Dr. Sania Irwin named 2020 Adade Wheeler Woman of Distinction Award winner

The College of DuPage Women's Studies Committee has named Glen Ellyn resident Dr. Sania Irwin recipient of the 2020 Adade Wheeler Woman of Distinction Award.

Named for former COD history professor, activist and Women's Studies program founder Adade Wheeler, the award has been given annually since 1983 to recognize residents, workers or volunteers within Community College District 502 who have made significant contributions to the personal and professional advancement of women through education, advocacy and mentoring.

Irwin is co-founder and president of One Community, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which aims to celebrate diversity and raise awareness, acceptance and involvement of community members of all backgrounds. The organization was the leading agency behind a local Welcoming Community Resolution in 2019 and focuses on policies and actions designed to build meaningful relationships and deeper understanding across community members.

In addition to her work with One Community, Irwin is a member of the League of Women Voters of the United States Board of Directors and serves on its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and Leadership Development Task Force. In 2018, she spearheaded the nonpartisan Get Out The Vote initiative, which increased voter participation in low turnout precincts by five percentage points.

Irwin will be honored at the fall 2021 Adade Wheeler Annual Banquet and Ceremony.

For more information, email the College of DuPage Women's Studies Committee at vlachs@cod.edu.