Ames-area female achievements in the fight against social injustice, inequality and discrimination were awarded by the Young Women’s Christian Association-ISU chapter Tuesday night in the Octagon Center for the Arts.

The YWCA-ISU chapter awarded four women scholarships for their achievements in fighting inequality and social injustice. Dion Somerville, dean of students, was the keynote speaker.

The scholarship winners were: Cilia Maria Ruiz-Paz, senior in psychology; Tameka Greene, junior in art and design; Mary Sue Green, graduate student in human development and family studies; and Noreen Siddiqui, graduate student in educational leadership and policy studies.

Maggie Luttrell, ex-officio City Council liaison and junior in history, volunteer Betsy Mayfield and professional Susan Carlson, associate provost, were recognized as women of achievement.

Greene was described by YWCA member Lisa Stephany as “widely embracing multiculturalism” and being extremely dedicated to freedom and equality. Greene spoke about the positive effects that diversity has on the community.

“Individual sacrifice makes a community exist,” Greene said. “It’s just because of what the organization does locally and on the campus, I’m very honored.”

Next to be honored was Green, who was described by YWCA member Linda Galvin as a committed friend to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, was praised for her work in the field of therapy.

“When I think of my journey through life, I think of it as a patchwork quilt,” Green said. “And I see [the work of YWCA] as another patch in that quilt.”

Siddiqui, who was described as an “agent of change,” by her presenter, was very brief in her thanks, due to the “hectic nature of the graduate program.”

“It was an honor to receive this award,” Siddiqui said. “It’s good to know people are committed to social justice and feel passionate about it. It’s affirming.” Luttrell was described as someone who is “spreading feminism throughout the campus.”

“To be nominated is the greatest honor,” Luttrell said. “I think it’s a great honor and a great cause.”

Mayfield spoke about women who have faced “wretched genocide” in the world.

“We live in a moral universe, and evil cannot win,” she said.

Carlson was described by member Melanie Smith as a “woman of vision.”

“Moments like these I’d consider to be resting points,” Carlson said. “A moment of pause before returning to the work that we have in front of us.”

Keynote speaker Somerville praised those who take the time to care about social activism.

“It’s just truly great to see many people who seek leadership and be advocates as students,” Somerville said.

Ruiz-Paz was unavailable for comment.