Category: IPA
IPA Policy Scientist Receives DAWN Visionary Award
March 11, 2026 Written by Sophonie Milord and Sarah Marshall | Photos Courtesy of DAWN
On March 5, 2026, Nicole Minni, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and graphics specialist at the Institute of Public Administration (IPA), was recognized with the Visionary Award presented by the Delaware ACE Women’s Network (DAWN). DAWN is the Delaware Chapter of the American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network. The Visionary Award honors women who exhibit exceptional leadership, innovation and a strong commitment to their communities and careers. Minni was nominated by UD members of the DAWN Executive Committee, Secretary Joy Jordan, Past-President Kathy Murphy, Sarah Marshall and Alaina Robinson. Minni was selected as the 2026 UD Visionary for her passion for using GIS to improve Delaware communities and for her commitment to teaching GIS to adults and youth. Recent projects highlighting food insecurity and disaster management issues throughout Sussex County are small examples of her impact on Delaware. Minni accepted this award at the annual DAWN Leadership Summit held at Wilmington University in New Castle, Delaware.
At the summit, UD President Laura Carlson joined Colleen Perry Keith, president of Goldey-Beacom College, to provide insights on college leadership during the morning panel session. Alisa Moldavanova, associate professor, masters studies director in the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration and past recipient of the DAWN Visionary Award, led two sessions titled “Leadership as Public Service: Balancing Impact with Personal Resilience.”
Originally published in UD's For the Record.
