Bend, OR – On a rare, sun-filled March day, gender equity leaders from across Oregon gathered to celebrate a significant milestone in the state’s history—the 40th anniversary of the Women of Achievement Awards, hosted by the Oregon Commission for Women (OCFW). The ceremony, held last week, highlighted the exceptional women who have made substantial contributions to their communities, professions, and causes, marking a moment of reflection and inspiration for all in attendance.

This year’s awards ceremony saw a record number of applicants, making the competition more fierce than ever. In recognition of the outstanding talent within Oregon’s communities, OCFW made history by doubling its impact—honoring two women per category for the first time. The honorees were celebrated for their leadership, dedication, and tireless work in advancing gender equity and social justice.

Honoring Excellence Across Categories

The Emerging Leader Award recognizes early-career women who have shown exceptional promise in their work, volunteerism, or activism within less than five years. This year’s recipients, Nadia Hasan, a Beaverton City Councilor, author, public speaker, and super mom, and Wafa Almaktari, the Immigrant and Refugee Coordinator for the City of Portland, were lauded for their commitment to their communities and their passion for driving positive change.

The Professional Achievement Award was given to Andrea Bell, Executive Director of Oregon Housing and Community Services, and Jennifer Lee, Deputy Director of the Coalition of Communities of Color. Both women have dedicated over a decade to addressing critical issues in their respective fields, advocating for housing justice and racial equity, and advancing the needs of underserved populations in Oregon.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to two extraordinary women: Peggy Nagae, a lawyer, author, speaker, and consultant, whose activism has inspired countless others, and Marta Guembes Herrera, a community leader, public health professional, and honorary Consul of Guatemala. Both women have spent over 15 years paving the way for future generations, working to advance women’s rights, social justice, and inclusivity in their communities.

A Moment for Reflection

Libra Forde, Chair of the Oregon Commission for Women, offered powerful remarks, emphasizing the significance of the awards in highlighting collective strength and the impact of women on communities. “When women rise, communities thrive,” Forde said. “The Women of Achievement Awards are not just a celebration of individual excellence—they are a declaration of our collective power to reshape the future. Today, we honored those who lead with courage, uplift with purpose, and ignite change that will echo for generations.”

Fay Stetz-Waters, the Director of Civil Rights and Social Justice at the Oregon Department of Justice, served as the keynote speaker for the event. Reflecting on the day’s celebration, Stetz-Waters shared how the achievements of the honorees filled her with hope and renewed energy. “The positivity, resilience, and unwavering resolve of the trailblazing women honored at the 40th anniversary of the Women of Achievement Awards reignited my spirit and filled me with hope,” Stetz-Waters said. “It was a testament of the boundless potential of women united in purpose and vision.”

A Legacy of Impact

Since its inception in 1985, the Women of Achievement Awards have recognized the contributions of women across the state of Oregon who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to advancing equity, women’s rights, and the well-being of marginalized communities, particularly Black and brown populations. The awards have been a vital part of OCFW’s mission to celebrate and support women who are paving the way for future generations.

While the event was briefly delayed in 2020 due to the pandemic, it returned this year with an even greater sense of purpose. The awards serve as both a celebration of past achievements and a call to action for continued progress toward gender equity and social justice in Oregon and beyond.

For all who attended, the 40th anniversary of the Women of Achievement Awards was a powerful reminder of the transformative power of women working together to create a more equitable and just world.