~ The Commission on the Status of Women in Bloomington is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Women's Achievement Awards. These awards recognize exceptional women who are making a positive impact in various fields such as education, community leadership, youth empowerment, and advocacy. The ceremony will take place at the Monroe Convention Center on Wednesday, March 25, as part of the Women's History Month Luncheon.

One of the honorees is Dr. Kirstin Milks, who has been named Woman of the Year. Dr. Milks is a dedicated educator at Bloomington High School South where she teaches AP Biology and introductory science. She also serves as a STEM team coach and mentor for her students. Her passion for science has inspired many students to pursue careers in this field, including seven young women who were named 2025 National Winners in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM innovation competition. Their project was even featured at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

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In addition to her role as a teacher, Dr. Milks also serves as head coach of Bloomington South's Science Olympiad team. Along with her volunteer coaching staff, she creates inclusive opportunities for students to explore their interests in STEM outside of the classroom.

Outside of school, Dr. Milks is an active Girl Scout volunteer. She leads an intentionally inclusive multiage troop and coordinates adult volunteers in Monroe and Owen counties as a Service Unit Manager. In recognition of her dedication to empowering young girls through scouting, she was named Girl Scouts of Central Indiana's Leader of the Year in 2024.

Cindy Chavez has been awarded the Toby Strout Lifetime Contribution award for her outstanding contributions to her community through her work with Pantry 279. Cindy started this pantry in 2015 with just 35 families in mind but it has now grown to serve over 11,000 people each month from 39 counties. As Executive Director, Cindy works tirelessly to ensure that everyone who visits the pantry is treated with kindness and dignity. She also wears many hats as a mother of four, a wife, and the Head Elf during the ELF Dispatch Christmas program.

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Ayla Sohrabi-Nia, a senior at Bloomington High School North, has been named Young Woman of the Year. Ayla is passionate about community service and giving back to her community. She is an intern at Amplify Bloomington and holds leadership positions in various clubs such as Project Middle Way, BHSN Habitat for Humanity Club, and BHSN Cougar Care Meals. She plans to continue her education at Indiana University in the fall.

Tickets for the Women's History Month Luncheon can be purchased until March 17, 2026, through bton.in/WHM2026. Individual tickets are priced at $45 while a reservation for a table of eight with preferred seating is $425. For more information about the event, please contact Marissa Parr-Scott at 812-349-3468.

The Commission on the Status of Women is proud to honor these exceptional women who are shaping Bloomington with their hard work and dedication. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to all women and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments at the Women's History Month Luncheon.

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