Meet ASAP's 2024 Award Winners: Suzi Boynton and Kathy Adams!

At APC 2024 in Aurora, CO, Suzi Boynton and Kathy Adams were awarded the ASAP Impact Award and the ASAP DEIB Award.

Suzi Boynton received the ASAP Impact Award for her outstanding efforts in supporting her administrative team’s growth by creating a structured professional development track. Kathy Adams was awarded the ASAP DEIB Award for her commitment to fostering inclusivity and inspiring meaningful change throughout the administrative profession and community.

Following the awards ceremony, Executive Assistant Garnet Valliere interviewed each winner on stage, delving into their personal experiences with leading and implementing impactful change within their organizations.

Suzi Boynton Recognized for Driving Professional Development in K-12 Administration

Suzi Boynton, Executive Assistant at San Marcos Unified School District, was honored with the ASAP Impact Award for her efforts to uplift her administrative team. While speaking with Garnet, Suzi shared how she overcame her own hesitation to advocate for professional development opportunities, and then worked to ensure her colleagues had access to the same growth experiences. Suzi explained that in her role supporting the superintendent and school board, she initially felt nervous about requesting training and conference attendance. However, she pushed past that discomfort, and was met with enthusiastic support from her boss. Energized by this positive response, Suzi made it her mission to create a professional development track for all the administrative professionals in her district. 

"I really felt like we need to do something," Suzi said. "In K-12 we're being asked to do more with less constantly, and upskilling is the answer." She worked to secure budget for her team to attend conferences like APC, knowing the value these events provide in building strategic skills and a supportive community. Suzi's commitment to empowering her colleagues has had a ripple effect throughout the organization. 

Kathy Adams Recognized for Inspiring Inclusion and Diversity in the Administrative Profession

Kathy Adams, Senior Executive Assistant at WTW, was honored with the prestigious DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) Award from ASAP. When speaking with Garnet, Kathy shared her reaction to winning the award, describing it as "overwhelming joy" after all the hard work and dedication she has put into advocating for her peers. Kathy's award-winning project, "Admin Angels," started as a way for administrative professionals to connect and support each other during the COVID-19 pandemic. What began as informal weekly happy hours evolved into a formal committee that hosts monthly workshops, wellness initiatives, and celebrations to uplift the admin community.

Beyond Admin Angels, Kathy also launched "Black Admin Connect," providing a safe space for admins of color to discuss their experiences and receive peer support. "I'm an advocate for Administrative Professionals and inclusion and diversity," Kathy shared. "I always want to be able to speak up for those that don't know how or feel that they can, and I'm here to make a difference." 

Inspired by Suzi and Kathy’s stories? Take the next step in your own professional journey!

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