Dr. Laura Wilson Honored with May Wright Sewall Leadership Award

By Ella Shelburn

Dr. Laura Wilson, associate professor of political science, recently received the May Wright Sewall Leadership Award. 

May Wright Sewall was a suffragist and activist who advocated for women’s rights. She founded the Herron School of Art and Design, the Art Association of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Woman’s Club, the Contemporary Club, and the Propylaeum Historic Foundation. 

Because of Sewall’s activism and impact on her communities, the May Wright Sewall Leadership Award was created to highlight individuals who possess civic and innovative leadership qualities, advocate for women’s rights, and are involved in their communities. 

“May Wright Sewall was a trailblazer of her time and someone I think we can all look up to and learn from, even if it is to remind us to be bold and brave,” said Wilson. “ I definitely do not consider myself a leader in the traditional sense but I am incredibly grateful that I have the opportunity to impact the lives of my students and our community and hopefully help shape the way they think and feel about politics in a more positive way. Getting to do this every day, through teaching in a classroom and speaking or writing in through the media, is an absolute dream come true.”