@@ - i had something similar happen when i was in an educational situation. I was on my way to being fired, but i was still brilliant, right? Anyway, i was kinda competing with a woman 20 years younger than me. So anyway, this younger woman started championing my idea or procedure or whatever it was - i never had any official approval, just the idea. Next thing you know, she's getting promoted or whatever for it.

So i would guess something similar in your case. She got the go-ahead from higher-ups. They put it in their plan, to get diversity points.