I can’t imagine a better partner in my work than Maggie. She brings to our sometimes stressful work a rare combination of reliable talent and warm humor, which has helped to buoy all of us in the office, especially me. Maggie not only represents our office professionally but also teaches all of us how to be better colleagues to each other – her patience, her attention to each of our needs, and her commitment to advancing UM’s mission. I’ve come to rely on Maggie’s consummate professionalism and on her ability to connect with people in ways that make them feel heard and valued. This isn’t a small or easy thing. Most of all, I am grateful or Maggie because makes me and all of us in our office better.

Kelly Webster, Chief of Staff, University of Montana

Dr. Christina Barsky’s expertise regarding the front-lines of public administration is pushing our field to recognize where the rubber meets the road with US election administration. Her research pushes us to consider how the defenders of democracy, election administrators, serve an instrumental role in our right to vote. I am incredibly thankful for Dr. Christina Barsky because she works to advance the role of women, serves as an exceptional mentor for students, and embodies a commitment to collegiality for our department.

Sara Rinfret, Acting Dean, Public Administration & Policy, MPA Director, University of Montana

Salena joined the University of Montana as the inaugural leader of Inclusive Excellence in 2020-21, and immediately established herself as a trusted confidant, advisor and advocate for students.  Her impact on the programs and services for students in the Branch Center and beyond has been profound and rapidly established her role and office as a critical and meaningful element of our diversity, equity and inclusivity efforts for students. Her positive impact is felt through individual relationships, advising of groups, planning for events, advocacy for change and in innumerable other ways throughout campus and beyond.  I am grateful for Salena Beaumont Hill because of her advocacy, care and encouragement of students, her vision for inclusivity and excellence on campus, and her tireless efforts toward achievement of that vision.

Sarah Swager, Vice Provost for Student Success, University of Montana

Annie is highly regarded in her field of study and can be counted in the less than 1% of Native Americans who earn a doctorate degree. While being an outstanding faculty member, Annie is also a single mother of three beautiful daughters. She is a loving, devoted, and caring mom. She remains connected to her family on the reservation and maintains cultural ties. 

I am grateful for Annie as she is a truly inspiring woman who comes from humble beginnings. She approaches her work with her whole heart and continues to pave the way for others as they strive in their academic endeavors.

Twila Old Coyote, Director of S.E.A. Change Initiative, University of Montana

Caitlin Blomgren’s unique and meaningful contribution to Clearwater Credit Union includes her commitment to always providing the right answer to other co-workers, her realistic view of what can and can’t be done, adjusting her communication style to meet the needs of others, thinking of the little things that often get missed, striving to always do her best, and always being honest, inclusive, and thoughtful.  

I am grateful for Caitlin’s kindness towards others, her inclusion of others, and her dedication to making sure the learning environment is ideal for all of her participants.

Robert Farmer, Senior Vice President of People Solutions, Clearwater Credit Union

Dr. Anisa Goforth, an Associate Professor of Psychology, has a range of unique and meaningful contributions. For example, Dr. Goforth recently co-authored a book entitled Culturally Responsive School-Based Practices: Supporting Mental Health and Learning of Diverse Youth. This topic is critical due to the increased focus on inequity in diverse youth, the impact of this inequity on mental health, and the importance of effectively supporting these youth. Furthermore, Dr. Goforth deeply values her role as a mentor to both undergraduate and graduate students, providing them with structured and supportive supervision and giving them multiple opportunities to contribute the field of psychology through publications, presentations, and applied research that benefits school-age youth. Finally, Dr. Goforth served as the Program Director of the School Psychology Graduate programs from 2017-2020, where she took the lead on multiple activities that were essential to the growth of these programs. I am grateful for Dr. Goforth (Anisa) because of her dedication to the success of her students, as well as her advocacy for and commitment to the field of school psychology. 

Jacqueline Brown, Associate Professor of Psychology and Director, School Psychology Graduate Programs, University of Montana

It is an honor and privilege to work with Violet Hopkins and it goes without saying and she is a gifted individual, a cherished colleague and a perfect representative to serve on the Women’s Leadership Initiative. 

Violet has grit and doesn’t hesitate to speak up if she senses something is unfair or inequitable. She is committed to, and demonstrates care for, students and her colleagues through her service as a Transfer advisor and her contribution of service on numerous high-profile committees and work groups, including CAPE (Critical Advising Practices for Equity). Personally speaking, she has taught me a lot about equity issues on our campus, particularly gender equity, and I am a better supervisor due to the awareness she has instilled in me. She also has a great sense of humor and often makes me chuckle. 

I am grateful for Violet because she makes those around her think more objectively about the importance of creating equitable learning and work environments and as an integral and influential member of our advising team she significantly contributes to the service we provide to UM students. We are very fortunate to have her as a colleague and friend.

Nathan Domitrovich, Director, Undergraduate Advising Center, University of Montana

Maegan Rides At The Door is the director of the National Native Children’s Trauma Center in the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education.   With her background in Counseling and her extensive experience working with tribal communities across North America, Dr. Rides at the Door, supports the NNCTC team in helping schools and their communities design culturally responsive and evidence-based interventions that help heal trauma. I am grateful for Maegan because she recognizes her team members’ contributions to the Center, the College, and the communities with which they work.

Adrea Lawrence, Dean and Professor, Phyllis J. Washington College of Education, University of Montana

Karen has established herself as a trusted leader in student engagement, and earned much praise for her creativity, enthusiasm and student outreach during the Coronavirus Pandemic.  Even though we were often kept apart due to the pandemic, Karen and her team identified ways to keep us connected.  Karen has moved into a new role this year in Marketing in the University Center.  In that role she is quickly establishing herself as a creative force, helping to build out our new tools for student engagement and offering endless options for students to connect with each other and to build lasting friendships.  I am grateful to Karen Schlatter for her creativity, her energy, and her ability to help us come together after far too long apart.

Sarah Swager, Vice Provost for Student Success, University of Montana

I would like to recognize Miranda Schmid for the leadership skills she possesses. Miranda is an achiever! She has been at Clearwater Credit Union for 4 years. She is always willing to support her team, other departments, and the organization. When the going gets tough, she brings a positive, can-do attitude.  At times I wonder if she has 8 arms with the workload she can balance. She is kind, smart, driven, empathic and flexible. She has gained the confidence to lead her team without giving up herself. Miranda is fueled by a challenge and does not allow setbacks to undermine her confidence and or personal/professional growth. I am grateful for Miranda because she in invaluable and I can count on her. She brings happiness to her team and ceases to amaze me.

Meagan Kraft, Vice President of Member Experience, Clearwater Credit Union

I would like to recognize a valuable leader at UM—Dr.  Mika Watanabe. Mika’s thoughtful leadership benefits from her excellent listening skills, her considerate and deliberative approach, and her dedication to serving others in our campus community. These strengths are seen through her work for the Office for Disability Equity, which impacts thousands of students, as well as in the impact she has had on colleagues like me, who have benefitted from her mentorship. She is deeply committed to actions that make our campus a more inclusive space for our students and for all of us. I am grateful for Mika because of her daily efforts to remove barriers to inclusivity at the University.

Jasmine Laine, Associate Director, Office of Organizational Learning and Development, University of Montana

I would like to recognize the Women’s Leadership Initiative member Sara Zeier.  I have worked with Sara for many years and am happy to have done so.  Sara is one of the most kind, smart, and dedicated women I have worked with.  There is not a job, project or task that Sara handles, that is not done to perfection.   Sara works hard to build up all people, no matter of their gender, sexual orientation, or intellect.   I am grateful for Sara Zeier because she makes me and better leader and the credit union a better place to work and bank.

Bill St. John, Senior Vice President of Branch Banking, Clearwater Credit Union