The Associated Federation of Teachers honored Dr. Farhana Loonat, political science and philosophy instructor at Skagit Valley College, with the Caesar Chavez Award on May 20.

The Caesar Chavez Award recognizes outstanding contributions in the field of education, with a focus on individuals, groups, or local entities making a significant impact in higher education, K-12, early learning, or community settings.

The selection process was based on rigorous evaluation of four key criteria, ensuring recipients embody a commitment to human rights, positive change, enduring social justice, and the bold confrontation of human rights challenges.

“I served on AFT’s Human Rights committee for the past nine years,” said Loonat. “This award means a lot to me because I was nominated by people whose equity work at the state level I highly admire.”

About Loonat

Loonat is an instructor at SVC and chair of the political science and philosophy department. She shares that she is passionate about social justice and believes in infusing that passion into students who take her courses. Loonat holds a master of arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Virginia, a certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies and a doctorate in Political Science from Vanderbilt University. Loonat is a former Fulbright scholar and International Peace Scholarship recipient, as well as a former TEDx Talks speaker. Her research interests are in diversity, equity, and inclusion as they relate to faculty of color.

For more information, contact [email protected].