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 2025 May A. Brunson was awarded Dr. Gail Ironson
Dr. Gail Ironson is a Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Miami and conducts research in Trauma, Stress Management, Positive Psychology, Spirituality, and Health, with nearly 300 publications in these fields. She has received several senior investigator awards from organizations such as the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA), Society of Behavioral Medicine, and the Academy of Consult-Liaison
Psychiatry. Dr. Ironson has also served in various leadership roles, including President of the American Psychosomatic Society, President of the Health Division of IPPA, and President of the Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research. She established and operates a program at the University of Miami Psych Services offering therapy on a sliding scale and teaching graduate students to treat trauma-affected individuals, many of whom are women.
She has mentored numerous women graduate students through their PhDs, who have gone on to pursue careers in academia or clinical settings. Additionally, she has taught undergraduate and graduate courses, receiving an award for her teaching early in her
career. Dr. Ironson also sponsors an award for graduate students in the Psychology Department to highlight their work, fostering a new generation of leaders.
The 2025 Louise P. Mills was awarded to Zoe Mutombo
Zoe Mutombo has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and a strong commitment to community and female empowerment. As the Founder and President of a professional development program at the Miami Herbert Business School, she has significantly enhanced the academic and social capital of business students. Her initiatives in organizing mentorship, networking, and career-building programs have cultivated a robust sense of community and career preparedness. Moreover, Zoe is an integral member of the University of Miami Student Government, overseeing pinnacle operations with transparency and accountability. Her strategic development and implementation of processes have led to increased efficiency and productivity within Student Government operations. Zoe’s steadfast dedication to leadership, advocacy, and community empowerment epitomizes the values celebrated by the Women's Commission.
The 2025 Rita Deutsch Spirit of Excellence Award was awarded to Andrea Tejera
Andrea Tejera has demonstrated extraordinary dedication, leadership, and service to the University of Miami community, particularly in support of women’s issues and gender equality. With a proven track record in strategic planning, budget optimization, and cross-functional leadership, she has made significant strides in advancing women at UM. Andrea’s contributions to the Women’s Commission include hosting
mindfulness events, coordinating the Annual Breakfast, and organizing panels on education and mental health. Her leadership in the "I Am The U" new employee orientation program
and participation with the Big Brother Big Sister program further highlight her commitment to mentoring and supporting others. Her efforts on the Women’s Commission have helped to raise over $10,000 in sponsorship funds for the breakfast and ensures the sustainability of the Commission’s programs.
