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WIU Alumna, a Best-Selling Author, Receives Two Highly Prestigious Awards

January 24, 2023

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - Western Illinois University Alumna Minda Harts has undoubtedly hit the ground running since her time at WIU, receiving a Trailblazer Award in 2022 from The Bowman Foundation, for her work with women of color, and most recently being named Business Insider's 100 People Transforming Business.

The Trailblazer award was presented to Harts at the inaugural Global Impact Awards and Gala, which is organized by The Bowman Foundation for Workplace Equity and Mental Wellness, honoring Harts' work toward changing historic norms in creating workplaces to be fair, just and equitable. This high honor award was just one reason Harts was selected for Business Insider's 100 People Transforming Business. This highly prestigious award recognizes Harts for her unprecedented change and innovation in the field of business, making our spaces more inclusive for all.

Harts, a 2003 graduate of WIU's Communication program, has since become the 2020 LinkedIn Top Voice for Equity in the Workplace and a three-time best-selling author and public speaker.

"I believe my Communication degree and an impressive professor, Pete Jorgensen, prepared me for the work I do today," said Harts. "Additionally, serving as a radio personality for the campus radio station opened my eyes to using my voice for good."

Harts was inspired to continue the next generation of women of color at WIU by creating an endowed scholarship dedicated to just that.

"I think it is very important for these women to acknowledge their potential," said Harts. "Build your network now; don't wait until you graduate. Your success will not be a solo sport."

For more information about Global Impact Awards and Gala, visit thebowmanfoundation.org/events. For more information on WIU's Communication program, visit wiu.edu/comm.

Posted By: Lexi Yoggerst (AJ-Yoggerst@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing