The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle announced that Shelia Edwards-Lange will receive their highest honor, The Edwin T. Pratt Award, at their 15th Annual Awards Breakfast for her work in education, service, and community engagement.
“We are excited to honor Dr. Sheila Edwards Lange because she epitomizes through her work the vision of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, the desire for everyone to have multiple opportunities to achieve their greatest potential…” says Robert Williams, Urban League of Metropolitan Board Chair.
Named after community and civil rights legend, and former Urban League CEO Edwin T. Pratt, this award is given annually, to an outstanding individual or organization in the Puget Sound Region that demonstrates a commitment to the values of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle. Dr. Edwards Lange’s contribution to the youth and most vulnerable populations are well documented through her life’s work, and are evident in her recent appointment as Interim President of Seattle Central College.
Dr. Edwards Lange previously served as vice president for Minority Affairs and vice provost for Diversity at the University of Washington (UW). In that role she was successful increasing diversity at the UW and working with senior leadership to improve the campus climate and retention of diverse students, faculty and staff. Under Edwards Lange’s leadership, the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity team made a difference in how the UW serves first-generation, low-income, and underserved students. In addition, she broadened the participation of underrepresented students in science, technology, engineering and math through community partners and collaborators.
The Annual Breakfast brings together over 800 community leaders to celebrate and reconfirm the collaborative commitment to empowering the communities of King County. This event serves as the Urban League’s most important fundraiser, providing valuable resources to ensure quality education, economic literacy, work force readiness, placement, and business development for African Americans and others living in Seattle and surrounding areas.
This year’s breakfast, hosted by honorary co-chairs and community leaders, Mona H. Bailey and Ron Sims, will be held on Weds., Dec. 2 and will include a keynote address from David Johns, Executive Director for the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans. In addition, scholarships will be awarded to deserving students that live in the region.
