2022 Science, Technology & Environment Award Honoree

Congratulations Oladunni!

Thank You for Living Out YWCA Spokane’s Mission

Oladunni Oluwoye is devoted to driving meaningful change in our world and is making a significant impact through her work as an assistant professor in the Washington State University (WSU) Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine and as co-director of the Washington State Center for Excellence in Early Psychosis. Oladunni’s research is focused on addressing inequities in mental health services among racially and ethnically diverse youth and their families. Students, faculty and community stakeholders know what she stands for: integrity, excellence and working hard with traditionally underserved communities. 

Oladunni’s achievements and contributions to the medical field are prolific and include publishing more than 45 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and garnering over $2 million in funding to date. Her publications and grants are focused on improving treatment for young people who are experiencing their first episode of psychosis. She is one of the leading researchers in the U.S. in implementing and evaluating early intervention of psychosis that aims to help young people achieve recovery as soon as possible and prevent long-term disability. She leads our evaluation of Washington’s first episode treatment program, New Journeys, that currently has 11 sites throughout the state. Overlapping this work is her passion for improving pathways to mental health services and  early intervention treatment for Black/African American and other racially and ethnically diverse youth. Her work is essential to addressing long standing inequities in our country’s mental health system. 

In 2019, Oladunni received the Early Career Award from the Schizophrenia International Research Society, an award reserved for the most promising emerging scientists in mental health research. She was also named a LEAD scholar, a coveted federally funded training program to support the efforts of promising early career faculty from traditionally underrepresented racial/ethnic minority backgrounds. In 2020, she received the Outstanding Contribution to Research and Scholarship Award at the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, garnered for the most valuable faculty research contributions. Most recently, she was highlighted by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) as an early-career scientist conducting research that plays a role in advancing NIMH’s mission of transforming the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses. 

In addition to her outstanding accomplishments in racial health equity in addiction and mental health treatment, what is equally remarkable about Oladunni is her commitment to the personal and professional growth of underrepresented researchers in science, specifically racially and ethnically diverse researchers. Oladunni is passionate about mentoring underrepresented faculty and students, who are overwhelmingly women. This is reflected in her research, as well as her advocacy and service commitments. She treats everyone, regardless of background or position, equally and with respect, and reflects a high level of integrity in her work. Oladunni empowers those that she works with to believe in themselves and in their ability, while providing them with innovative advice that transcends obstacles and gives the necessary support to achieve any goal. 

Her colleagues believe she could work anywhere, but chooses to work here in Spokane, because she is committed to contributing to the community and making it a better place to live, particularly for women and people of color. It is YWCA Spokane’s honor to recognize and celebrate Oladunni Oluwoye as the 2022 Woman of Achievement in the category of Science, Technology and Environment. 

Dawn Wolski | Nancy Mahoney | Hanncel Sanchez | Fawn Schott | Lee Williams | Alison Gregoire | Oladunni Olywoye | Sarah Dixit

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Join Us In Honoring These Outstanding Women At The Awards Celebration And Benefit For YWCA Spokane On March 24, 2022

Over the last 40 years this awards luncheon has evolved into YWCA Spokane’s largest fundraising event. Sponsored by more than 50 companies and organizations each year, it has become one of the area’s most prestigious award recognition events for women. Friends and supporters who believe in YWCA Spokane’s mission come together to invest in the safety, hope, and healing  of those served by YWCA’s critical programs through their support of this spectacular celebration of women.

All proceeds raised support YWCA Spokane’s critical services for domestic violence victims and their children, including emergency shelter, counseling, legal services, job readiness, child care, and Pre-K programs for low income children. Learn more about the impact of YWCA Spokane.

Registration Is Now Closed

Please contact Jennifer Evans at jennifere@ywcaspokane.org with any questions or concerns.

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Admiral Howard Embodies Honor, Courage and Commitment

Born when female participation in the military was legally capped and women were not allowed to become generals or admirals or to attend service academies, Admiral Howard shattered every glass ceiling. She was the first women to command a U.S. Naval Ship, achieve the rank of four-star admiral and the first woman to be appointed to the position of vice chief of naval operations (the second highest rank in the Navy). She was also the first African-American woman to reach the rank of three-star and four-star in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and the first African-American woman to command a ship in the Navy. We are honored to welcome Admiral Michelle Howard (Retired) as our 2022 Keynote Speaker.

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Give in Honor of A Women of Achievement Award Honorees

Consider making a donation in honor of an outstanding woman acknowledged through this inspiring celebration. As our most critical fundraiser of the year, support received through the Women of Achievement awards celebration helps us serve approximately 16,500 clients through programs and services impacting the lives of those affected by domestic violence, homelessness, and unemployment. Your support allows our reach to go further and our mission to be realized. Simply put, we cannot do this work without you!

GIVE TODAY

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Your Health and Safety Remains our Priority

While we look forward to Women of Achievement’s in-person event, the health and safety of our guests and staff remains our top priority. With the evolving nature of the COVID-19 situation, a lot is changing quickly. We are looking at the published guidance from federal, state and local health authorities and government and making decisions to accommodate all of our guests and promote a safe gathering. We continue to assess health and safety policies for the event in light of changing state/local and venue requirements. Beginning March 12th, there will no longer be a statewide mask mandate, nor vaccination requirements for large events. While masks are recommended, they will not be required. Please contact Jennifer Evans at jennifere@ywcaspokane.org for additional information regarding our COVID-19 plan.

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This awards celebration would not be possible without the incredible support of our sponsors.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities contact Briana Berner, YWCA Spokane Donor Engagement Coordinator, at brianab@ywcaspokane.org or call 509-953-5992.

Signature sponsor

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Keynote Sponsor

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Honoree Sponsor

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Survivor Sponsor

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Video Production Sponsor

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Women’s History Month Sponsor

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PhotoBooth Sponsor

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Staff Sponsor

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Champion Sponsors

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Trailblazer Sponsors

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Pioneer Sponsors

 

 

 

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Corporate Sponsors

Rosauers

Northwest Renewables

US Bank

Spokane Public Schools

Traci Bemis Real Estate – Homes for Change

Volunteers of America

Washington State University

Davenport Hotels

Wendle Ford Nissan

Columbia Bank