Continuing with our celebration of this year’s CALS Awards recipients, we are sharing information about the winners of the CALS Equity and Diversity Award and Excellence in International Activities Award this week.

Beth Ann Workmaster

Beth Ann Workmaster, recipient of the CALS Equity and Diversity Award, is a researcher in plant and agroecosystem sciences. She has been involved in committee work to amplify voices of marginalized individuals since joining the staff, and she is dedicated to addressing issues of climate, inclusion and equity on every committee she joins.

Beth is driven to create an inclusive workplace. Her DEI training is a personal journey of growth that she embraces as a learner and a leader. She played a pivotal role in creation of the Horticulture Equity and Diversity Committee in 2015, and she curates the committee’s bi-weekly newsletter.

Beth mentors graduate students and organizes learning opportunities for the department. Her influence also reaches beyond the department, contributing to the college through development of resources and the Gender Diversity in Plant Science seminar series. Beth shows tireless dedication to and passion for fostering inclusive environments.

Valerie Stull

Valerie Stull, recipient of the Excellence in International Activities Award, is a scientist in the Department of Community and Environmental Sociology. She is dedicated to helping people around the world, especially in matters of nutrition, agriculture, environment and global health, with a special focus on the empowerment of rural women. Her international work ranges from research and teaching – to outreach and program development.

Valerie co-founded MIGHTi – the Mission to Improve Global Health Through Innovation – a women-led NGO that focuses on the needs of rural women in Zambia and Rwanda. MIGHTi projects include an innovation hub, a literary project, a water initiative, an agriculture project and a menstrual products shop.

Valerie also co-founded the LAND project, which stands for Livelihood, Agroecology, Nutrition, and Development. The project involves the department and two partner organizations and seeks to improve livelihoods and health in communities across South Africa. Valerie’s efforts are making an impact around the globe.