Honors & Awards
Click here for Dr. Kilbourne’s honors & awards list in PDF format.
Wellesley Centers for Women, Senior Scholar, 2008–present; Visiting Research Scholar, 1984–2008 (honorary positions)
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), National Honorary Board, 2003–present
NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association, Ambassador, 2011-present
The LAMP (Learning About Multimedia Project), Amplifier Award, 2012.
“The LAMP is proud to honor the vision of our 2012 honoree. Jean has worked tirelessly for decades to teach the principles and values of media literacy.”
The Women in Public Service Project Institute at Wellesley College, 2012
“For upholding the highest standards of public service, for sharing the torch of leadership and learning with a new generation of extraordinary women leaders from around the world and for celebrating the power of women to make a positive difference in the world.”
Common Sense Media, Common Sense Media Award, 2011.
“Your work as a feminist author and filmmaker has brought unprecedented attention to the power of media (especially advertising), its connection to public health, and the urgency of teaching media literacy into the public discourse. You are a pioneer in the field and we are truly inspired!”
The New Agenda, Pioneer Mentor, 2011
NOW (National Organization for Women), MA, Wonder Woman Award, 2010
NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association), Profiles in Living Award, 2010
Boston University, School of Education, Ida M. Johnston Alumni Award, 2009
“For outstanding achievement and service to her profession, community, and alma mater.”
Reclaim the Media (Included as one of twenty-one journalists, media activists, and educators in their “Media Heroes” deck of trading cards) 2008
“Jean Kilbourne pioneered the critical study of images of women in advertising and the use of media literacy for public health and prevention. Her work examines how a media landscape saturated with visions of idealized female beauty produces illusions of personal inadequacy, sexual objectification of women and girls, and violence against women. In 1969 she began lecturing on these topics, and has never stopped, travelling widely and inspiring many educators to follow her example of unflinching critique.”
Womanspace, Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award, 2008
“Jean Kilbourne’s leadership, personal commitment to excellence, and trailblazing success exemplify Barbara Sigmund’s passion, creativity and inspiration. She has produced a body of work that is pioneering in its ability to shine a light on the socio-political issues that exist in our world via the advertising industry. Her work has been instrumental in training the staff and volunteers who assist the survivors of violence with whom we work at Womanspace.”
MEDA (Multiservice Eating Disorders Association), Annual Award, 2007
Miss Hall’s School, Woman of Distinction Award, 2007
“Through your films, books, and lectures, you have done groundbreaking work in bringing attention to the adverse effect advertising and the media have on women and young people. Your courage to take a public stand on this issue and your commitment over many years to raising awareness inspire us as educators of girls to deepen their understanding of the negative influences that surround them. In speaking with conviction while creating alliances and hope, you are an exemplary role model for girls as well as for adults.”
ACME (Action Coalition for Media Education) Media Activist National Award, 2006
“Speaker, author, and media critic Jean Kilbourne has spent the past two decades pioneering and practicing her unique style of media analysis for audiences all over the world. Her rare combination of humor, wisdom, and integrity, as well as her courageous willingness to challenge some of the world’s most powerful for-profit corporate industries – alcohol, tobacco, and fashion/beauty –. . . makes her an inspiring example for media educators around the world.”
Feminists Who Changed America 1963-1975 (Profiled in the book, 2006)
Germaine Lawrence, Inc., Woman of Excellence Award, 2005
“Germaine Lawrence, Inc. provides residential treatment services in New England for troubled adolescent girls. This award honors a woman who has made substantial contributions toward advancing the well-being of girls and young women.”
Myra Sadker Equity Award, 2005
Dr. Myra Sadker pioneered research documenting gender bias in America’s schools.
Planned Parenthood of Connecticut, Hilda Crosby Standish Leadership Award, 2005
“The Hilda Crosby Standish Leadership Award is given in honor of the family-planning pioneer who passed away at the age of 102 in June 2005. A role model for generations of women, Dr. Standish is credited with teaching thousands of parents and educators how to talk to children about sexuality in an era where that subject was neither discussed at home nor taught in school. . . . Planned Parenthood of Connecticut presents this annual award to an individual or group who shares the courage and passion for social change that Dr. Standish embodied.”
Kansas City, Kansas (Given keys to the city by Mayor Kay Barnes, 2004)
“Whereas, Jean Kilbourne has been perhaps the most dynamic and committed voice among those who understand and decry media images that objectify women while promoting unhealthy behaviors, tyrannical ideals of beauty and appearance and the exploitation of consumers by the alcohol and tobacco industries. Kilbourne was the first to address such issues, and she continues to present her ideas with a certain charm and humor that serve to make her superior in the communication of profoundly important ideas.”
Westfield State College, Honorary Doctorate, 2004
“Advocate for the exploited, advisor to lawmakers, you seek out the dangerous truths encrypted in our culture’s glossy myths. Through research informed by a deep sense of justice, your insights lead us from consumerism to consciousness.”
Governor’s Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence, Massachusetts, 2003-2005
PCAR (Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape) / NSVRC (National Sexual Violence Resource Center), Lifetime Television’s Times Square Project Award
“PCAR/NSVRC salutes Jean Kilbourne for working to stop violence against women.”
Academy for Eating Disorders, Special Recognition Award, 2002
“Your ongoing dedication to heightening awareness of potentially pernicious effects of the media and the path that you have forged has helped move individuals forward, while also paving the way for others who might wish to do the same.”
Association for Women in Psychology, Distinguished Publication Award, 2000 (For Can’t Buy My Love: How Advertising Changes the Way We Think and Feel)
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Marty Mann Founder’s Award, 1998
“This award is presented to an individual in the field of alcoholism and other drug addictions whose life work strongly reflects the energy, dedication and focus exemplified by NCA’s founder, Marty Mann. The award also recognizes at least ten years of exceptional contributions to public and professional education about alcoholism and other drug problems as treatable and preventable conditions and as major public health concerns.”
AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), WIN (Women’s Image Now) Award, 1995
“No one in the world has done more to improve the image of women in advertising than Jean Kilbourne.”
Women’s Action Alliance, Leadership in Action Award, 1995
“The Leadership in Action Award was created to recognize women who are outstanding in their professions and who are role models for women and girls. . . . Through your advocacy for women in the areas of substance abuse prevention and media literacy, you exemplify the characteristics of a dedicated Leader in Action.”
Non-Smokers’ Rights Association, Canada, Award of Merit, 1993
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Advisory Council on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, 1993-1996
Stop Teenage Addiction to Tobacco (STAT), Annual Award
Entertainment Industries Council, Special Commendation, 1990
“For outstanding efforts in addressing the issue of alcohol and other drug abuse in a manner wholly consistent with our industry’s goals for a drug-free America.”
National Association for Campus Activities, Lecturer of the Year Award (1988 and 1989)
National Organization for Women, Boston chapter, Woman of the Year, 1982
Educational Foundation of America, 1980 (Grant for a study of gender stereotypes in television commercials)
