Leadership, innovation, service to women along with service to the Maricopa Community Colleges are the key characteristics for the winners of the Distinguished Achievement Award, Woman of Distinction, an annual honor sponsored by the Women’s Leadership Group/American Association of Women in Community Colleges (WLG/AAWCC) of the Maricopa Community Colleges. This year we are very proud to be able to recognize, for the first time, Dr. Camilla Westenberg. 

On Monday, March 31, PC-WLG held a modest reception here on campus to honor Dr. Westenberg and the other PC nominees: Julie Magadan, Anna Lopez, Queta Chavez, and Kay Hilder. Dr. Westenberg will formally receive her award at the Women of Distinction Luncheon held this month on April 16, at the Phoenix Zoo.

As a leader and spokesperson of her numerous committees, Dr. Westenberg is so polished and articulate that she is a role model. Her presence is warm, but dynamic. She is organized and responsible so that everything gets accomplished. She has contributed greatly to the recognition of Maricopa Women, by making sure they get deserved awards and putting them in leadership positions.... Developmental Education and the women of Maricopa have in Dr. Westenberg a champion, an advocate, and a friend.

Phoenix College President Dr. Anna Solley and Governing Board Member Linda B. Rosenthal were able to attend and say a few words about WLG and Dr. Westenberg. Julie Magadan and Anna Lopez were able to attend and to receive a certificate of recognition for their nomination. Queta Chavez and Kay Hilder will be receiving their certificates privately. All women who were nominated have contributed significantly to Phoenix College and have modeled a positive role for women in leadership.

Dr. Westenberg was presented with some beautiful roses that were sent to the reception by her family, and a wonderful arrangement created by Elena Hernandez, PC-WLG.

We closed the reception with punch and cookies provided by WLG.

-Monica Ulich, WLG Web Administrator