Linda K. Estes Giraffe Award
The Linda K. Estes Giraffe Award, established in 2004, honors an individual who takes personal or professional risks to stand up for his or her beliefs and make a difference. A cash award is given to each recipient.
The Giraffe Award Endowment Fund honors Linda Estes, former Associate Director of Athletics at University of New Mexico and a champion of women's equality at the University of New Mexico and across the state.
In 2009, the award was given to:
2009 - Michael L. "Mikey" Weinstein founder of the Military Religous Freedom Foundation working to ensure religious freedom to all members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Past recipients of this award:
2008 - Valerie Plame and Joe Wilson stuck their necks out to seek justice and to provide the truth to the American people.
2007 - Emily (Cheromiah) Hunt-Dailey took a stand for women’s equality in the Laguna tribe by securing a place for women in tribal government.
2006 - Laura Berg battled for the right of a government employee to express their personal opinions of the government.
2005 - Captain Marie Miranda, of the Albuquerque Police Department for her work to improve conditions in the APD evidence room
2004- Judy Bierbaum, a longtime activist and children’s sexual abuse counselor.
