ISA Associate Director Beatriz Riefkohl Muñiz Wins University Award for the Advancement of Women
March 10, 2017
Institute for the Study of the Americas
Beatriz Riefkohl Muñiz, associate director of the Institute for the Study of the Americas at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, received the 2017 University Award for the Advancement of Women, March 7, 2017, at the Anne Queen Faculty Commons in the Campus Y. This award is given by the office of Chancellor Folt and is a way to recognize individuals for their contributions on behalf of women at the University.
Riefkohl Muñiz was recognized for her mentorship of young professionals, leadership and advocacy with policies and cultures affecting women faculty, staff and students in numerous ways. She has been a central leader in a collaborative effort among area study centers to expand global education in North Carolina and Latin American studies nationally through her work at the Institute for the Study of the Americas and the national Consortium in Latin American Studies Programs.
One of her many accomplishments included mentoring women staff.
“Beatriz elevates the status of women by giving women credit for their labor, ideas and innovation,” said Emily Chávez, outreach director of the Duke-UNC Consortium in Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
In addition to her mentorship, Riefkohl Muñiz’s leadership was recognized across departments.
“Beatriz’ leadership provides a clear example of what UNC should aspire to: the integration of respect and support for women into all facets of institutional culture and policy,” sai Hannah Gill, assistant director for the Institute for the Study of the Americas.
And Riefkohl Muñiz isn’t stopping.
“This award gives us an opportunity to think about all the great contributions women make to Carolina on a daily basis,” said Riefohl Muñiz. “Recognizing women’s achievements helps us to develop new opportunities that take into consideration women’s voices, aspirations and work.”
About the award
A committee of faculty, staff and students was given the task of reviewing the many nominations received to select one faculty member, one staff member, one graduate/professional student and one undergraduate student to receive the award. The committee was given the following criteria to use in selecting award recipients:
- Mentored and supported women students, staff, faculty and/or
administrators; - Elevated the status of women on campus;
- Helped to improve campus policies affecting women;
- Promoted and advanced the recruitment, retention and upward mobility of women;
- Participated in and assisted in the establishment of professional development opportunities for women; or
- Participated in and assisted in the establishment of career or academic mentoring for women.