Lori Mattson, 7 Others Named 2025 WSU Tri-Cities Women of Distinction Award Winners

​Washington State University Tri-Cities recognized eight leaders as Women of Distinction for their contributions to the campus and Tri-Cities community as part of a March 27 inductee ceremony.   
 
The winners exhibit exceptional leadership in their discipline or area of expertise, serve as role models and mentors, advocate for positive social change and demonstrate a commitment to WSU Tri-Cities’ mission.  
 
“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. “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.”
 
This is the eighth year of the award program, and during that time, 286 submissions have been received. Nominations were open to the campus and the Tri-Cities community.
 
The portraits and biographies of the 2025 winners will be added to the past awardee exhibit in the WSU Tri-Cities Art Center, which currently displays the previous 49 winners. The exhibit will be open until April 4.
 
The 2025 Women of Distinction Award Winners: 
 
Lori Mattson
Women of Distinction Legacy Award, 2025 
President and CEO, Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce
  
Chaune’ Fitzgerald
Women of Distinction Community Member Award, 2025 
CEO, Women of Wisdom Tri-Cities
Founder, Washington African American Chamber of Commerce
  
Michelle Smith
Women of Distinction Alumna Award, 2025
Assistant Principal, Pasco High School
  
Jillian Cadwell
Women of Distinction Faculty Award, 2025
Research Associate, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, WSU Tri-Cities
  
Kalimae Mountain
Women of Distinction Student Award, 2025 
Environmental Science student, WSU Tri-Cities 
 
Courtney Flatt
Women of Distinction Staff Member Award, 2025
Senior Environment and Energy Correspondent, Northwest Public Broadcasting 
 
Devin and Amanda Lorraine
Women of Distinction Champion Award, 2025
Founders, Grace Collective
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