The School’s community engagement director Margaret Spearmon was honored recently with Urban Impact’s 2020 Vision from the Mountaintop Award. Each year, Urban Impact recognizes three area leaders—representing business, community and education—who model the work of Martin Luther King Jr., and promote justice, reconciliation and empowerment.
Spearmon received the award for educational leadership. At the same time, School alumna Edith Elion (MSW ’77), former executive director of the Atlantic Street Center, received the Vision from the Mountaintop Award for community leadership.
The awards were given out at an event on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. During the presentation, Spearmon was recognized for her outstanding work and leadership as she carries on the legacy of Dr. King. “Creativity and innovation mark her unique footprint in the community and in the field of education,” said the presenting organization.
Later that day, Spearmon gave the keynote speech at the Northwest African American Museum’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration.
Spearmon, who retired last year as the School’s chief officer of community engagement and diversity, continues as part of the School’s leadership team. Currently she is working to direct and deepen the School’s commitment to community, particularly around such innovative initiatives as the Othello-UW Commons, a learning and collaboration space for students, faculty, staff and community partners.
Previous Vision from the Mountaintop Award recipients include Seattle Times publisher Frank Blethen and longtime public service and civic leaders Norm Rice, Ron Sims and Larry Gossett.