Three West Virginia University student-led projects and three University programs will benefit from the latest round of grants awarded by Women of WVU.
Established by the WVU Foundation in 2014, Women of WVU is a giving circle that aims to empower and inspire women as leaders, philanthropists and advocates for the University. The group’s members contribute to the Women of WVU Enrichment Fund, which provides small grants to support projects led by female students and programs benefiting women at WVU.
One-year student project grants worth up to $2,500 and one-to-three-year program grants worth up to $5,000 are available. Previous grants have supported child and dependent care, access to personal care items, food safety and nutrition, substance abuse, diabetes research and education, women’s success in STEM fields, removing barriers to success and more.
“It’s a great feeling when women help other women, and this year we had more grant applications and tough decisions to make than ever before,” Alexis Pugh, chair of the Women of WVU Leadership Council, said. “I’m so thankful for our members, whose $1,000 annual contributions to the Enrichment Fund, along with their evaluations and votes, allow WOW to invest in so many worthy women and programs. There’s strength in numbers, and as we grow our membership, we will be able to provide support to many more.”
“Some of our previous recipients have graduated with honors and moved on to their careers, while others are still undergrads who are in the second or third year of their program grants. All have been extremely thankful for the support we have given them, and we are gratified to be able to provide it.”
Student recipients of $2,500 project grants for 2023-’24 academic year include:
- Anastasia Lucci, for project materials and tools to continue three “Ladies Night” enrichment workshops within the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources.
- Juliana Restivo Haney, for research focused on pregnancy after a previous loss: understanding symptoms of anxiety, trauma, and obsessive and compulsive disorders.
- Mackenzie Miller, for research regarding the underrepresentation of women in STEM occupations, the progressive loss of women in these fields, and employee well-being.
Recipients of $5,000 program grants for 2023-’24 include:
- Jeremy Roberts, to connect women students in the Global Supply Chain Management program at the John Chambers College of Business and Economics with mentors working in the industry.
- Carrie White, to continue the Women Innovate Pitch Competition at the Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab.
- Kara Sherrell, to support the Gloria Jean Rosenthal Career Closet at the Chambers College, which provides professional attire for students in need of assistance.
For more information about Women of WVU, visit wvuf.org/womenofwvu. Faculty, staff and alumni interested in joining or supporting the group can contact Jena Prokopchuk, executive director of leadership annual giving, at 304-282-4703 or jprokopchuk@wvuf.org.