UA Engineer is First Recipient of YWCA Leadership Award
Erica Corral, assistant professor in the UA materials science and engineering department and BIO5 member, recently became the first recipient of YWCA Tucson's Women on the Move Emerging Leader Award.
YWCA Tucson described Corral as an "exemplary emerging leader and example of excellence for young women and girls." In fact, YWCA Tucson was so impressed with Corral as a role model, that the award was created specifically with Corral in mind as the first recipient.
"I am really honored to be recognized by the YWCA as a role model for young women to pursue science and engineering," Corral said. "It's a part of the job I really enjoy doing."
Corral received her award at the 29th annual Women on the Move Awards Banquet in February 2011 at the Westin La Paloma resort in Tucson, Ariz.
"The awards banquet was created to honor and recognize women who go beyond to enhance the quality of life for women and for the community," Corral said. "Leaders at the YMCA are really dedicated to empowering all women of all ages."
YWCA Tucson describes its mission as "eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all." It was established in 1917 and, despite those initials, welcomes all genders and has no religious affiliation.