Mayor Shelly Carlson (at left) and commissioners Anna Rajesh and Siham Amedy (at right) presented Human Rights Awards to Tammy Schatz, Nia Dyer, Martha Castanon and Sara Stompro on Monday.

Human Rights Commission chair Siham Amedy presented the city’s annual human rights awards to four women at the Moorhead City Council meeting Monday. Recipients include Martha Castanon of the Law Immigration Center and Council of Latino Affairs; Sara Stompro of the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center; Tammy Schatz of Moorhead Adult Basic Education; and Nia Dyer, an advocate for foster youth.
Castanon is an outspoken supporter of people who migrate here during the farming season to work in sugar beet fields. She coordinated the first Minnesota Council of Latino Affairs in Moorhead, and has been recognized at the national level for her work to obtain better working conditions.
Tammy Schatz has taught in Moorhead Adult Basic Education for 30 years, providing support to adults learning English or overcoming a variety of life challenges. Her nomination cited her creative and compassionate approach and advocacy for adult learners and marginalized groups.
Nia Dyer, a college senior majoring in communications, is an advocate for youth in foster care, people with disabilities, and victims of crimes. She was accepted for a fellowship with Foster Advocates in Minnesota, testifying in support of establishing the new Minnesota Ombuds Office for Foster Youth, a state office that receivers and investigates complaints and supports youth in foster care; Gov. Tim Walz appointed her to its statewide board of directors.
Sara Stompro is the director of program services at the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center. She is a strong supporter of improved treatment of survivors by the criminal, legal and child welfare services.