GLCPS Student To Receive Prestigious Award

Vanessa was nominated by Pam Pollock, advisor to the City of New Bedford Mayor's Youth Council. The Mayor's Youth Council is a leadership development program and advises the mayor on issues that are important to the city's youth. 

The YWCA Spirit of Leadership Award is given to a young woman for their academic and career achievements, community service, advocacy, and support of efforts that benefit women, girls and people of color.

In her nomination of Vanessa for this award, Ms. Pollock wrote: 

"Vanessa is a very driven, passionate person who is always willing to help other people. She especially loves to make everyone feel loved and appreciated which is shown through her role as co-chair of the Hospitality Committee. She is always one of the first people to jump onto a project and help out. She has been a part of Coat and Toy Drive for kids, Leadership Academy, New Bedford Half Marathon, Taccbo video for the New Bedford community, and continues to work on many more projects for The New Bedford's Mayor's Youth Council (MYC). On top of all her leadership for MYC, she has a driven passion for special education and ran a whole assembly for 5th and 6th graders along with all of the high school at Global Learning Charter Public School. Vanessa wants to pursue special education and continue to speak up for other people to make a difference for her community."

According to the YWCA, the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards inspire others to achieve by recognizing the leadership of women in a variety of areas. YWCA Women of Distinction have brought key issues facing women, girls, and people of color to the forefront. The awards recognize outstanding women in Southeastern Massachusetts whose lives and accomplishments reflect the YWCA’s Mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. Honorees are recognized for their exceptional commitment to improving the lives of women and girls through their leadership, advocacy, and community service while achieving success in their career fields.

Nominees for this award are women who:

  • Strongly support and promote the YWCA Mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.
  • Demonstrate strong and growing commitment to the community through her time as a volunteer.
  • Demonstrate exceptional skills as a role model and/or mentor of women and girls through advocacy, racial justice, empowerment, community service and leadership.
  • Have achieved professional excellence in her field.

Vanessa will be in good company at the Women of Distinction Awards Dinner and Ceremony on October 24th. This year's recipients of the Women of Distinction Award include Michelle Hantman, Dima Hendricks, Sandra Ledvina, Rev. Susan Lee, Bonnie Mello, and Darlene Spencer. The recipient of this year's Yvonne M. Drayton Award is Barbara Garron. 

Tickets for the event are $85.00 and are available online at www.ywcasema.org