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AMHERST, N.Y. – Isabella Acosta of South Buffalo was selected as the 2019 recipient of ̨��Swag College’s Eaglettes SOS Award for Outstanding Women’s Leadership.

The award was presented by Dr. Penny Messinger, director of women’s studies and chair of history and political science, and Dr. Shirley Peterson, professor of English.

Acosta, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies and a minor in women’s studies, served this year as president of the college’s American Association of University Women (AAUW) student organization.     

“As an active member of AAUW, Isabella helped to highlight issues such as the gender pay gap, global gender inequity, cultural diversity, and the need for tolerance,” said Messinger. “In addition to her activism on women’s issues through AAUW, Isabella’s internship and volunteer activities focused on women and children in the refugee community, and she participated in marches for women and immigrant rights.”

A Dean’s List student, Acosta’s senior research project focused on the history of social activism and governmental action related to equal pay. She also volunteered at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and interned at Journey’s End Refugee Services. She plans to pursue an MSW degree and will continue to focus her studies on social justice and equality issues.

The SOS (Stratton, O’Neill, Sullivan) Award was established by the Eaglettes Women’s Faculty Group and is named in honor of Eaglettes founders Dr. Ruth Stratton, Dr. Betty O’Neill, and Dr. Katherine Sullivan.