UA employee, women's advocate wins state award

Diane Wilson, director for the University of Arizona's Project for Homemakers in Arizona Seeking Employment program (PHASE), will receive the Susan B. Anthony Luminary Award during a ceremony in Scottsdale.

The mother of three and grandmother of seven has focused on helping women receive their education and vocational training through the UA College of Agriculture's Family and Consumer Resources program.

"I am very honored to be nominated and then selected," she said yesterday.

The award is given to "women who have exemplified outstanding commitment to improving the status and safety of women and girls in Arizona."

Wilson will be recognized with an awards tea by the Arizona Women's Council, Every Women's Story Center and the National Museum of Women's History.

Wilson started as an intern with PHASE while working on a masters degree in counseling and guidance. After graduating, she devoted the remainder of her career to helping women and directing PHASE.

"She is a fabulous boss," said Julie Castro, pro-ject coordinator. "She believes in what she does."

Castro said Wilson can be summed up with the word "commitment."

"She gives 110 percent to that particular cause she is working on," Castro said.

Wilson spends most of her time applying for grants to fund the program.

"I love the work I do, it's really important," Wilson said. "I see the women come into the program unsure."

Of those who finish the six-month program, 75 percent find jobs and 25 percent are in training.

Wilson said she liked "to see [women] turn themselves around and make something good for themselves and the lives of their children."