2019 Mary Vandewiele Leadership Award Recipient Announced
ANN ARBOR, MI, April 5, 2019 – The Joyce Ivy Foundation recently announced the names of seventy-nine young women selected as 2019 Summer Scholars. From this group of Scholars, Senia Manson a sophomore studying at Houghton High School, has been selected to receive the 2019 Mary Vandewiele Leadership Award.
Mary Vandewiele, a Metro Detroit entrepreneur and advocate for women and their leadership development, established the Mary Vandewiele Leadership Award in 2013, and it is awarded annually to a Joyce Ivy Foundation Summer Scholar who demonstrates leadership and exceptional commitment to their school and home communities. Joyce Ivy Foundation Summer Scholars engage in both academic and leadership development during their summer program experiences at highly selective colleges and universities.
“We are so grateful for the mentorship and support that Mary Vandewiele provides our Summer Scholars,” said Brittany Knight, Executive Director of the Joyce Ivy Foundation. “Beyond supporting their scholarships, she develops personal relationships with these young women and assists them in finding further opportunities for leadership and career development. We know the power of having successful women at your side and we thank Mary for being a friend and advocate to our Summer Scholars. Senia, congratulations on being named the seventh recipient of the Mary Vandewiele Leadership Award!”
Senia Manson, of Baraga, Michigan, is currently a sophomore studying at Houghton High School. At school, Senia is involved in Equality Club, Choir, Junior State of America and is interested in the study of Spanish language. Senia is a standout academic student as reflected in her transcript and standardized test scores. She plans to participate in the four-week Barnard Summer in the City Program in New York, New York this summer.
“Each year the applicant selection becomes more challenging for this recognition award due to the increasing strengths and talents of these incredible young women,” said Mary Vandewiele. “However, something always seems to jump off the page and makes me think, “that’s it, that’s leadership!” Senia’s background and leadership qualities set her apart from an equally talented pool of applicants. I am honored to have an opportunity to know her early in her journey and offer support in achieving her life dreams and goals.”
“Being selected as this year’s recipient of the Mary Vandewiele Leadership Award is beyond humbling,” said Senia Manson. “Mary Vandewiele and her work to empower young women through leadership is greatly inspiring to me, and I’m honored to have her consider me worthy of this award. I believe this award is a step in the right direction, one away from a world where “bossy” is used as an insult thrown at head-strong young girls, and onward, to a world run by girl-bosses. I am excited to join the Joyce Ivy Foundation community as a 2019 Summer Scholar and to explore all the opportunities attending Barnard’s Pre-College Program will bring me. Thank you to Mary Vandewiele and the Joyce Ivy Foundation for this incredible experience.”
The 2019 Joyce Ivy Foundation Summer Scholars have the opportunity to study at eleven partner colleges and universities: Barnard College, Brown University, Cornell University, Emory University, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Smith College, Stanford University, Washington University in St. Louis, and Yale University.
