The Working Women’s Network marks 10 years of honoring staff whose leadership, service, and mentorship strengthen Yale.

WWN Co-Chairs.

L-R: Working Women’s Network Co-Chairs Netal Patel and Paula Maguina (Photo by Barsbold Enkhbold).

Conceived to celebrate the vibrant community of women who embody the Working Women’s Network (WWN) values of leadership, mentorship, and service, the Working Women’s Network Recognition Awards program has grown from recognizing one individual annually to acknowledging multiple recipients in six categories: Trailblazer, Visionary, Work-Life Champion, Innovator/Creator, Community Catalyst, and Heroine.

Since its inception 10 years ago, the program has recognized 50 staff members from across the Yale campus who inspire others and make an impact in their workplaces or communities.

“We wanted to make this 10th anniversary edition extra special, so our subcommittee decided to select two individuals per category, allowing us to recognize more outstanding women from across the university,” said Paula Maguina, senior finance research manager at Yale School of Medicine and WWN co-chair.

Peer recognition

While recipients receive a commemorative award, it is the recognition from peers that makes it truly special. During the ceremony, held this year on April 8 at the New Haven Museum, nominations were read aloud and often included personal stories about honorees and their impact on the university community and beyond.

For 2026, in addition to the main ceremony, WWN honored current and past recipients with a series of smaller social gatherings during the nomination period. “These events were great opportunities to promote the program while reconnecting with colleagues and friends across the network, as well as welcoming new members to our group,” said Netal Patel, IT manager and WWN co-chair.

Nominations

Months before the celebration, WWN announces an open call for nominations. Anyone can nominate a colleague or a staff member (Service and Maintenance; Clerical and Technical; or Managerial and Professional) from a different department whom they believe meets the criteria for one of the six categories.

“One important aspect is that we recognize nominees’ contributions beyond their job descriptions, which can include their leadership, supportive attitude, or ways they uplift their colleagues and contribute to a stronger Yale community,” said Patel.

Continuing the mission

The WWN was established in 2013 as part of what are now 10 university employee resource groups. Open to all Yale staff, these groups were developed to support recruitment, retention, education, advocacy, and community building. WWN provides events, programming, and networking, offering women at Yale a community of support and empowerment through professional development and enrichment.

It takes a village of volunteers, guided by WWN’s co-chairs and aided by its subcommittees, to continue its important work. Both Maguina and Patel feel passionately about the program’s overall mission and will continue, during their two-year tenure, to guide their membership and subcommittee teams to ensure that WWN reflects the needs and interests of their members and the Yale community.

“Programs like the recognition awards remind us that when we take the time to honor and support one another, we strengthen our community and reinforce the culture of collaboration and inclusion that makes Yale such a special place to work,” Maguina said.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 WWN Recognition Awards:

  • Trailblazers: Stacey Hepburn-James and Stephanie Almeida Nevin
  • A Visionary: Timeica E. Bethel
  • Work-Life Champions: Janine Hoffmann and Colleen Moriarty
  • Innovators/Creators: Carolina Machado and Abby Douglas
  • Community Catalysts: Tanya Colon and Michelle McQueen
  • Heroines: Beth Lynch and Tori Rysz

To learn more about WWN, attend one of its monthly Steering Committee meetings held the third Thursday of each month. All are welcome. WWN hosts on-campus and online programming throughout the year that benefits women and their families. Visit their website for more information on the group, how to join, and their calendar of events.

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