YWCA Honors ananda de oliveira mirilli and Carolyn Stanford Taylor

ananda de oliveira mirilli, Racial Equity in Special Education consultant at the Department of Public Instruction, and Carolyn Stanford Taylor, former state superintendent, were recognized by the YWCA Madison during the Women of Distinction Awards Banquet on June 20, 2024, in Madison. Their community service, professional achievement, integrity, leadership, and dedication to the lives of others and to the quality of life for all stand as a reflection of YWCA Madison’s historic mission and values. These awards were established to increase community awareness and appreciation of the diverse contributions of women in the workforce and in the community.

The YWCA honored ananda de oliveira mirilli because they are "unafraid and unapologetic in their commitment to, and centering of, racial justice from a global & intersectional space, that evokes creativity and innovation in tackling deep seated inequities." The YWCA highlighted ananda's work as an educator, skilled facilitator, and coalition-builder who "centers love and restorative principles in the work that they do." ananda is a doctoral student at Alverno College, holds a master's degree in Education Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of WIsconsin-Madison and a bachelor's degree from the same institution. Congratulations, ananda!

The YWCA honored Carolyn Stanford Taylor for her long-standing commitment to education and her community. The YWCA noted her twenty-year tenure at the Department of Public Instruction, including her role as the first African American leader to serve in the role of state superintendent. This award will go alongside Stanford Taylor's other accolades, including the Lois Gadd Nemic award for exemplary teaching, the Virginia Hart award for outstanding women in state service, and the GSAFE Educator of the Year Award. Congratulations to ananda and Carolyn!