Annual Athena Awards
Athena Leadership Awards
The Athena Leadership Awards (formerly the Woman of the Year Awards) are given annually to individuals, regardless of gender, who have demonstrated clear and sustained dedication to women’s professional enhancement at University of Idaho. Athena Leadership Award recipients are those who truly represent the mission of Athena and fearlessly engage both professionally and personally in making changes that support and forward the mission of Athena. These are people who have truly gone above and beyond the call of duty to provide mentorship to women, advocate for an inclusive and supportive climate and volunteer and engage across the university in ways that carry out in word and deed the mission of Athena. Nominees may also be engaged in other efforts beyond our campus.
Criteria for the award include, but are not limited to:
- Outstanding professional accomplishments
- Outstanding service to U of I and the local community
- Embodies the mission of Athena by advocating for an inclusive and supportive climate and providing mentorship to women and others.
- One to three letters of support demonstrating how the individual meets the award criteria
- Three (or more) years of service
- Current employee in a U of I board-appointed position
Virginia Wolf Distinguished Service Awards
Virginia (Ginny) Wolf was a Professor of Physical Education at University of Idaho from 1964-1982. Ginny took an active role in addressing gender-based discrimination on campus, including helping to launch the campaign that brought about the establishment of several initiatives at the university developed to ensure greater gender parity. This award was created in 2002 in recognition of others, like Ginny, whose long-term dedication to activism for gender justice brings about lasting change. It is given to individuals who reflect a similar level of commitment to that given by Ginny more than 40 years ago. Each year, one U of I student, faculty member and staff member receive the award. Faculty and staff honorees are recognized at an awards ceremony hosted by Athena. Student honorees are recognized at the Student Achievement Awards each spring.
Criteria for the award include, but are not limited to:
- Length and scope of participation in activism to eradicate gender-based discrimination
- A proven record of leadership and accomplishment in this area
- Demonstrated courage and commitment to challenging injustice
- A detailed essay (at least 400-500 words) of how the individual you are nominating has contributed to gender justice on campus and/or in the community.
The 2025 Athena Awards Ceremony to recognize recipients of the Athena Leadership Awards and Virginia Wolf Distinguished Service Awards will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23 in the Great Room of the 1912 Center, Moscow. The program will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m.
2024 Recipients
Woman of the Year, Staff
Megan Robison
Director, University of Idaho Children's Center
Megan's leadership at the Children's Center has not only transformed the lives of countless children, but has also been instrumental in empowering women within the Children's Center and the Child Development Lab. Through her tireless efforts, Megan has created an environment that fosters professional and personal growth and advancement for women in early childhood education. Her dedication to mentorship and professional development initiatives has enabled numerous educators to excel in their roles, providing them with the necessary support and resources to thrive in their careers. Megan consistently goes above and beyond to advocate for gender equity in the workplace, ensuring that women are given equal opportunities for leadership and advancement.
Woman of the Year, Faculty
Kelly Quinnett, MFA
Head of Acting, Professor, Theater Arts Department
Kelly Quinnett has conscientiously worked on behalf of women throughout her career. She has taken the time to mentor women actors when others have chosen to concentrate on their own careers. Aspiring women actors have benefitted from Quinnett’s unselfishness and her dedication to her art. She has often undertaken acting roles that highlight women’s unique experiences. Kelly volunteers as a Chaplin at Gritman Hospital and is a certified end-of-life doula, which is a non-medical professional who helps people nearing death with emotional, physical and educational support. She is a tireless advocate for women and diversity on campus in her service to the institution, and her creative work also fosters meaningful conversations about women’s rights and feminism.
