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.