Leader Award

The Leader Award was introduced as a part of the Association's 75th Anniversary observance in 1984 when it was established to identify and honor family and consumer sciences professionals who have made significant contributions to the field through their involvement with AAFCS.

Anyone chosen to receive the Leader Award will receive a commemorative token which will be presented at the AAFCS Annual Conference. The recipient's name and photo will be reported in AAFCS print and online communications.

2026 Award Application Information

Applications Open: November 03, 2025

Applications Due: January 12, 2026

Guidelines

Application

Submit Application

2025 Recipients

Catherine Lader, Wisconsin

Catherine Lader leads by example and has been an FCS advocate throughout her career. While teaching, she increased FCS enrollments and advised a nationally recognized FCCLA chapter. As the Wisconsin FCS State Supervisor she published resources, supported teachers, and initiated FCCLA Leadership Labs. As a National FCCLA Consultant member, Cathy presented programming across the country. She managed the Wisconsin FCCLA competitions during retirement. Cathy was President of the Wisconsin FCS Educators organization where she established the annual summit and earned the Distinguished Service Award. She financially supports the FCS program at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point through scholarships and sponsoring FCS Legacy Lab instructional space. Cathy has hosted sixteen fundraisers for non-profit organizations. Governor Tommy Thompson awarded her the Wisconsin Annual Leadership Award. Supporting the pork industry, she developed FCS resources, earning her the WI Agri-Communicator Award. Currently she is President-Elect of the Wisconsin Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Mia Russell, Maryland

Mia Russell, Ph.D. has 25+ years of experience in the public and private sectors. Currently, she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses designed to help students succeed and lead in a wide range of professional settings. She also leads the Clark Scholars program designed to holistically support underrepresented engineering students. Prior to joining Johns Hopkins University, Russell was the Program Lead and Vice President for Financial Education and Youth Financial Health Philanthropy at the Wells Fargo Foundation. She also served as an Extension Educator at the University of Maryland, leading financial education programming and community outreach in Central Maryland. Russell prioritizes service and currently serves on the WSSC Federal Credit Union Foundation Board and formerly on the AAFCS Board of Directors. Russell contributes to the field of financial well-being and work-related well-being and has developed programs for diverse audiences, published numerous articles, and conducted countless domestic and international presentations.

Karleah Harris, Arkansas

Dr. Karleah Harris is associate professor of human development and family studies at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB). With degrees in educational psychology, curriculum and instruction, and agricultural education, she has worked in several college settings as well as with PreK-12 students, teachers, principals, stakeholders, and grandparents raising grandchildren in the community. While at UAPB, she has worked with colleagues to secure over two million dollars in grants. Her research interests include using inquiry-based science learning to study kindergarten students’ explanations, the types of discourse strategies teachers use during classroom science discourse, early childhood development, culturally responsive teaching, horticulture therapy, grandparenting, food deserts, food insecurity, and gardening. Dr. Harris received the Chancellor’s 2023 University Outreach and Engagement Award for her work, and her outreach projects with the PreK-12 school community were featured on the THV Channel 11 and ABC Channel 7 KATV Little Rock television news.

Cathy Lader on receiving the 2025 Leader Award

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. - Helen Keller. My FCS adventure has shaped my professional and personal life. For nine years, the WAFCS members encouraged me to apply for the Leader Award, but I declined. Last year, a trusted colleague asked, "Why not?" as we reminisced about the FCS projects, conferences, and sessions we had planned. We chatted about the ups and downs of our teaching and FCCLA advising years, and reflected on how the family-focused FCS curriculum work we did ignited intellectual skill development throughout the state and region. Our conversation gave me the courage to ask "why not" and to apply for the Leader Award. 

Receiving the AAFCS Leader Award was humbling. The award held meaning for my family, colleagues, friends, and state affiliates. Celebrating with my husband, John, at the AAFCS Annual Conference in Kansas City was special. Networking at the conference resulted in nationally recognized speakers and resources being shared with the state affiliate. While  AAFCS press releases resulted in me receiving congratulatory notes, more importantly, the announcement spurred local discussions about the status of FCS programs in secondary schools. State policymakers reached out and encouraged ongoing dialogue focused on FCS related initiatives.  

The application process reminded me how mentoring new FCS professionals allows us to "pay it forward." Similarly, the reflective nature of the application process asked me to consider, "How did all this great work come to fruition"? The answer is simple: I was part of a daring, collaborative community that supports professional development. In Wisconsin, our FCS community program development draws on the profession's founding principles; we studied Brown and Paolucci's writings, embraced change, and reflected often.

A distinguished AAFCS member shared, "Once a home economist, always a home economist," and I wholeheartedly agree. FCS professionals are lifelong learners dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Let the adventure to honor the profession's legacy, recognize FCS leaders, and celebrate their successes continue.