NECC Criminal Justice Professor Magdalena Suarez-Shannon.

Northern Essex Community College Criminal Justice professor Magdalena Suarez-Shannon of Portsmouth, NH, was one of 23 women to be honored during the 31^st Lawrence YWCA’s Tribute to Women.

The awards luncheon was held at the Andover Country Club.

Suarez-Shannon is an associate professor of Criminal Justice at NECC and the Criminal Justice Club coordinator. Her Latina culture and immigrant experience, having fled Havana, Cuba for the United States at a young age, gives Suarez-Shannon a deep insight into the lives of many of her students.

As coordinator of the Criminal Justice Club, Suarez-Shannon brings high level speakers to her students. She makes it a priority to introduce the students in the club to the social justice community in Lawrence by hosting monthly club meetings at which she brings in community leaders in this field to discuss employment opportunities and relevant issues in the field, and to connect NECC students with practitioners who can help mentor them.

On campus, Suarez-Shannon co-chairs NECC’s Culture & Equity Committee, which works towards helping to increase the diversity of staff and faculty on campus and to raise cultural awareness for current staff and faculty, all to benefit NECC students and campus life. Over the past two years, she has also served on several of the college’s Strategic Planning Committees.

Former Senator Susan Tucker served as honorary Chair of the event, noting the Honorees are now among a group of more than 800 women who have been so honored over the past 31 years.

 Former YWCA Executive Director Rebecca A. Hall said, “I have been attending this event for 22 years, and I never cease to be humbled and amazed by the accomplishments of the women honored. This year’s Tribute Honorees are beyond inspirational.”  Tribute also serves as our major fundraiser, supporting more than 21 programs for women, children and families.  “Tribute really speaks to our mission of empowering women,” said Hall.

For 31 years the YWCA’s Tribute to Women luncheon has honored women who live and work in Greater Lawrence and who have made a difference in the workplace and in the community.

Suarez-Shannon holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, master’s degree from Harvard University, and a juris doctorate from Suffolk University.

NECC offers both an associate degree in criminal justice and a certificate in law enforcement.