Audrey Bentley receives Trailblazer Award

May 1, 2022 - Henry Mochida

On March 29, Michigan State University’s Department of Police and Public Safety hosted their first Women’s History Month Bazaar steered by Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Captain Florene McGlothian-Taylor and Human Resources Administrator Crystal Perry.

The purpose of the bazaar was to praise all women who were frontline workers during the ongoing pandemic and recognize women of all cultures who have been trailblazers in their profession. 

Audrey Bentley, the senior outreach coordinator in the Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, or IDI, received the Trailblazer Award, which recognizes someone who has paved the way for women from all cultural backgrounds in the workforce to build successful careers within the MSU community. 

Captain McGlothian-Taylor said, “Bentley has always stood on the side of what’s right and is unafraid to speak her mind in a way that welcomes conversation.”

This year marks Bentley’s 50th anniversary within IDI. She has been a mentor to many women and students of color. In addition, she has championed campus-wide events, including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, César Chávez and Dolores Huerta Celebration and other cultural events. 

“It is an honor to receive this recognition for my years of service,” said Bentley. “I love every program I work on because I get the opportunity to connect and help the community explore how we can work together for the same purpose.”

Bentley also leads the all-university award committee, recently renamed the Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards. In addition, she recently coordinated the inaugural IDI Speaker Series that brings experts into conversation with Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D.

“Bentley has created a roadmap to success for future generations of women leaders at MSU,” said Captain McGlothian-Taylor.

The Women’s History Month Bazaar promoted the MSU 30x30 Initiative of Women, which seeks to increase the representation of women in police recruit classes to 30% by 2030. As a result, six women business owners from Ingham County received recognition.

In addition, Su Jin Lee, a junior majoring in Comparative Cultures and Politics at James Madison College, received the Student Leadership Award for her outstanding leadership roles within various student organizations and her active participation with the MSU Police and Public Safety Advisory Committee.