Dr. Nina Shoman-Dajani, Moraine Valley assistant dean of Learning Enrichment and College Readiness, received an Outstanding Commitment in Education Award from State Treasurer Michael Frerichs.
Moraine Valley Community College assistant dean of Learning Enrichment and College Readiness, Dr. Nina Shoman-Dajani, received the college’s Embracing Diversity Award a few years ago, recently completed her doctorate and was featured in “Spirit Magazine.” She has added one more accolade to her resume—Outstanding Commitment in Education.
Dr. Shoman-Dajani received this award from Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, who hosted a Women’s History Month celebration in Chicago on March 9 honoring women who fit this year’s theme, “Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business.”
She was selected in part because of the article in “Spirit Magazine,” which is “designed for the diverse woman.” The article highlighted Dr. Shoman-Dajani’s work involving high school equivalency, international students and English language learners at Moraine Valley.
During the event, Frerichs emphasized the need to acknowledge people doing work the public doesn’t always hear about and advocated underrepresented communities. While Dr. Shoman-Dajani received an honor for her work in education, others were recognized in business, community service, elected official, leadership, workforce and labor, and sportsmanship.
“I was so honored to be up there. Of course, when you’re listening to these other women, you realize how much they’ve done. It was really inspiring to hear about these great women doing amazing work in the Chicagoland area,” she explained. “All the women recognized serve underrepresented communities. These women are strong advocates for people in need.”
Dr. Shoman-Dajani brought her daughter to the event to witness the power of influential women and to understand the continued efforts ahead for women’s rights and underrepresented groups. Despite the work needed, she expressed her newfound hope in elected officials who support and offer services to these populations.
“I was honored and humbled. It was surreal,” she said. “But it wasn’t about me getting recognized. It was the work we do that was appreciated. By recognizing me, [Frerichs] was acknowledging the students we serve who aren’t always heard, who fly under the radar.”
