Diversity and Inclusion Award (Est. 2020)

The Diversity and Inclusion Award is bestowed upon alumni by the University of Illinois Alumni Association on behalf of the University of Illinois. This award recognizes those alumni who have demonstrated a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion through their professional and/or voluntary achievements and whose accomplishments support the UIAA’s goal of promoting diversity, cross-culturalism, open-mindedness and respect within the University of Illinois community and beyond.

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  Michelle Tjelmeland, EDM '00 EDU

  Michelle Tjelmeland’s lifelong dream of being a teacher came to an end when she became profoundly deaf at the age of 24. Michelle quickly found another open door, turning to technology to address both her hearing loss and the need for a new career. After undergoing successful cochlear implant surgery, she founded the non-profit Cochlear Implant Awareness Foundation (CIAF) in 2005 to assist others in obtaining this life-changing procedure. Having previously started a digital brand-identity company (e-websmart) in 1999 to help support her family, Michelle again put that entrepreneurial spirit to work to support the foundation. In 2013 she founded District 23, a retail and online fashion boutique, the proceeds from which have been used to provide millions of dollars’ worth of cochlear equipment to those in need. Michelle has served in leadership roles for various organizations and is a strong promoter of her local community.

• 2020s