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Celebration

Spark Award

OPEN CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR THE SPARK AWARD

About the Spark Award

To begin in OMA&D’s 55th year, this new recognition award will formally acknowledge another community member whose diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leadership inspires young changemakers, and exemplifies the spirit of the Charles E. Odegaard award. It will recognize the accomplishments of a recent UW graduate, who made significant DEI contributions during their time as a University of Washington student and continues to do so post-graduation.

Submission Timeline

July 14, 2023 – Open call for nominations
EXTENDED | October 9, 2023 – Deadline for nominations
November 1, 2023 – Recipient selected
May 15, 2024 – Inaugural recipient recognized at Celebration 2024

Who can submit a nomination?

Any person, both internal and external to the University of Washington may submit a nomination for any other person that meets the nomination criteria below. Self-nominations are not permitted. There is no limit on the number of nominations a person may submit.

Spark Award nomination criteria

Nominees must meet all criteria to be considered.

  • Graduated from the University of Washington in the past 10 years.
  • Formally connected to OMA&D as a student.
  • DEI leadership/advocacy/activism as a UW student, especially within organizations affiliated with the Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center and/or social justice related organizations.
  • Continued DEI leadership/advocacy/activism work in communities locally, regionally, and/or nationally post-graduation.
Submittal documents

Nomination process

Send an email with your nomination to celebration@uw.edu and include the following information:

  • (required) Your name and preferred contact information to follow up with questions about your nomination if needed.
  • (required) A nomination letter (not to exceed 500 words) stating the nominee’s connection to the OMA&D, their contributions to DEI on campus, the community, and post-graduation. Self-nominations are not permitted.
    Attachments should either be in .pdf, or .doc/.docx formats.
  • (required) A letter of support (not to exceed 500 words) from a current member of the UW community.
    Attachments should either be in .pdf, or .doc/.docx formats.
  • (optional) Up to five (5) links to materials/articles/posts that demonstrate the impact of the nominees leadership/advocacy/activism.
    These links may be articles, posts, or other material that highlights the DEI leadership/advocacy/activism work of the nominee.

Submit your nomination

Selection Process

A subcommittee of the FEOP Board will review nomination materials and select three nominees to be moved forward to the full board. The full board will select the award recipient. The recipient will be notified by December 15, 2023, after selection.