Annual Athena Awards
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.
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.
2025 Recipients
Athena Leadership Award, Staff
Laurel Meyer
Education Abroad Advisor/Marketing Coordinator, International Programs Office
Since joining the Athena Professional Association in 2017, Laurel has held numerous leadership roles, including co-president for staff from 2022 to 2024. She played a pivotal role in advocating for and implementing a paid parental leave policy, co-authoring a white paper and working closely with university leadership to see the policy come to fruition. Laurel also revitalized the Athena Student Excellence Award, leading a successful $15,000 fundraising effort to establish a permanent endowment. As co-chair of the Women’s Leadership Conference Planning Committee, she helped bring the event back to Moscow, fostering collaboration and empowerment across campuses. In her role as an education abroad advisor, Laurel is known for her compassionate, inclusive advising — particularly in supporting first-generation students and those from historically marginalized communities. Her mentorship has been recognized through multiple Alumni Awards for Excellence, and she continues to be a tireless advocate, mentor and changemaker.
Athena Leadership Award, Faculty
Kristin Haltinner
Professor of Sociology, Director of Equity and Justice Certificate
Kristin is a professor of sociology at University of Idaho whose work centers on equity, inclusion and social justice. Her research examines pressing social issues such as birth trauma, white nationalism and climate change through a feminist and anti-racist lens. At U of I, Kristin has taken on numerous leadership roles, including chair of Faculty Senate, director of Africana Studies and director of the Certificate in Equity and Justice. In these roles, she has advanced initiatives that support women, LGBTQ+ communities, non-tenure-track faculty and staff, including spearheading efforts to improve workplace conditions, increase faculty equity and expand inclusive curriculum. Beyond campus, Kristin is active in the broader community. She serves on a Parent Advisory Committee for the school district, was on the Moscow Human Rights Commission and collaborates with local and statewide organizations to promote inclusive education. Whether in the classroom, in shared governance or in the community, Kristin brings a deep commitment to justice and systemic change.
Virginia Wolf Distinguished Service Award, Staff
Lysa Salsbury
Director of Strategic Initiatives, Student Affairs; Co-Director of the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program
Lysa is the director of Strategic Initiatives in the Division of Student Affairs, co-director of the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies program and former longtime director of the University of Idaho Women’s Center. Since joining the university in 2005, Lysa has exemplified unwavering commitment to gender equity, social justice and intersectional advocacy. Her leadership has shaped key university initiatives in violence prevention, LGBTQIA+ inclusion and diversity education, including her role in securing a $300,000 DOJ grant to improve culturally responsive prevention and support services. In a shifting political climate, Lysa has remained a steady and courageous advocate — mentoring, educating and mobilizing the campus community with compassion and integrity. She completed her doctorate in 2023 with research focused on white feminism and antiracism in higher education, further cementing her role as both scholar and change-maker. Lysa’s impact on this campus is deep, enduring and transformative.
Virginia Wolf Distinguished Service Award, Faculty
Gita Neupane
Faculty in the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program
Dr. Gita Neupane, a faculty member in the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies program at University of Idaho, is a passionate scholar and advocate for gender equality. Through her interdisciplinary teaching in courses such as Sociology of Gender and Introduction to Women’s Studies, Dr. Neupane challenges students to critically examine issues of gender, power and identity. Her dynamic teaching fosters an inclusive, thought-provoking classroom where students engage deeply with gender-related issues. Dr. Neupane’s research, including studies on street harassment and women Uber drivers in Nepal, addresses pressing social issues like gender-based violence and economic empowerment. Her work not only advances academic understanding but also informs advocacy and policy efforts aimed at improving gender equality. In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Neupane is a dedicated mentor, guiding students in their academic and professional journeys. Her commitment to fostering the next generation of gender advocates and scholars is evident through her hands-on mentorship, encouraging students to pursue careers in social justice and activism.
