Heather Ingram Receives 2025 Maria Teresa Velez Outstanding Staff Mentor Award

Heather Ingram, Director of the Coit Museum of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, has been awarded the 2025 Maria Teresa Velez Outstanding Staff Mentor Award by the University of Arizona’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).

With over two decades of experience in museum leadership, community engagement, and educational programming, Ingram continues to advance the museum’s mission to create authentic, engaging experiences that broaden understanding of pharmacy and health sciences for all audiences.

The Outstanding Mentoring Award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to mentoring at the University of Arizona. This prestigious recognition celebrates those who go above and beyond—through their personal mentoring efforts, the development of high-quality mentoring experiences for others, and their contributions to fostering a strong culture of mentorship across the university. "It is a great privilege to receive recognition for my work mentoring high school and college students and volunteers," says Ingram. "My first formal mentorship was with an undergraduate history student in 2007. Today she is a history professor and a wonderful mentor. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with more than 170 high school students, 30+ university students, and 125+ volunteers at UA museums."

Across numerous testimonials, there's a clear and consistent theme: Ingram’s mentorship empowers growth through inclusion, individualized support, and authentic confidence-building. Whether guiding emerging scientists, museum interns, or student ambassadors, she creates spaces where learning is personal, accessible, and transformative. Her mentees consistently describe not only professional and academic development but also a deepened sense of purpose and belonging, evidence of Heather’s enduring commitment to cultivating leaders who, in turn, uplift others.

Maria Regina Ozaeta, a nominator who once worked alongside Heather in the KEYS Research Internship, described her as being able to “foster an environment that helped interns gain knowledge, new skills, and authentic self-confidence.” Ozaeta shared that Heather’s mentorship was instrumental in shaping future scientists, many of whom have gone on to lead and mentor others in their own right.

Similarly, Thea Van Gorp, who worked under Heather at the Arizona State Museum, shared that “Heather created countless opportunities for me to grow… encouraging me to take on new responsibilities while offering thoughtful guidance and reflection.” Van Gorp emphasized that Ingram’s mentorship had a lasting impact on her confidence and career trajectory.

Ingram’s dedication to mentorship has not only shaped the careers of countless students and emerging professionals but has also informed her own approach to leadership. Those same principles define her guidance of collaboration, inclusivity, and a commitment to meaningful learning. Through these experiences, she cultivates a leadership style grounded in empathy and innovation, preparing her to advance the mission and impact of the institutions she serves.

And as the Coit Museum Director, she is committed to advancing museum education, positioning the museum as a vibrant center for public engagement, interpretation, and historical learning. Through her experience, passion, and vision, she is shaping the museum's future as a dynamic resource in the fields of pharmacy and health sciences.

Q & A 

This award highlights mentoring and inclusion—how do those values show up in your day-to-day work at the Coit Museum?

• I am open to working with any students or volunteers who show that spark of passion for what they do. I believe it is important to nurture their interests and to step back so they can take leadership when possible. For students, I also focus on soft skills that will serve them regardless of their degree. For volunteers, especially those who have retired, I work to provide them with meaningful opportunities that excite and challenge them.
   

How do you foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for students, staff, or visitors at the museum?

• I feel like the museum should be a place for everyone. I hope that is communicated to our guests. It will always be a work in progress as I learn and develop my own understanding. My short-term goals are to install bilingual labels in the museum and continue to make the museum accessible to all guests.
   

For those unfamiliar, what makes the Coit Museum of Pharmacy and Health Sciences unique, and how do you see it contributing to education and community engagement?

• The museum stands poised to be both an incredible asset to the College of Pharmacy and the University of Arizona. This museum is a way for people to learn about the college and attract people to campus who might not otherwise visit. By partnering with other U of A units and community organizations, we can strengthen our connections throughout Tucson and even reach those who cannot make it onto campus.
   

What’s your favorite part of your job as museum director? Is there a particular exhibit, story, or project that inspires you most?

• I love that I learn new things every day and meet amazing people. It is incredibly fulfilling to brainstorm ways to grow the museum and to make it the best it can be.
   

Who have been your own mentors, and how have they influenced your leadership and mentoring style?

• I have been fortunate to work with mentors with diverse backgrounds and history. One mentor, Lisa Falk at Arizona State Museum, taught me perseverance and how to pull different aspects together to make quality, cutting-edge programs. She is one of the most creative people I have ever met. I am humbled that she was one of my nominators.
   

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a better mentor or leader in their workplace?

• My advice to someone who is looking to be a strong mentor is to be aware of your own strengths and weaknesses. Be honest with yourself and your mentee about how you can best support them and help connect them with others who can fill in any gaps.
   

What originally drew you to pharmacy and health sciences, and later, to museum leadership?

• My first experience with pharmacy was partnering with Marti Lindsey, another great mentor (and 2019 awardee), to co-direct the KEYS high school internship program. I greatly respected her ability to take high-level research and make it understandable to the general public. I also respected her commitment to diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.