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.
The 2013 Award:
Albuquerque Community Foundation is seeking nominations for the 9th annual Linda Estes “Giraffe” Award.
Submission Deadline: Friday, June 14, 2013.
A letter of nomination, (not to exceed two pages) should be sent to: Linda Estes Giraffe Award, c/o Albuquerque Community Foundation, P.O. Box 25266, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87125-5266. Self-submissions should also include a letter of recommendation from a third party.
The letter should specifically address how the nominee is going beyond the expectations of their job. We are looking for individuals who are truly "sticking their neck out for the better good" at great risk to themselves either personally or professionally.
Please refer to the past recipients listed below for examples of what the selection committee considers important in a nominee.
Past recipients of this award:
The 2012 award:
Anne Marie Wallace, MD
Dr. Wallace did her specialty training in breast surgery at Stanford University Medical Center where she was selected as the 2003-2004 Susan G. Komen Breast Multidisciplinary Fellow. She came to UNM Health Sciences in the fall of 2004 to serve as the Associate Director of the Breast Multidisciplinary Program at the Cancer Center where she practiced as a breast cancer surgeon and clinical researcher until August 2010 when she was dismissed from her position after raising concerns regarding quality of patient care by her superiors.
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Grace Watson Williams
Grace was the Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico from 1975 to 1993, and was also a founding member of the organization.
2010- Hon. Gene E. Franchini (1935-2009) New Mexico Supreme Court Justice. His generosity to NM youth is legendary both as a mentor to young lawyers and as the major force behind the NM Mock Trail competition.
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.
2008 - Valerie Plame & Joe Wilson stuck their necks out to seek justice and to provide 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.
