Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Annual Wonder Woman Awards (2023)

Does every woman who is nominated receive an award?

Yes. Every woman who is nominated and is a City of Portland employee receives a certificate via email.

Do you have to be born a woman to qualify?
No. You qualify as a woman if you identify as a woman, are transgender or non-binary. Nominees must be human or at least an employee of the City of Portland.

Do they have to be a full time or permanent employee?
No. They can be part-time, seasonal, contract, etc. If they are working for the City of Portland at the time of the nomination process (Women’s History Month).

 
How will the nominees know that they are receiving an award?
Debbie Caselton or someone from the Wonder Woman Awards Committee will send an email to the awardee.
 
Will there be an awards ceremony this year (2023)?
This is to be determined at this time. We will announce plans in March for something to happen in April. Either an in-person, hybrid, or video presentation.
 
Will there be any Exceptional Wonder Women Awards given again this year?
Yes. They are now called Fabulous Wonder Woman Awards. These awardees are selected by a jury (the Wonder Woman Awards Committee). These women will also be notified in April and presented on the video.
 
What does jury selection mean?

The Wonder Woman Awards Committee selects the Fabulous Wonder Women based on a set of criteria listed here and narrows it down to approximately 10 more or less (usually not just one winner):

• Standouts is this person going above and beyond their job or furthers the goals of the City which can be sustainability, collaboration, leadership, leading diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racist work.  
• Black, Indigenous, and People of Color should be moved to the top as well. These are employees that are exceptional AND often face barriers that have disproportionally affected their careers in the City of Portland.  
• Considered – multiple nominations from different employees 
• Represents the City values of anti-racism, equity, transparency, communication, collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and accountability 
• Has a positive leadership style which empowers others 
• Their efforts contribute to an inclusive workplace or benefit the external community 
• Committed to excellence in public service 

 
After the awards, how do I get a list of who won at my bureau?

All nominees, listed by bureau will be available on the DEEP webpage, under Women’s Empowerment: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/70511. You can find everything from 2015 through the current year.

Are managers/supervisors eligible to be nominated?

Yes. All women at the City of Portland are eligible including managers, supervisors, directors, and even Commissioners.

Can someone be nominated posthumously?
Yes. If a woman employee has died within the past year since the last Wonder Woman Awards, you can nominate them for an award. Please indicate who to notify on their behalf (e.g., family, past supervisor, director, etc.).