Women of Color magazine's Technical Innovation Award honors people who have designed or developed a product or service that's a substantial achievement in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) with a significant overall impact.

Carissa Pajel certainly fits this bill. A material, process, and physics engineer and a designated expert for sealant technology at The Boeing Company, she ensures the safety of the flying public and those protecting America.

"It has been a long and winding road to this stage, paved with obstacles and hardship,' said Carissa in her acceptance speech at the WOC STEM Gala. "I came from far away, hoping for a better life. My parents worked hard to give me and my brothers the education we needed for the journey. This country has nourished and given me a chance to be the person standing in front of you today. I am humbled. I want to share the award with all who made this possible, especially with my parents and family, who believed in me and my quest for technology and innovation."

Tracy Edwards was a graduate student at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams at Michigan State University when she received a 2023 Spirit of Hope award for serving as a beacon of hope.

The 2023 Governor’s Service Awards winners were honored at the Fox Theatre in Detroit, Michigan. The award is a tribute to an exceptional young person who has gone above and beyond to impact their peers' lives positively.

In October of the same year, Tracy received the Women of Color (WOC) Student Leadership Award at the 28th annual WOC STEM Conference in Detroit.