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21st Annual Luncheon

Grace Hopper Award

Seattle Girls' School Annual Grace Hopper Award

Who was Rear Admiral Grace Hopper?

Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper (1906–1992), was a mathematician, computer scientist, systems designer, and programmer. Her groundbreaking work as a mathematician and computer scientist led to the development of the computer language COBOL. She is more famously known as the ‘mother of the computer’ and was the first female Admiral in the US Navy. With the tremendous spirit of RADM Hopper at heart, we celebrate women* who have excelled remarkably in their field.

What is SGS's Annual Grace Hopper Award?

SGS's Annual Grace Hopper Award honors women*, like RADM Hopper, who provide SGS students with positive role models. We aim to honor a visionary Northwest woman who is not only a leader in their community, but exemplifies mentorship excellence, having made an outstanding commitment to creating pathways and encouraging other women* to become leaders in their own communities. 

*This award recognizes any woman regardless of their gender assigned at birth.

2023 Grace Hopper Award Recipient

We are proud to announce our 2023 Grace Hopper Awardee: Maiko Winkler-Chin!

Maiko Winkler-Chin is the Director of the City of Seattle’s Office of Housing. In this role, Maiko leads the Office of Housing in its efforts to create and preserve affordable rental and homeownership opportunities, craft policies and programs that advance racial equity and housing justice, and support low-income homeowners so they can afford to live safely and comfortably in their homes. 

Maiko has over 25 years of community development experience, with a focus on community economic development, affordable housing development and management in neighborhoods at risk of displacement and gentrification due to economic as well as transportation and infrastructure development impacts. Most recently, Maiko worked at the Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda), where she served as Executive Director since 2009. Under her leadership, SCIDpda advocated for those who live, work, and frequent the Chinatown International District, helping create hundreds of new affordable homes throughout the neighborhood. 

Join us in congratulating Maiko, our 2023 Grace Hopper Awardee, at our 21st Annual Luncheon!

Previous Grace Hopper Award Recipients

Outstanding Achievement

List of 18 items.

Exemplary Leadership

List of 16 items.

Located in the Central District, Seattle Girls' School is an independent school for girls and gender nonconforming students in grades 5-8. Our mission is to inspire and develop courageous leaders who think independently, work collaboratively, learn joyfully, and champion change.