People make it possible: Making the world a better place is about relationships, not awards
A few weeks ago, I received a major professional award. I have felt conflicted about it ever since I learned (about a month earlier) that I had been selected. I detailed some of the reasons why this award feels fraught here.
My close friends and collaborators have done a lot of listening (thank you!) as I've processed why I feel so conflicted about this award. The real truth is that this work wouldn't have happened if I (and we) waited for an award or any other validation that the work we were doing was important. The organization that issued this award has been tolerant of our efforts within it, but never embraced the work or funded it in a substantial way. And, there's no funding, no speaking circuit, no project or initiative associated with this award. Likewise, my university has not prohibited my work, but hardly invested in it. Getting this award won't change the terms…