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December 2, 2015
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We would like to highlight our past AWP scholarship recipients in this post. You’ll find information about them, as well as information about what the scholarships enabled them to accomplish. We think you’ll agree that they’re incredible women who are doing incredible things!

Meet Claudia:

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What was the national AWP conference like?

Rejuvenating! As a WOC social worker, Being around other women who are committed to healing and social justice was very comforting. Being able to attend the women of color caucus refueled some much needed energy and sparked new ideas that I could apply to my job as a youth worker. Being able to have critical conversations about the gap between research and practice was also a highlight for me, and I was able to apply knowledge learned from others into my own practice. The location in a diverse city was a bonus! Racial battle fatigue can get me down, so it was nice to walk around the city and not be so on guard for racial micro aggressions.

What was your favorite part of the conference?

Angela Davis, to be able to hear from and meet such a radical feminist that helped shape my identity as a Chicana feminist!

What did the scholarship funds that you received mean to you?

The scholarship meant I could attend, and that there would be more women of color in attendance! I worked for a small program funded by a grant so funding was not available to me. Additionally, I am a single parent and don’t make much money, so I was only able to attend because I received a scholarship, and meant a lot to me. In AWP we often talk about self care, and attending the conference meant so much to me to share space with incredible womyn, network, learn, and reflect. These are all ways that I do self care and I am grateful for the opportunity to attend and engage. Thanks again selection committee!

Meet Amber:

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What has your experience being a member of Utah-AWP been like?

I love our local chapter here in Utah! It’s an uplifting experience to be able to be around other women who care about the same social issues that I do, and are able to tie in social issues in with their professional work. I am continuously learning from the programs that I attend.

What was the national AWP conference like?

So uplifting and rejuvenating! As much as I love our local chapter here in Utah, there is something really special and envigorating being able to be around women all over the country who are giving feminist-centered presentations on their feminist-centered research. Being able to attend the national conference really inspired me in my own research and practice.

What was your favorite part of the conference?

I enjoyed being able to connect and network with other women. One of my favorite parts of the conference were the socials when we had free time to discuss how each of us were inspired by the presentations that each of us went to.

What did the scholarship funds that you received mean to you?

I wouldn’t have been able to attend the conference had it not been for the scholarship funds! As a young graduate student with a 2 year old daughter, any extra money in my budget often goes to my daughters’ needs. Having this scholarship meant that I was able to attend and be inspired by the conference. Now I’m presenting at the national conference this year! I can’t wait to go back.