Juliana Tanning, MBA learner, has been awarded the Past Governors Award from the North Central Region of Soroptimist International. Soroptimists is an international organization dedicated to benefiting the lives of women and girls worldwide by sponsoring community-based and international projects.

The MBA learner received the award in absentia at the North Central Region Spring Conference held April 24-26 in  Columbus, Nebraska.

The award is given to a woman pursuing postgraduate study preparing for the helping professions, public service, or in a nontraditional field for women.

Tanning has significant international experience, including being born and raised in Papua New Guinea, serving on the executive team of STEM International, a missions organization, and leading a handicapped children’s association in Papua New Guinea through the transition to indigenous-led leadership. Currently, she serves as a corporate banking officer for a local bank, while continuing to provide volunteer leadership for STEM International.

Pursuing the MBA is part of Tanning’s goal of becoming a transformational leader in a missional organization.

“My post-MBA vision includes working for a mission-driven organization whose purpose is to transform lives, alleviate suffering, and make the world a better place,” she says. “Working with an international aid foundation or federal agency would allow me to draw from the unique mix of education and experience that I have, while also pursuing my passions.”