The Martha H. Mauzy Award

Honor a graduating Harvard Kennedy School student dedicated to democracy.

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Martha Mauzy stands at a podium speaking into a microphone

Marty Mauzy was Executive Director of the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation from 2004 to 2016, during which time her leadership, experience, and commitment contributed to 12 years of inspiring growth. Marty’s storied and impressive career at Harvard University spanned 35 years.

The Martha H. Mauzy Award for the Advancement of Democratic Governance began in 2017 in recognition of Marty’s legacy of leadership and innovation at the Ash Center, her fierce protection of the vision of the Center’s founding donor Roy and Lila Ash to ‘protect the fragile institution of democracy,’ and her commitment to unique learning opportunities for students.

Eligibility

This award is presented to a graduating student at Harvard Kennedy School who demonstrates a unique commitment, through scholarship and practice, to strengthening democracy in the United States and beyond, whether through electoral reform, community engagement, participation, Indigenous governance, and justice and antiracism.

Any student enrolled in an HKS degree program or joint degree who is graduating in Spring 2024 is eligible for this award. We encourage faculty, fellows, and staff to submit a nomination and students may apply on their own behalf or nominate a meritorious classmate. The award, which will be presented at a ceremony hosted by the Ash Center, includes both a monetary award and a certificate.

Submit a 2024 Nomination

The competition for the 2024 Martha H. Mauzy Award for the Advancement of Democratic Governance is now open. Deadline to submit: Sunday, April 14, 11:59 PM

Submit a Nomination

Meet Previous Winners

A Win for Democracy

Feature

A Win for Democracy

Mauzy Award-Winner Demarquin Johnson sees democratic action as the path to overcoming injustice and protecting voting rights

Re-envisioning a new Black agenda for Boston
Stevenson standing outside an HKS building, looking toward camera, dressed in sweater and jeans

Feature

Re-envisioning a new Black agenda for Boston

David Corbie MPA 2023 is sparking a new conversation about how to shift the paradigm in Boston and strengthen opportunities for the city’s Black community