RICHLAND, Wash. – Washington State University Tri-Cities celebrated eight women as Women of Distinction during a ceremony on March 27 for their significant contributions to the campus and Tri-Cities community.

The honorees have shown remarkable leadership in their fields, served as mentors and advocated for positive social change, aligning with WSU Tri-Cities’ mission.

Sandra Haynes, chancellor of WSU Tri-Cities, emphasized the importance of these awards. “The WSU Tri-Cities Women of Distinction Awards were created as a means in which to honor the work of women and for women that happens on our campus and in the community,” she said. “The people chosen for these awards are dedicated to improving our community and represent the very best of what the Tri-Cities has to offer.”

Now in its eighth year, the program has received 286 nominations. Both the campus and community members were invited to submit nominations.

The 2025 winners’ portraits and biographies will be added to the exhibit at the WSU Tri-Cities Art Center, where previous winners are also displayed. This exhibit will be open to the public until April 4.

The eight winners include:

  • Lori Mattson, Women of Distinction Legacy Award
    • President and CEO, Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce
  • Chaune’ Fitzgerald, Women of Distinction Community Member Award
  • Founder, Washington African American Chamber of Commerce
  • Michelle Smith, Women of Distinction Alumna Award 
    • Assistant Principal, Pasco High School
  • Jillian Cadwell, Women of Distinction Faculty Award
    • Research Associate, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, WSU Tri-Cities
  • Kalimae Mountain, Women of Distinction Student Award 
    • Environmental Science student, WSU Tri-Cities 
  • Courtney Flatt, Women of Distinction Staff Member Award
    • Senior Environment and Energy Correspondent, Northwest Public Broadcasting 
  • Devin and Amanda Lorraine, Women of Distinction Champion Award
    • Founders, Grace Collective

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