Recognising a WISCAR alumna whose work and contribution stand out.
The Professor Grace Alele-Williams Alumni Impact Award is an annual WISCAR award recognising an alumna whose achievements, leadership and contribution have made a difference in her profession, community or wider society.
Call for nominations
Sept 22 – Oct 5
Nominations are open now. Self-nominations and peer nominations are both welcome.
Nominate an alumna
Honouring her legacy
Professor Grace Alele-Williams (1932–2022) was a mathematician, educator and university leader who broke new ground for women in Nigeria. She was the first Nigerian woman to earn a doctorate in mathematics, and the first female Vice-Chancellor of a Nigerian university.
Throughout her career, she championed education and created opportunities for others, particularly women, to participate and succeed in fields where they were underrepresented.
In 2022, WISCAR honoured her with a special legacy award for Alumni Impact. The award now continues in her name, recognising WISCAR alumnae whose work reflects the kind of contribution she represented.
The criteria
The award recognises an alumna whose record shows a clear contribution to her field, organisation, community or society.
Demonstrated excellence and made notable contributions through her professional work.
Used her knowledge, experience or position to support, develop or create opportunities for others.
Taken on initiatives, causes or responsibilities that have benefited her community, profession or society.
Mentored, encouraged or created opportunities for other women to grow and succeed.
Eligibility
WISCAR alumnae who demonstrate outstanding achievement, leadership, or impact in their field or community.
Individuals whose work reflects integrity, service, and a commitment to creating opportunities for others.
Alumnae who have mentored, supported, advocated for, or contributed to the advancement of other women.
Both self-nominations and peer nominations are welcome.
Past honourees
Celebrating the alumnae who have already set the standard for this award.
2023
CEO, Emergency Response Africa
2024
WISCAR Alumna
2025
Founder, Pan-African Women Empowerment Network (PAWEN)
Sept 22 – Oct 5
Call for nominations is open
Share who you are nominating and why.
In up to 150 words, explain how the nominee meets the award criteria.
What happens next: Nominations are reviewed by the WISCAR Secretariat and the designated Awards Committee. The recipient is honoured annually at the WISCAR Annual Leadership and Mentoring Conference.
This is an opportunity to put her forward.
Nominate an alumna