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The 6th Annual Vermont ATHENA Leadership Awards were recently presented by the Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce during a gala in the refined setting of �Ļ�Ӱ��’s Milano Ballroom. It was an outstanding evening for �Ļ�Ӱ��, with two exceptional faculty members, Dr. Tara Kulkarni, Associate Provost for Research and Chief Research Officer, and Dr. Sarah Gallant, Assistant Professor and Interim Chair of Chemistry and Biochemistry, named finalists, and one attaining the highest honor. These nominations for The ATHENA Leadership Award® and The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award® symbolize the significant role these individuals play in leadership and mentorship. The event stands as a noteworthy platform to acknowledge several of the most impactful women in Vermont.

The Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce aptly describes the awards as follows: “The ATHENA Leadership Awards® are a very prestigious recognition presented to individuals who provide significant mentoring and direction to women professionals. These awards honor those who strive towards the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, who excel in their chosen field, devote time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and forge paths of leadership for women to follow.”

“As Provost and Dean of the Faculty, I could not be more proud to see two outstanding faculty members earn this recognition,” said Dr. Karen Gaines. “Drs. Gallant and Kulkarni are exceptional women in STEM who exemplify the �Ļ�Ӱ�� ‘service before self’ mantra through their mentorship of our students and excellence in scholarship, which they have actively applied to make meaningful contributions to the State of Vermont and our Nation.”

Dr.  Sarah Gallant was named Assistant Professor of Chemistry at �Ļ�Ӱ�� in 2021 after joining the department in 2017. Firmly committed to enriching the academic journey of �Ļ�Ӱ�� students, she has diligently navigated them towards successful publication of their papers in respected peer-reviewed journals and impactful presentations at national conferences. Beyond her dedication on campus, she also served as a volunteer from 2016-21 for the Northfield Ambulance Service. This was the second year running that Dr. Gallant was named a finalist for The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award® which honors emerging women leaders who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession. The ATHENA Young Professional Award® recognizes women 40 years old or younger who must also demonstrate their commitment to service by contributing time and energy to improving the quality of life of others in the community while serving as a role model for young women both personally and professionally.

The Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce named Dr. Gallant the 2024 The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award® winner in front of an elated group in attendance at the gala. “I am so incredibly pleased and honored to have been named this year’s The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award® winner,” explained Dr. Gallant. “The caliber of all the finalists was truly inspiring, and I am grateful to my �Ļ�Ӱ�� family for supporting me in this and all my endeavors. I look forward to continue supporting young STEM professionals and see all the amazing things they can accomplish.”

Dr. Tara Kulkarni is the Associate Provost for Research and Chief Research Officer at �Ļ�Ӱ�� while guiding the university’s vast grant activities, research compliance, and five outstanding research centers in addition to serving as a professor in the David Crawford School of Engineering. An ardent champion for nature-inspired sustainable development and engineering education, her influence is undeniable and deeply respected. Dr. Kulkarni shines again as a standout finalist for The ATHENA Leadership Award®, marking her second nomination since 2021. The award recognizes a person who provides significant mentoring and direction to women professionals. The nominee actively supports and encourages women in reaching their full leadership potential by acting as a role model within the workplace and community.

“It was incredibly exciting when Sarah won, and I felt so proud of her,” explained Dr. Kulkarni. “I’m also floored by the list of accomplishments of Caroline Earle who won The ATHENA Leadership Award®. I’m grateful to the Provost’s office and Aron Temkin for the nomination and support and look forward to continuing to embody all the characteristics that The ATHENA Leadership Award® stands for.”