WSUV names Women of Distinction

In conjunction with Women’s History Month, which is celebrated every March, Washington State University Vancouver has named its two Distinguished Woman of the Year winners.

Each was honored for her work to inspire, mentor and empower young women. Both women were among several nominees in their respective categories.

Dora Hernandez is this year’s winner in the WSUV student category. A major in human development studies, she is president of the Latin@Association and a student diversity peer mentor. The mother of two is the first member of her family to pursue higher education, despite many years outside of school.

Julie Hanke, the nonstudent winner, works as a case manager for Vancouver Public Schools’ Teen Parent Program. She has helped many teens to make good choices for themselves and their babies by providing education, tools and resources necessary to succeed.

In March 2006, Hanke opened a homeless shelter for pregnant and parenting teens called Vida’s Ark. It houses four teens, their babies and a house mother, providing pregnant and parenting teens a safe, nurturing harbor.

Keynote speaker at the March 31 WSUV event was Nichole Maher, executive director of the Native American Youth and Family Center in Portland.

Women of Distinction is sponsored by Unitus Community Credit Union and WSUV’s Office of Student Involvement.