The Women's Commission offers three awards each year to deserving members of the University community.
The first award that the Women's Commission initiated was the May A. Brunson Award. This award was named in honor of the University's second Dean of Women. This award is given to the person within the University community who most contributes to improving the status of women on campus. The Commission also contributes to the University Library for the purchase of books and periodicals related to women's studies following the announcement of this award each year. The books are known as the May A. Brunson collection.
The second award, the Louise P. Mills Award, is given to a student at the University who exhibits "leadership, creativity, caring and high academic performance." Traditionally, these awards are given at the Women's Commission annual breakfast meeting held each spring on the Coral Gables campus.
The third award, the Rita Deutsch Spirit of Excellence Award, is given to a staff member who recognizes a University of Miami Faculty, Administrator, or Staff member for excellent service and commitment to the Women’s Commission and to the University. This individual, who exemplifies professionalism and dedication to excellent service, routinely goes above and beyond the call of duty to support the Women’s Commission's mission of encouraging general awareness of women’s needs and interests to improve the status of women on campus and help to develop education/program opportunities about issues confronting women. The recipient must be an employee for at least two years.
The 2026 May A. Brunson was awarded Sam Palmer-Shields
Sam Palmer-Shields serves as the Director of a significant program at the University of Miami and is known not only for what she leads, but for how she shows up. She is deeply present across campus—building connections, opening doors, and creating spaces where women feel empowered to claim their space and pursue possibilities.
She has a rare ability to turn ideas into action. She intentionally builds networks that become communities, fostering collaboration and mentorship in ways that are both strategic and deeply human.
Through programs and initiatives, she creates environments where women feel seen, supported, and encouraged to grow.
Through her program, she has expanded access to entrepreneurship and innovation for students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Initiatives such as We Make Moves have provided mentorship and support for women founders and aspiring entrepreneurs, creating a powerful cycle in which participants grow from mentees into mentors themselves. That ripple effect speaks to the culture she has cultivated—one rooted in generosity, collaboration, and sustained impact.
What sets her apart is her commitment to advocacy beyond her job description. Through deliberate mentorship, thoughtful leadership, and persistent care for the community, she has strengthened pathways for women to thrive across the university.
Sam exemplifies leadership and service and has had a lasting impact on the University of Miami.
The 2026 Louise P. Mills was awarded to Keira Hamilton
Keira is graduating this May with a Bachelor of Science in Community and Applied Psychological Studies, and throughout her time at the University of Miami, she has consistently demonstrated leadership grounded in empathy, intention, and action.
Her leadership journey began as a freshman attending Whitley’s Leadership Symposium. Inspired by its message, she joined the planning committee during her sophomore year and steadily took on greater responsibilities. Today, as a graduating senior, she serves as Chair of Whitley’s Leadership Symposium—leading the very event that first inspired her.
In this role, she has guided her team with clarity and care, setting strategic goals, fostering collaboration, and creating an inclusive environment where every voice is valued.
She leads with a servant leadership mindset, mentoring peers while remaining attentive to the broader campus community.
Her commitment to uplifting women extends beyond one organization. Through her leadership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, she has held multiple chair roles, advancing initiatives that support families, strengthen community engagement, and promote empowerment through service. Across campus, she is recognized as a mentor, collaborator, and advocate.
Looking ahead, she plans to pursue graduate study in industrial and organizational psychology, with a goal of fostering inclusive systems that prioritize both performance and well-being. Her impact is already significant—and it is only just beginning.
The 2026 Rita Deutsch Spirit of Excellence Award was awarded to Jeanette Remy
Jeanette Remy has been a dedicated member of the University of Miami community for 14 years and currently serves as Associate Director of Finance in the College of Arts and Sciences. For the past seven years, she has also been an active leader within the Women’s Commission, where she currently serves as Director of Membership Engagement, helping build the connections that bring our community together.
A proud ’Cane, she earned her Master of Science in Leadership from the Miami Herbert Business School. She is deeply passionate about fostering an environment where people feel seen, supported, and valued—particularly women navigating their professional paths.
She leads with intention and care. She is a trusted mentor and advocate, especially for the women she supports, and she creates inclusive, collaborative spaces where confidence grows and voices are heard. Much of her impact happens behind the scenes, but it is deeply felt by those who work with her.
Through her leadership in Membership Engagement, she strengthens the relationships that make the Women’s Commission such a meaningful community. She believes in the power of connection—to learn from one another, share perspectives, and build lasting relationships.
This individual truly exemplifies the spirit of excellence, service, and advocacy this award was created to honor.
