This past week, the University of San Diego hosted the 2023 Gender Equity Awards, a remarkable event organized by the Women’s Commons. This annual ceremony serves as a platform to recognize and celebrate the outstanding efforts of undergraduate, graduate, and law students who embody the principles of intersectional social justice. The awardees are distinguished by their efforts in promoting equity through collaboration, empowerment of others, solidarity with marginalized populations, courage, and creativity. 

Of this year’s nominees, several Kroc School of Peace Studies students were recognized for their contributions. MA in Peace and Justice students Dan Mueller, Eva Koelzer, Madeleine Koehn and Aliza Carns were all nominated for their equity and social justice work. Aliza Carns was awarded the Gender Equity Award for Advancing Equity in Academics. Join us in congratulating these students! 

"Aliza has taken a leadership role within the Kroc School, working with other students and faculty members to organize a series of events and a one-credit course on gender and justice issues," says Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice Program Officer for Women, Peace and Security Briana Mawby, who nominated Aliza for the award. “She has helped provide opportunities to further her colleagues' knowledge of gender and peacebuilding, which is a critical tool for changemakers.”

Kroc School Students Madeleine Koehn, Dan Mueller, Eva Koelzer and Aliza Carns

In celebrating the achievements of these exceptional students, the University of San Diego not only recognizes their individual efforts but also sends a powerful message about the institution's commitment to creating a campus environment that reflects the principles of gender equity and inclusion. To learn more about the Kroc School’s efforts of advancing peace and gender equity, check out our Women, Peace and Security programs at the Kroc IPJ. 

MA in Peace and Justice student Aliza Carns