spanish with a minor in ethnic studies, she aspires to empower future generations as an elementary school teacher.
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Muskann Mann ’24, a first-generation student, has passionately advocated for underrepresented communities. Her extensive involvement on campus, including serving as the ASuop director of health and wellness and co-founder of the Second Chance Initiative Club, has made her a formidable force for positive change.
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Brandy Thurman ’03 leverages her experiences as a former Pacific softball player and educator to advocate for equal access to education for marginalized communities. As the director of teaching and learning for Court, Community, and Charter Schools at the San Joaquin County Office of Education, Thurman is a pillar of progress and collaboration.
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Yvette Quintana tirelessly works to ensure that the LGBTQ+ Resource Center is a sanctuary for queer students. Beyond her role as the LGBTQ+ program specialist, Quintana's advocacy extends to human rights and social justice, reflecting her deep-rooted commitment to making the world a more equitable place.
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Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla has devoted nearly two decades to water sustainability as the executive director of Restore the Delta. Her advocacy for improved water management and her efforts to educate young people on water and climate policies underscore her dedication to environmental stewardship.
The ceremony was not only a testament to the individual achievements of these women but also a collective call to action for continued support and recognition of women's contributions across all sectors of society. As Barrigan-Parrilla eloquently put it, supporting the advancement of women is crucial for enacting systemic change that benefits everyone.
The University of the Pacific's Women of Distinction Awards serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us of the power of acknowledging and celebrating the extraordinary impact women have on our world.
For the original story, please visit "Women of Distinction awards celebrate advocates, community leaders" at https://www.pacific.edu/pacific-newsroom/women-distinction-awards-celebrate-advocates-community-leaders.
