The Creating A Just Community award recognizes the outstanding efforts of a Pitt employee in creating a more just, equitable, and inclusive community.
This award acknowledges those individuals who endeavor to address issues of social inequity or injustice through distinct initiatives that advance an inclusive and transformative community experience in areas including access, advocacy, belonging, campus climate, creativity, personal development, entrepreneurship, multicultural/social justice education, research and scholarship, service, and success.
The awardee will receive a $5,000 cash prize and a recognition plaque at the Creating A Just Community program held during MLK Jr. Social Justice Week.
Questions? Email diversity@pitt.edu.
Nominations
Please check back in November for nomination information, forms, and deadlines. The Creating A Just Community award is presented every January.
- Recent Winners
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2023: Ron Idoko, director of social innovation in honors education in the David C. Frederick Honors College, Idoko (A&S ’05, GSPIA ’07) supports students who are tackling systemic social inequities. His focus is on encouraging innovative solutions to drive social progress.
2022: Michele Reid-Vazquez, founding director of the Center for Ethnic Studies Research and leader of the Afrolatinidad Studies Initiative.
2021: The University Art Gallery and Gina A. Garcia, an assistant professor in the Department of Administrative and Policy Studies, as well as an advocate, activist, and scholar, who raises her voice to make sure that she, as well as all Latinx members of the Pitt community, are heard and seen.
2020: Yolanda Covington-Ward, for her many contributions to the University, including impactful leadership with the quick development of Pitt’s first anti-Black racism course, following a summer of civil rights protests.