Meet the 2019 Heart of the Walking Woman Celebration Finalists
The Heart of the Walking Woman Celebration — which is a tradition at College of Saint Mary — recognizes students who exemplify character, service and leadership on campus. Inductees took some time to reflect on what it means to them to be chosen as a finalist for this prestigious honor. Winners will be chosen during a ceremony on Friday, Feb. 15. The Celebration Ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. in the CSM Chapel with a reception immediately following in the Hillmer Art Gallery.
First-year
Maya Ibarra
The Walking Woman symbolizes a strong woman who overcomes the challenges she faces and is a leader in the community. I'm very grateful for this nomination, and I believe that educated women have the power to make a difference in this world through compassion, service, and character.
Emily Jacobson
I am honored to be nominated as one of the finalists for the Heart of the Walking Woman ceremony. Having my mom and aunt both go here and now myself, I feel as though I’m continuing the legacy they started. A Walking Woman to me means somebody that reaches for her full potential and strives for success, which is what I try to exude in my everyday life. By being nominated, it reassures me that I have already made a difference on this campus and will continue to make a difference. I already feel I have grown so much as a woman of character, and I can’t wait for the next three years at the College of Saint Mary!
Gabriella Linbrunner
Having been chosen as a finalist for The Heart of the Walking Woman means that I am capable of being the strong, influential woman that I have always desired to be. I have flourished at College of Saint Mary by enhancing my ability to have confidence in everything I do. Being recognized as The Walking Woman for my class by the faculty, staff, and students of College of Saint Mary is an incredible honor and one that I will cherish for the rest of life.
Second-year
Pumulo Kasaji
I feel honored to be nominated amongst these amazing women!
Nicole McPhillips
Over the past two years, College of Saint Mary has given me the opportunity to flourish and has helped me become the woman I am today. I am incredibly grateful that I have the opportunity to interact with the amazing students, faculty, and staff here at CSM. Being nominated as a finalist for the Heart of the Walking Woman, I am honored to stand beside the other women dedicated to leave their mark on CSM.
Elaundra Nichols
I feel that I am being noticed for the good I do and for being a leader on campus. To me, it also means I am doing the right thing and exemplifying integrity. Being a Walking Woman, I feel, is letting the light inside you shine and being a woman of good character.
Third-year
Kimberly Goedde
I’m so honored to be chosen as a finalist for The Heart of the Walking Woman award. CSM is helping me to become the woman I want to be, a leader in my community, an inspiration to my family, a caring and compassionate nurse. I am proud to be part of the CSM family.
Miriam Olague Cepeda
Being a finalist for the Heart of the Walking Woman makes me feel so humbled. CSM has many students that go above and beyond the CSM mission and deserve to be part of this celebration as well, and being chosen to be one of the three that represent the 3rd-year class proves that all the work and dedication I give to the CSM community is seen by others. I owe this accomplishment to my family and the CSM community that has always encouraged me to continue being involved in CSM.
Sydney Piccolo
Being nominated for the Heart of the Walking Woman means a lot to me. I never expected to get this involved in college, but College of Saint Mary has an atmosphere of inclusivity and encourages personal growth. I wouldn’t be in this position if it weren’t for the amazing women at this school helping me along the way. I’m proud to be able to represent the junior class.
Fourth-year
Dania Cervantes Ayala
Being seen worthy of this nomination is meaningful to me, as it embodies the mission of College of Saint Mary. Representing this institution and my classmates through this nomination is an honor. It demonstrates my hard work, dedication, and my engagement at CSM. It represents the sacrifices that my parents have made, and thanks to them, I am a first-generation student pursuing higher education. I have been devoted to CSM and its mission since I have arrived, and I will carry the mission with me with all of my future endeavors. College of Saint Mary has instilled in me the importance of service, integrity, excellence, compassion, and inclusivity, and it has made me the woman that I am today. Thank you for seeing me worthy of this honor!
Marlene Djidjoho
To me, being nominated as the Heart of the Walking Woman finalist is humbling. It is a testament of how much I've grown during my four years at College of Saint Mary. It's also being one step closer to the woman I've always aspired to become. I cannot completely put into words the delight, surprise and happiness that swept upon me as I read that I was a finalist. It is a truly humbling experience.
Katie Golka
My nomination for the Heart of the Walking Woman finalist means the world to me. To be recognized among the many outstanding women of character, leadership, and service in our CSM community is quite humbling. It is not about the award; it is about being recognized for my commitment to my studies and for my involvement in organizations and teams. It is about what I have learned from being at College of Saint Mary--to dedicate my time and effort to something that truly makes me feel joy.
