IC News

This past spring four female leaders were honored for their contributions to the IC community during the 2023 Women of Distinction Awards ceremony.

This year’s recipients were Diana Dimitrova, the director of the international studies and extended studies programs; Belisa González, professor of sociology and director of the Center for Study of Culture, Race, and Ethnicity; Elyse Nepa, assistant director for the Clery Act and prevention education for the Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management; and Erienne Roberts, former senior associate and deputy director of intercollegiate athletics.

A distinctive feature of the ceremony was that the recipients had their awards presented to them by a student upon whom they have had a positive impact. This year’s student presenters were Jaqueline Pereira ’25, Taina Trinidad ’24, Linnea Carchedi ’23, and Elizabeth Pillow ’25.

At the ceremony, each award-winner gave a speech, sharing the things they’ve learned on their career journeys. Dimitrova connected her own experiences in working with a variety of backgrounds and how intersectionality existed even with those differences. “It’s so nice to pause to make the time to reflect how much we have in common, even though we came to this place from wildly different paths and backgrounds,” she said. “I think that those stories are very powerful. But just to stand along with these amazing women and to face this group of wonderful people, it’s a wonderful experience.”

González spoke on the implications of leadership and how leaders might battle feelings of isolation. “Being a leader in your field can feel isolating, and I think it’s meant to do that,” she said. “So, I like to be reminded that we’re never alone, and that we’ve always had the folks that came before us, and that they are standing with us. That physical isolation can be overwhelming. We may be physically alone, [but] we’re never spiritually alone. And just as trauma is passed down, so is resistance and power and celebration and joy.”

Nepa encouraged attendees, particularly graduating seniors, to be brave in whatever endeavors they pursue. “What I want to share, especially with our up-and-rising women leaders that are here at IC, is that it is never too late to change the game,” she said. “When I applied for the position here at Ithaca College, I knew I was making a huge change in my career. But with this incredible team at Ithaca College—brains, hearts, and leadership of the Office of Public Safety and leadership across this institution—I was rewarded with the opportunity to redefine what community and mental health counseling looks like.”