Students recognized the talents and leadership skills of members of the GW and the D.C. communities Friday night at the Phenomenal Women Awards in the Marvin Center.

The event was hosted by the Phenomenal Women of George Washington, an organization that focuses on highlighting the talents and contributions of women in leadership positions.

Ashley Demby, co-host of the awards, described PWGW as an organization that celebrates women.

“Women are out there each day taking care of their families and working at their jobs,” Demby said. “They are strong and powerful, and we celebrate them here tonight and through Phenomenal Women at GW.”

The event honored community members in categories including Phenomenal Professor, Phenomenal Women’s Pick for a Phenomenal Man, Phenomenal Sorority, Phenomenal Artist and People’s Choice.

University Writing professor Dr. Caroline Smith was named “Phenomenal Professor” for her accessibility to students and her extraordinary teaching style.

“Tonight we recognize both women who are not only leaders, but also resilient women,” said co-host Colby Anderson.

Senior Mei Kei Loo was awarded the People’s Choice award, which her fellow students voted on.

Jordan Chisolm won the award for Phenomenal Women’s Pick for a Phenomenal Man for his leadership at GW as president of the Black Student Union.

Junior Elizabeth Acevedo said she was deeply honored to receive the title of “Phenomenal Artist.”

“This award means a lot to me,” Acevedo said. “I perform a lot at GW and for the students. Being recognized by my peers is phenomenal.”

Other honorees included GW staff members Mayra Espinoza, director of student involvement at the Student Activities Center, Eric Gutierrez, Multicultural Student Services Center counselor, Alex Khalife of the Student Activities Center, Megan Mozina of the Office of Community Service, Harbinder Sohi of the Multicultural Student Services Center and Kathleen Duffy of the Career Center at the School of Business.

Sigma Psi Zeta, was awarded Phenomenal Sorority for their commitment to excellence and promoting sisterhood. The group was also recognized for their conferences on the empowerment of women.

In addition to the awards, several campus groups – including ballet troupe GW Balance, Griots, a spoken word group, Fuego, GW’s Afro-Latino Dance group and The Voice Gospel Choir – provided entertainment for the event.