USA Fencing Opens Applications for 2024-25 DEIB Awards, Honoring Trailblazers in Inclusion and Excellence

by Nicole Kirk

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -  USA Fencing is excited to announce that the 2024-25 DEIB Award applications are open. 

The DEIB Awards feature the Peter Westbrook Trailblazer Award, the Mariel Zagunis Women’s Advancement Award, the Leszek “Maestro” Stawicki Parafencing Athlete Development Award, and the ASPIRE Award.

Last year’s winners included the Kern Athletic Fencing Foundation earning the Leszek “Maestro” Stawicki Parafencing Athlete Development Award. They actively send parafencers to NAC’s and cover all the associated costs. Valkyrie was named the recipient of the ASPIRE Award, as they promote parafencing and provide access to gear and free armory services. 

Continuing with last year’s winners is the Northwest Fencing Center (NWFC) who was named the Mariel Zagunis Women’s Advancement Award winners. NWFC was recognized for their work in The Athena Project, celebrating women in fencing. The Peter Westbrook Trailblazer Award went to the Bronzeville Fencing Academy where the club is actively recruiting towards youth in largely under-resourced, and marginalized communities in their area.

The awards schedule for this year can be found below and more information about each award can be found here.

2025 DEIB Awards Schedule

  • September 23, 2023: Applications available - Apply here

  • December 31, 2023: Application deadline

  • February 2025: Awardees selected

  • July 2025: Awardees honored at 2025 Summer Nationals - Hall of Fame