September 04, 2025

SIU honors 2025 “Women of Action”

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale recently honored noteworthy women as the winners of the fourth annual Women of Action Awards.

The recognition is given in celebration of the “everyday heroes” who make a real difference in the world around them by encouraging, mentoring and advocating for women and for anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion.

“These awards honor women who overcome adversity in their workplaces, schools and communities and who not just prevail, but lead, inspire and advocate as they serve,” said Renada Greer, executive director of the Student Multicultural Resource Center and TRiO Student Support Services. “We are pleased to recognize women of diverse backgrounds for their achievements and contributions and making the world a better place.”

Five recipients honored

The winners of the 2025 awards are:

  • Empowering the Youth Award – Kimberly Barton, principal of Thomas Elementary School in Carbondale. Launching her career as a first-grade teacher in Mississippi in 2015, Barton has worked her way up in the field of education while earning her master’s degree, displaying a “deep commitment to nurturing young minds” and “an unwavering dedication to the students and families of Carbondale” and “her transformative leadership in education,” said Amy Rutledge. The award is given to a K-12 teacher or staff member who makes a difference in the lives of young people. Rutledge said Barton’s leadership “is rooted in relationship-building and a belief that every child deserves to feel seen, supported and inspired.”
  • Champion of Change Award – Ashley Booth, social worker for the Giant City Community Consolidated School District 130. The award goes to a woman who has a sustained commitment to women and/or diversity issues. Nominator Sherrica Hunt said Booth has shown a “profound dedication to fostering an environment where every young person feels valued and seen.” Hunt said Booth has the remarkable ability to connect with people and make them feel understood and supported. Booth is a true pillar of the community, quietly engaging in outreach that makes a difference in the lives of many, and she has “spearheaded powerful and electrifying recruitment events” while serving as a graduate assistant in the Office of Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
  • Woman of Inspiration – Valerie Boyer, School of Health Sciences director and communication disorders and sciences program associate professor. The award is presented to a woman who empowers and supports other women and champions their inclusion. During her 16-year career at SIU, Boyer has served as a mentor to students and faculty, “building others up and supporting their dreams,” said nominator Juhi Kidwai, assistant professor of CDS. Kidwai noted that those mentored by Boyer are serving in a variety of clinical and professional roles across the United States and that under her leadership, the CDS program has had a very high retention rate and a three-year 100% placement rate. Boyer was also praised for being a good listener and supporting people in their passions while linking faculty to meaningful research collaborations.
  • Ascend Award – Denise Croft, director of the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, the new Community Care and Education Center and the communication disorders and sciences program and CDS assistant lecturer. Croft is “an enthusiastic, proactive and positive leader” who has been “an anchor for the center, academic programs and the Southern Illinois community she serves,” said nominator Juhi Kidwai. This award honors a woman whose early accomplishments distinguish her as a leader in her profession, a rising star who has already had an inspirational and positive impact on women. Croft has served as an expert and compassionate mentor and guide to her students and been heavily involved in community engagement and outreach.
  • Above and Beyond Award – Caitlyn Richardson, a master’s student in psychology from Macedonia, Illinois, who also earned her bachelor’s in psychology at SIU. The honor is presented to a current SIU student who is a young role model. A first-generation college student, Richardson has “excelled in the face of challenging circumstances.” She is an outstanding scholar in the brain and cognitive sciences program, who is ultimately working toward a doctorate in psychology with a specialization in behavioral neuroscience,said Eric Jacobs, associate professor of brain and cognitive sciences, applied psychology, behavior analysis and therapy. In her very demanding area of study, Richardson has proven to be an outstanding and dedicated researcher and student, who has mastered numerous techniques and academic areas as she researches the difference sexual identity plays relative to the effects of traumatic brain injury on rats’ ability to remember recent events.

Greer and Bethany Peppers, director of fraternity and sorority life, leadership and service, presented the awards. The Women of Action program is sponsored by the Women’s Resource Center in collaboration with Network Empowering Women.