YWCA Women of Achievement

Each March, the YWCA Ames-ISU announces women in the Story County and Iowa State University communities who are honored with the Women of Achievement Award. The Ames Community School District celebrates two of this year’s recipients. Nicole Coronado, Associate Principal at the Ames Middle School, and Genya Coffey, 7th-grade literacy teacher at Ames Middle School were among the eight honorees. The award recognizes women who are living out the Y’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. 

Coronado, the Associate Principal for School Improvement, Culture and Equity at AMS, is also a member of the Anti-Racism Collaborative of Ames. Coffey has served a variety of roles within the District, and is also a member of the Anti-Racism Collaborative as well as Ames Youth and Schools Action Team. Both demonstrate their passion for providing safe spaces and building strong leaders every day. 

The YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world with more than 25 million members in 120 countries, including 2 million members in 300 local associations in the United States. According to their website, YWCA Ames at ISU opened in 1890, making it the oldest women’s organization in Story County. 

Both were recognized at a ceremony on March 11 on the Iowa State campus. The ceremony was aired live on the YWCA’s Facebook and YouTube pages. Women of Achievement honors leaders in the community who motivate others with their example of determination, generosity, and courage. Congratulations to Coronado and Coffey, as well as the other award recipients, on this well-deserved honor.