Learning From Leaders

By Summar Lowe '24, April 29, 2024

2024 Women of Distinction winners share their stories.

(L to R)Christina Moylan, Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance; Nia Nunn, Associate Professor in the Department of Education; Michelle Goode, Program Director for the Center for Health Promotion and Bonnie Prunty, Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Life.

(Photo by Summar Lowe)

Each year, Ithaca College celebrates the achievements of four women in leadership positions across campus by presenting the Women of Distinction Award. This accolade recognizes women who exhibit leadership and pave the way for women in their fields of expertise; serve as role models and mentors and are committed to advancing women; and give back to the IC community through their time, talent, and resources.

This year’s winners were Michelle Goode, Program Director for the Center for Health Promotion; Christina Moylan, Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance; Nia Nunn, Associate Professor in the Department of Education; and Bonnie Prunty, Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Life.

The quartet was honored at the annual Women of Distinction ceremony, where each of them had the chance to share words of wisdom with members of the campus community.

Nunn’s message was about the power of freedom. “Freedom means to me no fear,” she said, encouraging the creation of environments where women can operate without fear, embodying true empowerment.

“The way each of the recipients talked about leadership styles and how they adapted their leadership styles through their experiences resonated with me. Seeing another woman of color up there speaking about that and other women overall motivated and inspired me.”

Mullen Quaye ’24

She also built up the confidence for everyone in the room, calling out “Negativity, pay it,” while the audience responded, “No mind.”

Moylan spent time reflecting on her career, and how her path was not linear.

“I’ve had many jobs in my lifetime, and this is the first time that I feel like I’m home,” she said. “And it took me a long time for me to get here.”

Goode emphasized the importance of resilience and self-belief in professional settings. “It’s important to learn that there are going to be times where we doubt ourselves,” she said. “However, don’t allow that to waver on your mind.”

The influence of the Women of Distinction Award extends beyond the ceremony itself, inspiring a chain reaction of empowerment, leadership, and positive change among attendees, particularly students.

“I am thankful for every opportunity that I get to celebrate women. To let them know that they are seen, and their work doesn’t go unnoticed. I live for those moments.”

Jasmine Williams ’25

Mullen Quaye ’24 felt that those messages were especially poignant for women of color, who often face societal stereotypes and biases.

“The way each of the recipients talked about leadership styles and how they adapted their leadership styles through their experiences resonated with me. Seeing another woman of color up there speaking about that and other women overall motivated and inspired me,”Quaye expressed.

The words of the honorees served as examples of valuable reassurances from role models.

“I always worry about the future, and I see them so happy and so fulfilled in their career, and I want to be just like them,” said Asata Rothblatt ’26.

Other students remarked that the event was a testament to Ithaca College’s unwavering commitment to nurturing future female leaders and fostering an inclusive, empowering culture.

“I am thankful for every opportunity that I get to celebrate women. To give them their flowers and let them know that they are seen, and their work doesn’t go unnoticed. I live for those moments,” said Jasmine Williams ’25.