Wayne State University first lady Jacqueline Wilson has been selected as one of 25 women to receive the Michigan Women’s History Month Leadership in Action Award for her outstanding leadership, iconic presence and inspiring business acumen.

Wilson’s achievements will be recognized during the second annual Career Mastered Women’s History Month Awards Program Gala on Monday, March 14, at Detroit’s Crown Plaza Riverfront Hotel. The event and awards are hosted by Linwick & Associates, LLC, a global human resources firm with offices in Detroit and Charlotte, North Carolina.

“I feel so honored to receive this award. I truly appreciate the recognition of my work,” Wilson said. “Throughout my life there have been many female role models who inspired me — among them are my mother, Oprah Winfrey and Audrey Hepburn for her class and style.”

In addition to Wilson’s award, several women in government will be honored and a metro Detroit student will receive a scholarship. This March, Women’s History Month celebrates 29 years in the United States.

“The award celebrates history by taking a look inside successful women’s careers to enhance the process of women inspiring and encouraging one another,” said Lisa Wicker, president and CEO of Linwick & Associates. “Women who have mastered their careers reveal exceptional stories and provide an expansive vision about women’s success. First lady Wilson's program, HIGH, is an example of women who inspire and encourage others to win.”

Wilson established the HIGH (Helping Individuals Go Higher) program with a mission to ensure no student abandons their dream of earning a degree solely because of housing or financial challenges. The HIGH program provides resources for students with needs such as housing support, textbooks and other school supplies, clothing, transportation, and child care assistance.

“Working to help homeless students is a true passion,” Wilson said. “I'm so fortunate to be able to do that here at Wayne State University in Detroit.”