This Year's MCGS Award Winners

Richard Merritt Duncan Advocacy Award Recipient: Mikie Weidman

My name is Mikaela (Mikie) Weidman. I am a bisexual feminist from the Bay Area who is currently doubling majoring in Psychology and Women's Studies with a minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies at California State University, Chico. I am a compassionate student advocate, currently working at the Chico State's Gender and Sexuality Equity Coalition as the Women's Program Coordinator and a student activist for Students for Quality Education.

Change The World Award Recipient: Ruby Ferguson

Ruby Ferguson was born and raised in the Bay Area, CA. She came to Chico State as a major in Criminal Justice in Fall 2015. After learning about mass incarceration and institutionalized racism, her passion for social justice informed her shift of academic goals. As a current double major in Multicultural & Gender Studies and Psychology, Ruby has used her time at Chico State to be an activist and advocate. She strives to never stay silent and use her voice to address injustice. Post graduation, Ruby plans on working in the Bay Area to uplift her community and work towards correcting the historical criminalization of marginalized people.

Change the World Award & Outstanding Graduating Student Award (WMST) Recipient: Maeve O'Brien

Maeve O'Brien is a graduating senior double majoring in Multicultural & Gender Studies and Social Science. Maeve works at the Campus Alcohol and Drug Education Center, Safe Place and is a student ambassador for MCGS. After graduation, she plans on moving to Ireland and working for a non-profit. The MCGS department has truly shaped her passion for social justice and opened her future to incredible opportunities.

Outstanding Graduating Student Award (MCGS) Recipient: Samuel Akinwande

I am Samuel Akinwande and I am a senior here at Chico State with  a double major in Social Work and Multi-Cultural Gender Studies. I was born in Nigeria, West Africa but I moved to Inglewood, California when I was 10 years old and have been living in the United States for 13 years. My Favorite hobbies include sleeping, cooking, playing soccer and learning about the cultures of others. The world of diversity and social justice is a huge passion area of mine. At the end of my academic career I hope to work with at risk youths to help empower and motivate them to dream beyond the status quo set for them and be the best version of them selves and develop programs to help reduce juvenile recidivism. 

Louis-Goldblatt Award for Social Change Recipient: Adela Gutierrez 

 Adela is a first generation queer chicanx student studying Political Science at Chico State. They have works in a myriad of grassroots organizations for a variety of causes they hold dear to their heart. Their latest work is surrounding the statewide "No Harm, Disarm" campaign led by Students for Quality Education meant to bring awareness of social and institutional issues that affects students of color, and primarily Black students in the CSU system. They hope to continue their work in grassroots organizing and politics to set precedent for a better future for others.

This award means the world to me because many times people like myself do the work we do solely for survival and building community. Having validation and recognition from and institution exemplifies that those before me have successfully paved the way for me to be able to accept an award like the Louis-Goldblatt Award for Social Change.