Sokohl Award

Why this award exists

The Sokohl Award honors Karen Sokohl, a beloved member of our community whose creativity, generosity, and passion for plain language lifted everyone around her. Karen joined the Center’s Board in 2021 and gave her time, talent, and heart to our mission. She passed away on March 11, 2025, after a courageous two-and-a-half-year battle with ovarian cancer. We created this award to continue her work and celebrate people who champion plain language with the same energy and care.

Who it recognizes

The Sokohl Award recognizes an individual or organization that actively supports the use of plain language. Honorees may contribute through:

Leadership that advances plain language practices
Teaching or mentoring others
Building stronger plain language communities
Hands-on work that shows the power of clear communication

The inaugural recipient was longtime board member Julie Clement, an international leader in the field, including service with Clarity, the International Plain Language Federation, and ISO’s plain language standards work.

When it’s presented

The Center introduced the Sokohl Award at the 2025 ClearMark Awards. The award is presented during the ClearMark Awards ceremony.

2025 Recipient

Julie Clement

Julie’s tireless efforts reflect the values Karen championed: practical clarity, generosity, and service to the community.

About Karen Sokohl

Karen was bright, enthusiastic, witty, and always ready to help — sharing ideas for our website, creating slide decks, encouraging others, and showing up for the community whenever she could. Even while ill, she stayed connected, reminding us she was “a plain language advocate (always!).” This award keeps her impact alive in the work we do every day.