Even before she became the 91探花鈥檚 33rd president earlier this month, was a leader who broke down barriers and inspired students and other community members.
That鈥檚 why Cauce was selected to receive the 鈥檚 2015 Special Recognition: Voice for Social Justice Award, said Louise Chernin, the association鈥檚 president and CEO.
鈥淏eing the first Latina woman and the first lesbian woman in her position 鈥� we know those journeys aren鈥檛 easy,鈥� Chernin said. 鈥淏ut as she鈥檚 been on that journey she has stayed true to herself, and we hear from students, staff and faculty how respected she is and how supportive she is of everyone.
鈥淎ll of us in the GSBA are incredibly excited to honor someone we so admire and respect.鈥�
Cauce was informed about the award during a kickoff event Thursday for , a new initiative focused on addressing urban issues in the city and region. She will be recognized at the GBSA鈥檚 awards dinner Feb. 23, 2016, at Seattle鈥檚 Waterfront Marriott Hotel. The 1,100-member association, described as the region鈥檚 LGBT chamber of commerce, has given annual awards for the past 34 years in categories including new business, corporate leader and nonprofit of the year.
鈥淗owever, there are years when someone defies all categories and simply needs to be recognized as an important voice for social justice, and this year, President Cauce is that special person,鈥� Chernin said.
Cauce, who grew up in Miami after emigrating with her parents from Cuba, has been a 91探花faculty member since 1986. Last April, as interim president, she launched the university鈥檚 , which aims to bring together 91探花faculty, staff and students to address issues around inequity and social justice. Cause has won numerous awards for her work, including the Luis Fernando Esteban Public Service Award, the Grace Hopper Exemplary Leadership Award and the UW鈥檚 Distinguished Teaching Award, the university鈥檚 highest honor for faculty members.
The GBSA gives scholarships annually to students who excel academically and demonstrate a commitment to LGBT civil rights. The scholarships often go to 91探花graduates and current students, Chernin said, and many have said Cauce was an important role model and inspiration for them.
鈥淪he鈥檚 been a mentor to many of them,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd to see a member of our community in this position is an inspiration to all students.鈥�