Three Southwest Washington women were honored with Distinguished Woman of the Year awards for making a difference in the lives of others.
• Ana Betancourt Macias, a junior majoring in sociology at Washington State University Vancouver, is the director of legislative affairs, president of WSU Vancouver Collegiate League of United Latin American Citizens, and a member of the WSU Vancouver Council on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
• Shameem Rakha is a clinical assistant professor in the College of Education at WSU Vancouver, and works to provide equitable opportunities for everyone both on campus and in the community.
• Ruby Sowder is the owner of Belly Grams Singing Telegrams and Clown-A-Round. She is the director of the award-winning Al-Ghawazee Dance Troupe and has taught Middle Eastern dance for Vancouver Parks and Recreation for more than 35 years.
Since 2009, these awards have been given in conjunction with Women’s History Month to recognize women in Southwest Washington for inspiring, mentoring and empowering others.
