Instructor Claudia Avendaño-Ibarra receives Skagit Women’s Alliance and Network (SWAN) Women of the Year Award for Transformative Leadership

Claudia Avendaño-Ibarra, Skagit Valley College’s Human Services department co-chair and instructor, was among four women to receive the Skagit Women’s Alliance and Network (SWAN) 2021 Women of the Year Award for Transformative Leadership.

 

Avendaño-Ibarra received her award Oct. 21 at SWAN’s virtual awards ceremony. Also receiving the Women of the Year Award that evening were Iris Carias, Julie De Losada, and Tina Tate.

 

Throughout her life, Avendaño-Ibarra has been a strong advocate for social justice and access to higher education for women and all members of the community. The 2021 SWAN award recognizes her service as a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the classes she teaches at SVC, as well as the leadership, mentorship, and training she provides to the community.

“I feel honored and encouraged,” said Avendaño-Ibarra. “SWAN granted me trust with this recognition, thus placing the burden of responsibility on me and I accept it with gratitude and hope.”

Yadira Rosales, associate vice president of Equity and Inclusion, and interim dean of Basic Education for Adults, was selected as a finalist for the SWAN 2021 Women of the Year Award. Rosales was recognized for leading the college’s efforts to develop and coordinate outreach and awareness programs that are designed to increase the enrollment and success of traditionally underrepresented student populations.

“I am really honored to have been considered a finalist,” said Rosales. “I am thankful to my mentors and the many individuals who have supported and encouraged me during my personal and professional career because I would not be here without them.”

Each year, SWAN also recognizes an up-and-coming professional woman who excels at mentoring or empowering her peers, embraces transformative leadership, and is thriving in her profession. The 2021 Rising Swan Award was presented to Ana Rivas.

Rivas was recognized as a fervent advocate for migrant families and her work as the program coordinator for the Welcome Baby program for United Way. She is also currently attending SVC in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management degree program.

“I am honored and speechless to have been awarded this year’s rising SWAN,” said Rivas. “I was more honored to have been recognized by a group of women who are assets to my community. Dr. Cailloux helped me create a better version of myself through her mentorship and guidance in Latino Leadership. I have learned to value and appreciate my Latinx roots and become a resource to those who need them.”

SWAN is a non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing and supporting women of achievement in Skagit County. SWAN annually celebrates and honors outstanding Skagit County women for their success and contributions to the community as business leaders, innovators, and visionaries. SWAN also provides scholarships each year for women to continue the mentoring legacy in the pursuit of excellence.