Two College of Medicine community members honored with ACE Awards

Two members of the Texas A&M University College of Medicine community have been named 2022 Texas A&M University Accountability, Climate, and Equity (ACE) awardees.

Nominated across the university, recipients are chosen for their demonstrated commitment to the Texas A&M core value of respect by promoting and encouraging a welcoming environment where people of all backgrounds and identities feel included.

Jennifer Friedman, MD, FACOG, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M Family Medicine Residency and assistant dean for student affairs, has been honored with the Women’s Progress Award in the faculty category.  The Women’s Progress Award, sponsored by the Women’s Resource Center, honors those who encourage and promote sensitivity to and awareness of issues that relate to women.

“It means a lot to me to be honored with the Women’s Progress Faculty Award,” Friedman said. “As a gynecologist of more than 20 years, I advocate every day for women to prioritize their own health and find the right balance for themselves regarding mental and physical wellbeing. As a faculty advisor and assistant clinical professor for the Family Medicine Residency, it has been one of my greatest joys to bring that advocacy to the student and resident curriculum. I am humbled to share my journey as a woman in medicine with medical students and residents.”

Alexandra Powell, graduate student at the College of Medicine, has been honored with the Diversity Service Award in the student category. The Diversity Service Award, sponsored by the Department of Multicultural Services, acknowledges the efforts of those who continuously work to create an environment where the diversity of individual social identities is treated equitability in a climate that fosters success and achievement by all.

This year, each recipient was recognized and celebrated at a virtual awards ceremony on April 13.

The ACE Awards are sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs, Office for Diversity, Department of Multicultural Services, Disability Resources, Women’s Resource Center, Aggie Allies, LGBTQ+ Pride Center, Health Promotion, Student Government Association Diversity Commission and Campus Ministry Association.