2025 Diversity and Virginia Hart Special Recognition Awards
26th Annual Diversity Awards
The SCAA established the Diversity Award in 2000 to recognize the achievements of outstanding affirmative action and equal employment opportunity practices among state agencies. The Diversity Award is structured to recognize state agencies, Wisconsin Technical Colleges and UW campuses for their strong commitment to the recruitment, retention and promotion of a diverse classified workforce as measured by the creation of programs, initiatives, and practices.
In addition to the annual Diversity Award, the SCAA began recognizing institutions of higher learning in 2003 for their exceptional efforts in preparing minorities, women, and persons with disabilities for employment in the State of Wisconsin. In 2004, the award was named The Ann Lydecker Educational Diversity Award to honor UW-River Falls Chancellor Ann Lydecker. The Ann Lydecker Award is structured to recognize exceptional efforts made by University of Wisconsin campuses for their rrecruitment and retention of a diverse student and faculty workforce as evidenced by data showing improved outcomes.
The Outstanding Leadership and Lifetime of Service diversity awards were created in 2019 in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Diversity Award. These awards recognize state employees state employees in leadership roles or with 15+ years of service, employed by state agencies, Wisconsin Technical Colleges and University of Wisconsin system campuses who have exhibited exemplary service in the areas of inclusion, diversity, and wellness. These awards are given to individuals who have created and maintained an inclusive, healthy, and positive work environment, and promoted equity, acceptance, and understanding of different backgrounds.
The Virginia Hart Award recognizes the service of women in state government employment whose contributions to clients, co-workers, or the public are substantial. The award was established for Virginia Hart, Wisconsin's first woman cabinet member, upon her retirement in 1983. Her friends and colleagues established a fund so that each year a woman in Wisconsin state service could be recognized for exemplary performance and contribution to the citizens of Wisconsin. The award is facilitated by the Department of Administration and funded by donations to the Virginia Hart Awards fund within the Wisconsin Women in Government (WWIG) organization. More information on this award and how to make a nomination can be found on the Virginia Hart Award webpage.
How to Make a Nomination
Submission for the awards can be made starting June 1, 2025 and end September 12, 2025. The criteria to nominate for the awards is available at the links below. Don't wait start preparing your nomination today! Submissions received before June 1, 2025 will be returned with a request to resubmit during the submission period.
Awards Criteria
2025 AnnLydecker Crieria.pdf
2025 DivAward Criteria.pdf
2025 LifetimeofService Criteria.pdf
2025 OutstandingLead Criteria.pdf
The State Council on Affirmative Action members in the Wisconsin State Capitol Assembly Chambers with Governor Evers and Lieutenant Governor Sarah Rodriguez.
Previous Diversity Awards Programs:
For the 2020 Diversity Awards program, the SCAA created the below video in honor of two decades full of significant strides towards a more equitable and inclusive workforce, honoring every winner of the Diversity Awards throughout the years.
For any additional information on the history of the awards or the Council, please contact doadpmbei@wisconsin.gov. .