Des Plaines, Ill. (Oct. 8, 2024) – Oakton College Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice program faculty member and Evanston Police Department detective Amanda Wright received the 2024 YWCA Evanston/North Shore YWomen Leadership Award. Wright was honored for her compassionate work supporting domestic violence survivors and creating a strong support network in the community. The award was presented during the YWomen Leadership Celebration and Gala, Oct. 5.
“We are incredibly proud of Amanda and this well-deserved recognition,” said James Humenik, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice chair and associate professor. “Her dedication to her students, her work in law enforcement, and her advocacy in the community embody the values we champion at Oakton — building just and thriving communities. She is an inspiring role model for our students and for everyone whose lives she impacts.”
Wright has been a leading voice in the fight against domestic violence. She advocates for survivors by connecting them with critical resources and collaborates with community organizations like the YWCA to establish a comprehensive support system.
“We are incredibly thankful for women like Detective Amanda Wright, whose dedication to both her work as a detective and her community has been instrumental in creating safer spaces and supporting survivors of domestic violence,” said Cherese R. Ledet, YWCA Evanston/North Shore president and CEO. “Amanda’s compassionate and tireless advocacy, combined with her contributions to our 40-hour domestic violence training, has had a lasting impact on countless lives. We are honored to recognize her as a 2024 YWomen Honoree and excited to celebrate her achievements.”
"I have learned that simply showing a survivor unwavering support and care in a violent situation is also a way to help empower them through that situation,” said Wright.
Beyond her law enforcement and education roles, Wright is deeply involved in social justice and community outreach. She has worked closely with social service agencies, facilitated crime prevention programs, and helped strengthen the bonds between law enforcement and the community for almost two decades.
In addition, Wright and several of her colleagues represent the Evanston Police Department at New Blue, a national organization that fosters trust in law enforcement by empowering progressive officers and their innovative ideas. Wright and several of her peers are focusing on a project to reduce recidivism rates.
Wright is also a board member for Girls Play Sports, an Evanston-based nonprofit that promotes leadership and self-confidence in young girls through athletics. She is the second vice president of the Evanston-North Shore Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, focusing on membership retention, reclamation, training and education.
A proud Evanston native, Wright earned a Master of Education in Educational Psychology from National Louis University and Bachelor of Science degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Illinois State University. She is also a graduate of Evanston Township High School.
For more information about Oakton’s Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice program, please visit Oakton’s website.