Inclusive Excellence
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Photos: Celebrating UW–Madison’s Outstanding Women of Color

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Six women of color in formal attire and face masks pose for a group photo.
The 14th cohort of UW–Madison Outstanding Women of Color Awards recipients: Danielle Yancey, Jennifer Gauthier, Dr. Sheryl Henderson, Carola Peterson-Gaines, Dr. Carolina Sarmiento, and Dr. Cat Burkat. (Photo by Andy Manis)

The UW–Madison community gathered to celebrate the 14th cohort of Outstanding Women of Color Award honorees at a reception on Thursday, March 3, in the Pyle Center.

Each year, the university recognizes women of color whose advocacy, activism, or scholarship has positively transformed their organizations and the community, and whose efforts advance equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging for people of color. Former Assistant Vice Chancellor Ruby Paredes launched the Outstanding Women of Color recognition for UW–Madison to honor the immense amount of women who have made extraordinary contributions to the campus, their communities, and the world. Since the honor began in 2007, UW has recognized more than 80 exceptional women. Learn about the award and see past recipients

Shenikqua Bouges speaks at a podium wearing a pink sweater and surgical mask.
Dr. Shenikqua Bouges, advanced geriatric fellow in the School of Medicine and Public Health and 2020-21 recipient of the Outstanding Women of Color Award, opened the ceremony to honor the 14th cohort. (Photo by Andy Manis)
Chancellor Blank speaks at a podium wearing a white face mask, red shirt, purple cardigan and glasses.
Chancellor Becky Blank addressed the honorees and guests in her last Outstanding Women of Color Awards reception as chancellor of UW–Madison. (Photo by Andy Manis)
Cat Burkat in a silver dress speaks at a podium while LaVar Charleston listens in the background.
Dr. Cat Burkat, professor (CHS) and board-certified ophthalmologist in the School of Medicine and Public Health, accepts her award. (Photo by Andy Manis)
Jennifer Gauthier tears up as she speaks into a microphone.
Jennifer Gauthier, community development educator in Menominee County/Nation, accepts her award. (Photo by Andy Manis)
LaVar Charleston wearing a blue suit and red bow tie stands with Jennifer Gauthier in a blue Native American dress and beaded jewelry holding a plaque.
Chief Diversity Officer LaVar J. Charleston presents Jennifer Gauthier with her Outstanding Women of Color Award. (Photo by Andy Manis)
Sherl Henderson speaks at a podium wearing a black blouse and maroon cardigan.
Dr. Sheryl Henderson, associate professor (CHS) in the Department of Pediatrics at the School of Medicine and Public Health, spoke of the importance of her family and others who paved the way for her in her acceptance speech. (Photo by Andy Manis)
Carola Peterson-Gaines gestures while speaking at a podium weaering a black dress and large silver and white necklace.
Carola Peterson-Gaines, community outreach specialist in the Pharmacy Practice Division and honorary associate/fellow in the School of Pharmacy, gave a passionate speech praising the work of other women of color. (Photo by Andy Manis)
Audience members seated in rows clap.
The reception and ceremony were held at the Pyle Center with an additional audience online on March 3, 2022. (Photo by Andy Manis)
Carolina Sarmiento speaks into a microphone wearing a colorful, embroidered cloth face mask.
Carolina Sarmiento, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Civil Society & Community Studies and an affiliate with the Department of Urban and Regional Planning in the School of Human Ecology, spoke about working across different communities and intersecting identities to counteract oppressive systems. (Photo by Andy Manis)
Carolina Sarmiento hugs a man wearing a jacket and hat.
Carolina Sarmiento embraces her partner after receiving her award. (Photo by Andy Manis)
Danielle Yancey claps and smiles while speaking at a podium wearing black clothes.
Danielle Yancey, director of the Native American Center for Health Professions in the School of Medicine and Public Health, laughs as she accepts her award. (Photo by Andy Manis)
Audience members in face masks hold up their phones to record the presentations.
Friends, colleagues, and families of the honorees as well as past Outstanding Women of Color Award honorees attended the reception in the Pyle Center to celebrate the 14th cohort. (Photo by Andy Manis)
Nine people wearing formal attire and face masks stand on stage posing for a group photo.
From left: Carola Peterson-Gaines, Carolina Sarmiento, Jennifer Gauthier, LaVar J. Charleston, Danielle Yancey, Provost Karl Scholz, Sheryl Henderson, Cat Burkat, and Chancellor Rebecca Blank. (Photo by Andy Manis)