Alexis Winter honored with Heart of the Walking Woman award
OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) student Alexis Winter was recognized during the 80th annual Heart of the Walking Woman celebration March 7.
“This award means a lot to me. It reminded me that I am capable of pursuing a happy, healthy life. Despite the challenges in my past, I am resilient and I have the power to choose the path for my future,” said Winter, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student. “I hope my story can inspire other women in our community. Everyone has a story, and healing begins when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable.”
Winter was born into generational addiction, poverty and instability, eventually struggling with addiction herself. She has been clean from her addiction for eight years.
“I want to be an example for young women battling insecurity, mental health challenges, addiction, homelessness and violence. I want them to see someone who came from similar darkness and still chose light,” she said during the event.
Winter hopes to create a safe home for women and children who experience addiction, domestic violence and homelessness. “A place that offers stability, mental health services, healthcare access, education support and job readiness. A place that restores dignity,” she said. “I am standing here as proof of possibility. Proof that cycles can be broken…Proof that women from disadvantaged backgrounds can lead, build and inspire.”
“Heart of the Walking Woman is a long-standing tradition that honors leadership, service, faith and commitment to community,” said Barb Treadway, assistant dean of student life and student parent success.
To be considered for the Heart of the Walking Woman award, students applied and a selection panel chose five finalists.
The finalists were Rylee Vogel, a BSN major, Daysha Hall, a Bachelor of Arts in Education major, Winter, Mia Wilson, a BSN major and Keeley Porter, a BSN major.
During the event, Leslie Le, president of the CSM Student Senate, gave a welcome and introduction, and Treadway shared the history of Heart of the Walking Woman.
Each finalist shared a personal reflection highlighting the experiences, values and qualities they believe embody the spirit of the Walking Woman. A selection panel then chose this year’s winner who was presented with an award.
The Walking Woman symbolizes strength, perseverance, courage and forward movement. The image represents women who move confidently forward in faith and purpose, committed to making a difference in their professions, families and communities.
“Over the decades, it has become one of the most meaningful traditions on campus, connecting past and present students while celebrating the enduring spirit of the Walking Woman,” Treadway said.
