2023 Women Who Shine

April 20, 2023

On March 31, Eller MBA once again hosted the Women Who Shine event to celebrate and honor outstanding students, alumni, faculty and community members at Tohono Chul.

Current MBA students, alumni, faculty and community members all came together to celebrate those making a difference for women in business.

Directors of the Eller MBA programs nominated individuals who are highly engaged with the college and community, excel academically and exemplify what it means to be a leader. 

The awardees were those who have championed the fight for equality, supported others, influenced their communities and worked to advance women professionally. Allies were also recognized for embodying Eller’s values and advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. 

The event included networking, breakfast and a program where honorees shared their insights on leadership, building others, equity in the workplace and how women and allies have supported them throughout their careers.

Members of the MBA community, including current students, alumni and faculty members were then recognized and given awards based on the contributions they have made to both the Eller community and the communities that they have made a difference in. 

The following individuals received awards during the event: 

Shining Students Award—awarded to current MBA students.

  • Heather Thomas ‘23   
  • Shubham Sen ‘23 
  • Abidemi Okechukwu ‘23
  • Andrew Ballmann ‘23
  • Lauren Antone
  • Thimothy Kirk ‘23
  • Alexis Martinez 
  • Vincent Green '23
  • Yana Roka-Moiia '23
  • Jess Cassidy '23
  • Leonardo Alaniz 

Sunlight Award—awarded to faculty who act as leaders within Eller/UArizona community. 

  • Tamar Kugler, associate professor of management and organizations and Eller Fellow
  • Cortez Smith, manager in business consulting
  • Max Hewitt, associate professor of accounting and Eller Fellow

Lighting the Way Award—awarded to alumni who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to equality in the workplace.  

  • Kaylee Wong ‘22
  • Allison Duffy '11 
  • Calline Sanchez '05

Daybreak Award—awarded to community mentors who have been an ally for women in business in the Tucson community. 

  • Eric Smith

Sunburst Award—awarded to business leaders in Tucson who have been an advocate for women in business and support diversity, equity and inclusion in their organization. 

  • Kira Dixon-Weinstein