Young Women of Impact
Young Women of Impact honorees are students from public high schools in Pima, Cochise, and Santa Cruz counties who are nominated by members of their school administration for their commitment and dedication to the core values of the Women of Impact initiative.
The Young Women of Impact program was launched in 2023 to acknowledge young women making a difference in their schools and communities, connecting them with university role models, and cultivating a pipeline of future Women of Impact.
With the boost of a grant from the University of Arizona Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), RII can continue to not only recognize the remarkable contributions of accomplished women across the university, but also nurture a pipeline of future leaders.
“My family is mostly women, my teachers and counselors are mostly women, and I have always thought of them as having a huge impact on my life. To be given a label that I have given to so many women in my life–one of impact–is something I can’t quite describe.”
—Ana Ruiz Torres, 2023 Young Women of Impact awardee
Read more about the Young Women of Impact program's inaugural year
Meet the 2024 Young Women of Impact
The Young Women of Impact program is part of the Women of Impact initiative
Nominating a Young Woman of Impact from your school
One young woman, or student who identifies as a woman, from each public high school in Pima, Cochise, and Santa Cruz county, in any grade level 9-12, who demonstrates the following qualities:
- Embodiment of U of A’s core values: integrity, compassion, exploration, adaptability, inclusivity, and determination
- Willingness to empower others
- Impact on their campus or community
- Commitment to embracing educational opportunities and defining goals for their future
Students must be nominated by one designee from their school. Submissions without a school email affiliation will not be accepted.
At this time, we are only accepting one Young Women of Impact nomination from each school.
Complete the nomination form by Friday, September 14, 2024 .
Your submission should include the student name, grade level, school name, principal information, lead nominator information and a short biography of the student that will be read aloud as they are honored during the award ceremony.
Please provide a short biography of no more than 150 words highlighting the student’s key achievements, extracurricular activities, and future plans along with your nomination. This bio will be read aloud as the student receives their award on stage.
See a sample of information to include here:
Student honorees will all be invited to attend two special university-sponsored events.
In the week leading up to the award ceremony, student honorees will be invited to a private luncheon where they will have the opportunity to make connections with the past and present cohorts of Women of Impact alongside their fellow honorees.
On November 7, 2024, we will welcome the students, their family members, school principals and nominating staff members to the Women of Impact Evening Reception and Award Ceremony where we will be honoring 30 U of A faculty and staff members who, through their work, are laying the groundwork for a better future.
Additionally, student honorees will have the opportunity to sign up for a VIP campus tour, and attend curated events throughout the year where they will be able to learn more about different fields of study at the University of Arizona.