PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Business & Professional Women (BBPW) announced the recipients of its annual Career Advancement Scholarship Program.

 

After receiving a record number of applications for the 2021 program, BBPW awarded total of $20,000 in scholarships to 20 local women.

 

This year's scholarship recipients include: Denise Andre, Monica Bernal, Libby Boissy, Alyssa Dunham, Brittany Durand, Diana El Hariri Saie, Ashley Brooke Fox, Nicole Haas, Tara Jones-Nutting, Johanna Lenski, Erin Merrigan, Patricia Molina, Jennifer Parker, Doreen Perullo, Lisa Polidoro, Nataliia Riva, Joanna Nicole Rivera, Kristen Sparhawk, Laura Tubbs, and Jennifer Valente.

 

BBPW President Hannah DeLisle-Stall, a co-chair of the Scholarship Committee, said this year's scholarship recipients represent a wide variety of career goals and industries - including healthcare, social services, education, STEM, and business. 

 

"One of our goals this year was to serve a broader range of needs through our scholarship. We recognize that a traditional degree program is not the only way to advance one's career, so we are pleased to award scholarships to women in diverse academic programs, those pursuing specialized certificates and licenses, as well as associates, bachelors and masters degrees," said DeLisle-Stall, who received a BBPW scholarship in 2013.

 

Ivy Rodriguez Campos, who also co-chairs the Scholarship Committee and was a 2019 scholarship recipient, said she was thrilled to know BBPW is able to support women's professional aspirations during these uncertain times. 

 

"The challenge of building a career has only increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for women. BBPW is pleased to recognize these women working diligently to advance their careers," said Campos.

 

Merrigan, one of this year's recipients, who is obtaining a degree in Health Sciences from Berkshire Community College, said her BBPW scholarship symbolized more than a financial boost.

 

"It has reminded me of what is so special about this community and has been a huge morale booster and further motivates me to do the best that I can."

 

Fellow awardee, Valente, said the scholarship provides a meaningful resource to advance her goals. 

 

"I am so excited to have this opportunity to enhance my skill set and to be on my way to achieving a new level of autonomy in my professional life," said Valente, who is using her scholarship to pursue a massage therapy certificate to complement her work as a physical therapist assistant.