Last week, as the sun graced Oregon with an unexpected warmth, the Oregon Commission for Women marked a significant milestone—the 40th anniversary of the Women of Achievement Awards. The event, known for spotlighting gender equity, welcomed leaders from across the state to honor the contributions of outstanding women, as reported by the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office.
In a record-setting show of participation, the competition this year was fiercer than ever before, prompting Oregon Commission for Women to commemorate the occasion by doubling the recognition—awarding two deserving individuals per category, for the first time. Among the honorees were Nadia Hasan, a Beaverton City Councilor tagged as an emerging leader, and Wafa Almaktari, who coordinates efforts for immigrants and refugees in Portland, according to the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office. Andrea Bell and Jennifer Lee took home the Professional Achievement Award, while Peggy Nagae and Marta Guembes Herrera were recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The awards ceremony, held annually since 1985—save for a hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic, focuses on celebrating women who have made remarkable strides in equity, women’s rights, and impacting historically excluded populations. "When women rise, communities thrive," Chair Libra Forde stated during the event, a sentiment echoed by Fay Stetz-Waters, the Director of Civil Rights and Social Justice at the Oregon Department of Justice, who also served as the keynote speaker, as stated by the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office.
Stetz-Waters expressed her appreciation for the gathering, saying, "The positivity, resilience, and the unwavering resolve of trailblazing women honored at the 40th anniversary of the Women of Achievement Awards reignited my spirit and filled me with hope." Her statement, obtained by the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office, highlighted the collective strength and unity of the women honored, and the transformative potential they represent.
The recognition event, which coincides with Women’s History Month—a national observance since 1987, celebrates the varied contributions and achievements of women. Sponsors for this year's ceremony included the Women’s Foundation of Oregon, Spirit Mountain Casino, and the Center for Women’s Leadership. More details on the honorees and the event can be found at the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office website. The ceremony garnered a range of attendees, all in support of the path-breaking women whose efforts have sustained and uplifted their communities.
