Torch Lighter Awards
About the Torch Lighter Awards
From left, Rutgers-New Brunswick Chancellor Francine Conway, Pat Mitchell, Abigail E. Disney, Jeannine Frisby LaRue, Alanah Odoms, Rutgers Institute of Women’s Leadership Director Rebecca Mark, Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway, and Priscilla Sims Brown.
At my age, in this still hierarchical time, people often ask me if I’m ‘passing the torch.’ I explain that I’m keeping my torch, thank you very much—and I’m using it to light the torches of others. – Gloria Steinem
Inspired by the powerful example set by Gloria Steinem, the Institute for Women’s Leadership at Rutgers University established the Torch Lighter Awards to make visible the values of feminist leadership and to honor those who use their position, influence, expertise, and resources to uplift others.
Torch Lighters are champions for a more just world. They mobilize communities and advance gender and racial equity. Torch Lighters value collective work, collaboration, and embody the leadership that the Institute for Women’s Leadership instills in our students. The Torch Lighter Awards serve as a call to action to elevate and empower the next generation of leaders.
The 2024 Torch Lighter Awardees are remarkable women of action who are creating a more hopeful future: Priscilla Sims Brown, president and CEO, Amalgamated Bank; Abigail E. Disney, an Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, philanthropist, and activist; Jeannine Frisby LaRue, executive vice president of strategy and business development, Moxie, and senior vice president, The Zita Group; Pat Mitchell, a trailblazing force in media and advocacy; and Alanah Odoms, civil rights attorney and executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana. View the event program.
The inaugural event marked the 25th anniversary of the IWL Leadership Scholars Certificate Program. With the support of sponsors and patrons, the Torch Lighter Awards raised funds for outstanding leadership education for Rutgers undergraduate students.
For information about future sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lisa Hetfield at lisa.hetfield@rutgers.edu.