Washington State University Tri-Cities honored eight individuals with this year’s Women of Distinction award for contributions to the campus and across the Tri-Cities community. 

“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,” said Sandra Haynes, chancellor of WSU Tri-Cities, in a statement. “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.”

The awards program is in its eighth year and a total of 286 nominations from the campus and community were received during that time, 64 of them from this year. 

Legacy Award

Lori Mattson, president and CEO of the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, received this year’s Women of Distinction Legacy Award. 

The award honors a woman who has been a leader across industry sectors, has a long-term commitment to social change and invests in the future of women leaders, said Haynes, who presented the award.

Mattson is “a visionary leader whose dedication has shaped the business landscape of the Tri-Cities for nearly two decades,” Haynes said, transforming the chamber into the fifth largest in the state and the only chamber in Washington to have five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Community Member Award

Chauné Fitzgerald, CEO of Women of Wisdom Tri-Cities and founder of Washington African American Chamber of Commerce, won this year’s Women of Distinction Community Member Award. 

The award is given to a person who shows commitment to the community through their time, talent and resources, said Zachary Harper, who emceed the event.

Shae Frichette, who presented the award, said Fitzgerald has “dedicated more than two decades to advancing education, public service, environmental justice and economic equity.”

Alumna Award

The 2025 Women of Distinction Alumna Award went to Michelle Smith, assistant principal at Pasco High School. The award honors an individual with a commitment to the mission of WSU Tri-Cities in their community. 

Judy Morrison, who presented the award, said Smith is “an exceptional leader whose dedication to education has transformed many lives.” She said Smith has won several awards, including the Crystal Apple Award.

Faculty Award

Jillian Cadwell, research associate at WSU Tri-Cities’ School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, received the Women of Distinction Faculty Award. This award is given to someone who advocates for positive social change inside and outside the classroom and whose leadership produces equitable outcomes for all, Harper said.

Jillian Cadwell has been “instrumental in developing mentorship-based programs that brings academia, industry and community partnerships, ensuring that students have the support they need to thrive in STEM fields,” said her husband, John Cadwell Jr., who presented the award.

Student Award

The 2025 Women of Distinction Student Award went to Kalimae Mountain, an environmental science student at WSU Tri-Cities. The award honors someone who exhibits leadership, talent and advocacy.

Jillian Cadwell, who presented the award, said Mountain has taken on several leadership positions on campus, “serving as the president of the environmental club, event coordinator for the women in STEM club and clean energy network ambassador.”   

Staff Member Award

Courtney Flatt, senior environment and energy correspondent at Northwest Public Broadcasting, won the Women of Distinction Staff Member Award. The award honors an individual who acts as a mentor for other women and a driving force behind the WSU Tri-Cities mission. 

Flatt has “spent more than a decade delivering insightful, impactful stories that shape public understanding,” said Tracci Dial, who presented the award. “Her work has been featured on NPR, Here and Now, Living on Earth, and other major platforms.” 

Champion Award

Devin and Amanda Lorraine, founders of Grace Collective, received the inaugural Women of Distinction Champion Award. The award recognizes those who make an impact in advocating and driving positive change for women in the community. 

“This dynamic duo has dedicated themselves to empowering women survivors of addiction, homelessness, trafficking and poverty,” Haynes said.

To see past winners, go to: tricities.wsu.edu/women-of-distinction.