Athena scholarship celebrates 25 years

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Windsor’s Athena Scholarship program marked a milestone anniversary on Friday with funding for four high-achieving female scholars.

The annual luncheon, now in its 25th year, awarded $5,000 each to Aya Abu-Libdeh, Crystal Bryan, Claire Buxton, and Nina Jabbari.

“For 25 years, this scholarship program has embodied the Athena philosophy, which maintains that by elevating individuals with potential and strong values, we help them become exceptional role models,” Loretta Stoyka, president of the ATHENA Scholarship Fund Windsor. “The belief is that, through their example, others will be inspired to strive for excellence. Windsor is at the forefront of this scholarship program and continues to enhance the opportunity each year.”

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Abu-Libdeh completed a bachelor of applied science in electrical engineering with honours in 2022 at the University of Windsor. By the end of this year, she will graduate with a master of applied science in electrical engineering, also from UWindsor. She has also served as chair of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Windsor-Essex Chapter, holding STEM outreach events for elementary and high school students.

Bryan, a pilot and lieutenant in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve, mentors and coaches youth at the 364 Lancaster Air Cadet Squadron. With others, she has organized the African Diaspora Youth Conference for five years. She obtained a bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts and professional studies at the University of Windsor in 2020 and a public relations diploma from St. Clair College in 2024.

Buxton is pursuing a bachelor of science degree with honours, majoring in biomedical science at the University of Guelph. She volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as Windsor Regional Hospital, where she is investigating biomarkers of chronic pain. After her undergraduate program, she plans to attend medical school to become an OB-GYN.

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Jabbari received a bachelor of arts degree with a double major in political science and criminology and sociolegal studies at the University of Toronto in 2020. This year, she completed her final year at the University’s Faculty of Law in the juris doctor program. In her role as the White Ribbon Chair for Windsor Law’s Women and the Law Club, she advocated for women’s rights, equality, and an end to violence against women.

The Athena scholarship was created in Windsor in 1999 and is supported by donations from private citizens, corporations, academic institutions, and community organizations.

Scholarship recipients are selected for community involvement, potential for leadership, academic excellence, and inspiring women to reach their full potential.

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