National Conference for College Women Student Leaders
(NCCWSL)
Applications for scholarships are now available!
2024 NCCWSL Application
Conference held at the University of Maryland, May 30 – June 1, 2024.
Irene Keyes Memorial Fund
The Irene Keyes Memorial Fund provides annual scholarships to students to develop student leadership. The goal is to foster leadership development among college women leading to action. Women are encouraged to further women’s rights both on campus and in their communities.
Questions: Marcine Humphrey
The Poughkeepsie AAUW NCCWSL Committee provides scholarships to college women to the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders. Read more about NCCWSL This year’s conference will be held on May 30-June 1 at the University of Maryland. The conference provides opportunities for training, inspiration, and networking. Participants meet current leaders and students from across the country. Applications and information can be found here: 2024 NCCWSL Application. Applicants may contact the committee and members will work with them to accommodate their interests. See reports from last year’s recipients below.
See Southern Dutchess News for a 2023 article on this AAUW Scholarship here on page 12B
NCCWSL 2023 RECIPIENTS
Miyor Gerard, Dutchess Community College
My name is Miyor Gerard, a recipient of AAUW’s National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL) Scholarship. I am so grateful to AAUW Poughkeepsie for this amazing experience! The NCCWSL conference included three days of focused sessions, a trip to Washington D.C., an award ceremony, and a keynote speech from Minda Harts! During the conference days, I attended many sessions. Many of the sessions I attended pertained to my major, Nursing/Biology. I also attended other types of sessions, just to mix things up. Each session had great speakers that were completely invest with their audience. NCCWSL gave me the opportunity to form friendships with girls from around the country (even girls from Puerto Rico attended!!). My favorite parts of NCCWSL 2023 were the trip to D.C. and getting to walk around the University of Maryland campus. During the D.C. trip, my group and I went sight-seeing, shopped, and ate tasty food. The University of Maryland has such a beautiful campus! I took some time to walk around and explore. Again, thank you AAUW Poughkeepsie for this amazing opportunity! I would not have been able to attend this prestigious conference if it weren’t for this scholarship!
Miyor Gerard has just entered the nursing program at Dutchess Community College, planning to graduate with a nursing degree in 2025. When asked why she wanted to attend NCCWSL, she wrote, “I hope that this conference will give me a better understanding of what I want my future to be…and teaches me more about womanhood and sisterhood.” Miyor has been successful balancing campus life and work life. Jacqueline Goffe-McNish, her professor, describes her as one “who demonstrates creativity and an enviable work ethic. She is motivated and possesses high ethical standards.”
Maggie Gravano, Marist College
My name is Maggie Gravano and I am a student at Marist College. When I was informed about this award by a magnificent resource and friend, Pat Tylor, in Career Services at Marist College, I quickly realized it was an opportunity I could not pass up. I owe thanks to my professors Moira Fitzgibbons and Robin Torres who wrote my letters of recommendation in record time. I then received the call from the lovely Marcine Humphrey to inform me that I had been chosen to attend the conference. On account of not being familiar with the conference, my expectations were somewhat scarce but optimistic.
Upon arrival and stepping onto the University of Maryland campus, it was nothing short of intimidating, mostly due to its size but also the beauty of my surroundings. I would catch myself in any free time, which wasn’t much, just kicking my shoes off and walking on the stunning green space beneath the sweeping trees. We don’t have trees like that in New York. The conference events began in full force. I was meeting so many different women with diverse backgrounds and experiences. As hectic as it seemed moving from one place to another, it was a breath of fresh air learning about the similarities we had regardless of our differences. The informational sessions were my favorite part by far. I decided to step out of my comfort zone when making my selections and chose to learn more about financial literacy. Importantly, I have never taken a finance class in my life as the sciences have always been my go-to. Not only did the sessions enlighten me to put more thought into healthy spending and saving, but the four women speaking on the panel were so approachable. My favorite lectures however, ended up being about emergency contraception and victim advocacy. Both sessions propelled me to act. Upon returning from the conference, I met with the administration at Marist College to discuss the implementation of some form of a health vending machine to provide emergency contraceptives, fentanyl testing strips, menstrual products, and other health-related items for the campus. Additionally, we discussed working to get all the resident assistants (RAs) on campus Narcan certified. Furthermore, after the victim advocacy lecture, I decided to become trained as a crisis counselor and now volunteer as a suicide hotline counselor. Without this experience, none of these milestones would have been at the forefront of my mind.
In addition to the actionable developments that have come after NCCWSL, I have also had many other takeaways. I now understand the importance of being approachable and welcoming to others. Making connections and networking would be so easy if everyone was more open to the idea. I met some amazing new people that I now call friends. I also learned I can travel by myself, which was very scary in the beginning. Finally, I discovered the beauty of
stepping out of my comfort zone and the self-satisfaction that follows. This conference was the experience of a lifetime.
Thank you AAUW Poughkeepsie for the traveling funds and assistance in answering any questions I had along the way. Additionally, much gratitude for the warm welcome I received when I was invited to attend your AAUW annual meeting this year. The AAUW Poughkeepsie women are marvelous. This experience could not have been possible without Marcine’s advice and guidance. I am grateful for the opportunity to attend NCCWSL, in memory of an AAUW beloved member who touched so many lives. I made the most of the experience in honor of her and will live a life to empower and advocate for others.
Maggie Gravano is a student at Marist College majoring in Biochemistry. Maggie, once elected to Student Government, delved into campus life and has developed and implemented initiatives towards female menstrual health. She is an active member of many clubs and committees on campus including Philanthropy Chair of her sorority, member of the Marist Strategic Planning Committee and a member of the Dean’s Circle. Maggie hopes this conference “will build her confidence as a strong woman,” and let her “learn tactics to address inequities towards women, and gain a network of mentors.” Her professor, Robin Diller Torres, feels Maggie will fit right in at this conference. “Maggie is a proactive learner and leader who shows initiative, resilience, potential, and results.”
2022 RECIPIENTS
Since NCCWSL was virtual again for 2022, the committee searched for local, in-person leadership programs for girls and young women. The Irene Keyes Memorial Scholarship Committee sponsored two young women from the Hudson Valley to attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program. HOBY is an international organization dedicated to the recognition and development of leadership.
To inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a Life dedicated to Leadership, service, and innovation
Leadership is a process not a position. The New York East Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program (HOBY NY East) exists to mentor the Leaders of tomorrow through this journey. Emphasizing the sociaI change model of Leadership, HOBY provides an inclusive and accessible environment for high school students to learn how to create a positive social change. H0BY’s programs are funded by community support and operated entirety by volunteers.
Below are thank you notes from the recipients that give a glimpse into their experiences at HOBY:
Dear Marcine Humphrey,
My name is Alijandra Caldero and I am representing Beacon High School at HOBY this year. Thank you so much for donating for me to attend and participate at this amazing program. Here at HOBY I was able to challenge my comfort zone and improve my team building skills. My experience at HOBY has strengthened my ability to take charge in a situation while at the same time showing me that in order to be a leader you need to be a listener and that I don’t always need to be in control. In HOBY there were many activities that challenged my leadership skills and helped me express my values. This was such an amazing experience for me and I hope that you will continue to select students to attend HOBY. Everyone in this program is so supportive and kind. I am so grateful that your donation was able to give me this opportunity to express myself as a leader. Your support has truly given me the confidence I need to excel as a leader.
Thank you,
Alijandra Calderon
Dear Marcine Humphrey,
My name is Elisa Pahucki. I am an ambassador at the HOBY New York East Leadership seminar. I am thrilled to represent Beacon High School at the seminar.
I want to thank you for allowing me to participate in the HOBY seminar. This was an incredible experience that enabled me to be an even better leader. It would not have been possible without your help.
My favorite experiences have been the service project, identity circle and all of the memories I have made. I have learned a lot this weekend about leadership, service and community. This wouldn’t have been possible without your generosity.
Thank you again for your donation.
Sincerely,
Elisa Pahucki
NCCWSL 2020 & 2021 RECIPIENTS
NCCWSL was virtual for 2020 and 2021 so the committee chose not to award scholarships for students from our area to attend.
NCCWSL RECIPIENTS 2019
Kayla Bowen, SUNY New Paltz
I am so grateful to have had such an incredible experience at NCCWSL 2019, and my attendance would not have been possible if not for the Irene Keys Memorial Scholarship. I did not have the pleasure of knowing Irene, but she is described by those who knew her as an intelligent, dedicated educator, a hard-working leader and a wonderful friend to many. What a lovely way to honor a woman like Irene with this scholarship that enables college women in our community to attend such an enriching and inspiring conference.
I was so happy to have had Alyssa with me for this new experience! At NCCWSL, we heard from multiple speakers and panels which were incredibly moving and motivational. One speaker, Dr. Tererai Trent, moved me to tears with her story of growing up in Zimbabwe without access to education, having three children by the age of eighteen and, by many miracles, eventually making her way to the U.S. and earning multiple degrees, writing award-winning books and becoming “Oprah’s favorite guest” on the Oprah Winfrey Show. I felt so grateful to have been able to hear someone so inspiring speak just feet away from me. I bought her book, The Awakened Woman, and got Dr. Trent to sign it.
Another amazing speaker was author Roxane Gay who I admire a lot for her realistic approach to feminism. She is so well-spoken and motivating and I was so elated to hear her speak. I brought my copy of her book Bad Feminist to the conference and got her to sign it while we exchanged a few words. It was awesome!
The rest of the conference was so much fun. We learned about zines and their role in spreading feminist ideas, we heard a panel about how to navigate difficult conversations with people you don’t agree with, and we attended a screening of an inspiring Ruth Bader Ginsburg documentary, among so many more amazing activities. We also took an evening trip to Washington D.C.! Alyssa and I walked to the White House and had some amazing shrimp pizza at a local restaurant.
I am so honored to have been a recipient of the Irene Keys Memorial Scholarship and I am so grateful to the AAUW Poughkeepsie Branch for selecting me as a recipient. This experience was one I will never forget!
Kayla Bowen is currently a Digital Media Production student at SUNY New Paltz and serves as Public Relations Coordinator for a body positivity club on campus called Project HEAL (Help to Eat, Accept & Live). Kayla loves to keep busy and stay involved in her community. We first met Kayla in 2017 at the Live Your Dream Girls Conference where she served as a “Big Sister.” Leading the girls in games, sitting with them and women mentors, her enthusiasm and pleasing disposition was evident. She said she was so happy to see the girls open up and be inspired. She applied for the first time that year. Kayla impressed us so much with her leadership skills, we invited her to re-apply. Kayla is described as intuitively helpful, brilliant, fun-loving, dedicated, personable, compassionate and cooperative. At Dutchess Community College she distinguished herself as a community-minded and motivated leader. She joined the Speech and Debate Coalition in its early days and worked to develop a team at Dover Plains High School. She is committed to building “an intellectual community of students” and not only develops her own skills but helps build the team by mentoring, motivating and coaching team members. Kayla as SGA Representative encouraged others to become involved in Dutchess Community College campus governing. As a “Book Buddy” she reads to elementary students in Poughkeepsie, and she performed in a program to raise funds for Grace Smith House. Kayla is described as “exemplifying the best qualities we hope to inspire in our rising female leaders.”
From her involvement in high school: the Math Honor Society, Mock Trial Team, National Honor Society, her support of the Pine Plains Food Locker and Cornell Cooperative Extension to her impressive work at DCC, Kayla has demonstrated her desire to be a positive force for her community. She believes everybody has the ability to make a difference and describes herself at an “inter-sectional feminist, super determined to make a difference.”
Alyssa Covelli, Dutchess Community College
I just wanted to take a moment to truly thank you all, the members of the AAUW Branch of Poughkeepsie for giving me the incredible opportunity to attend the National College Conference for Student Women Leaders. Attending workshops, meeting women leaders and other outstanding students offered me an extraordinary experience. Being there taught me something not only about the world in which I live, but helped me realize much about myself. For years I’ve said I wanted to be a teacher, I started at Dutchess as an early childhood education major and while I was at NCCWSL I figured out that is not what I want to do. I’m not sure what I want to do now, but I learned not to take failure as a setback, rather take it as a lesson learned. I learned to take a leap of faith, to dare to change the world, to find the courage to take the next step, to never let fear take over and to focus on the journey because ultimately I create my own reality! NCCWSL exposed me to all kinds of leaders. It taught me a great deal about being a leader and in July, I put what I learned into action while working on the PKGO pride weekend. I learned so much about myself and what I want from my experiences.
While at NCCWSL, I heard one speaker, Dr. Trent, who really touched my heart with how she made a difference. I plan to use what I’ve learned to help me become the woman I hope to be, to conquer my dreams and be the best me there is. Thank you again for giving me this remarkable experience. As Dr Trent says: TinoGano – IT IS ACHIEVABLE.
Alyssa Covelli’s spirit, enthusiasm and desire to attend NCCWSL simply bubbled off the page as one committee member commented. Lori Scolaro, Co-Coordinator of the Live Your Dream Girls Conference, describes her as brilliant, fun-loving, helpful, compassionate and cooperative. As a student at DCC she has begun to truly expand her leadership potential. When she joined the Live Your Dream Big Sisters she actively began conducting outreach to potential Big Sisters to coordinate firm commitments and training session attendance. Alyssa fully embraced this commitment herself, outwardly engaging in the formal training sessions and seamlessly stepping into a mentor-ship role with her fellow Big Sisters that established relationships long before the day of the conference. She assisted in planning, preparing materials and outreach to bring girls to the conference from the Haldane/Cold Spring area. In high school Alyssa was member of the Haldane Peer Leadership club which delivers Step 2 Character Education program to 8th graders and was a moderator in the peer mentoring program. Alyssa began taking college courses during her senior year in high school. At DCC she is a Deans List student and she is a Student Ambassador at Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES. Being involved in the Live Your Dream Girls Conference was for her a “life changing experience” as it made her “discover the desire to make a difference in the world and help other women succeed.”
Alyssa, who plans to transfer and complete an elementary teaching degree, has tutored in Kindergarten classrooms and has been a camp counselor working with children from birth to 12 years old. Alyssa’s zest for life and compassion is impressive. Alyssa wants to continue growing into a woman leader and feels at NCCWSL she can learn new strategies that will help her lead and “became a more impactful contributor to my community.”
Contributions to the Irene Keyes Memorial Fund can be made at More Information and Donation Forms.
IRENE KEYES MEMORIAL FUND
The Poughkeepsie Branch Board has established the Irene Keyes Women Students Leadership Fund in honor of our late past President, Irene Keyes. Many branch members have made generous contributions, in honor of Irene, which were used to establish this fund.
The fund is used to support one or two young women to attend AAUW’s NCCWSL (National Conference for College Women Student Leaders) in Washington DC each year. This conference brings together college-age women from around the country to participate in workshops focusing on advocacy, leadership, health and wellness, and “real-world” issues such as financial literacy and life after college. Attendees hear inspiring stories from women who either broke through barriers themselves or are helping others break through barriers on behalf of women and girls, and participate in community service projects and skill building events. Jessica Riley, a young member of our branch who attended the 2011 conference wrote, “Being around women with interests similar to mine, hearing them and relating to them, I couldn’t have asked for better inspiration and empowerment.” [Complete article, The Branch, Sept. 2011, page 3].
Irene Keyes, who was president of our branch from 2006 to 2008, passed away suddenly in July 2011. Her leadership role enabled our local branch to earn the important 501(c)(3) tax designation. She wrote grants to fund initiatives like the Girls’ Conference and Leading To Reading projects. She was highly committed to our long-term vision of achieving gender equity.
This award has been given since 2012. Details of earlier recipients of the NCCWSL have been archived and are available from the branch historian.