WE LEAD College Environmental Leader Award 

2007 College Winner

Stephanie McGarvey

Citation

WE LEAD is an exceptional program, that encourages personal discovery and empowerment for young women interested in fields of the environmental sciences, natural resources or environmental action and offers them the tools they need to become leaders.

This attitude, this “Mission Statement” drew me to my first WE LEAD meeting this past Fall 2007 semester. Being new to Unity I was not sure what to expect at this meeting, but decided that if it had to do with women and the environment it was worth checking out.

The meeting was highly attended, the room was full. Some of the girls I had seen on campus, but being fairly new to Unity I knew few of them by name.  The meeting began with lunch, followed by introductions, an icebreaker, a speaker, announcements, and a brief closing. 

Leaving my first WE LEAD meeting I felt energized, empowered, and hopeful. What a day!  And who were those girls running the meeting?!  Yes, there were staff, and faculty present, but they played little part in directing the meeting. Who were these girls? They seemed so informed and knowledgeable.

It did not take me long to befriend these outgoing young women and to become part of that energetic, positive, structure called WE LEAD. I have not missed a meeting yet. The encouragement, experience, knowledge and self worth that WE LEAD provides is priceless.

Each year WE LEAD accepts nominations from students, faculty, and staff to elect a worthy candidate for the College Environmental Leader Award.  Someone who inspires all with her drive and dedication. This year we selected Stephenie McGarvey,
 
Stephenie was the Climate Campaigns State Coordinator, a Fellow Envirocitizen, and
one of 30 students nationally who was selected by the National Wildlife Federation to participate in the Women for Sustainable Development Conference and training in Washington D.C.  She is also a environmental technician, and water resource specialist.

Stephenie is the project coordinator for We LEAD, a Peer Tutor, Vice President of the Student Government Association, Contributing Staff writer for Northern Lights, and a Constructive Activists Club member.  She served on the presidential search committee, and is currently on the sustainability committee and the strategic planning committee.  Stephenie is a powerhouse, a role model, not just for young women, but for anyone aspiring in the environmental field.

Stephenie can often be seen with a smile on her face, and is always willing to help when needed.  She makes time when she has no time.  She is never too busy to help her fellow students!  And yes, Stephenie is one of those girls that I met at the first We LEAD meeting, knowledgeable , friendly, and a true leader.

It is with great pleasure that WE LEAD present this year’s College Environmental Award to Stephenie McGarvey!

Citation written and presented by Rachel Mestas, Environmental Policy, First Year Student

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen.  Now, we would like to present the 2006 college Environmental Leader Award.  This award honors a Unity College female student who has demonstrated leadership skills in s science or environmental field, and has had a positive impact o college community.  This year’s winner, ms. Cecilia Bowerman, has clearly met the criteria of this award. 

CeCe, an Adventure Education Leadership major, has become a great role model for women in outdoor adventure.  she is Outing Club president, outdoor Activates Center staff member, and has been a challenge course coordinator, worked with Mount view High School Alternative Education program, winter Special Olympics volunteer, a key initiator and facilitator at the first annual Unity College Traumatic Brain Injury Camp and a NOVA Leader and student manager. 

I was blessed with the opportunity to experience CeCe’s remarkable leadership abilities and her true respect for the environment when she was my NOVA leader this past summer.  CeCe has impressed me with their motivation to help others in need.  She has a warm, open heart for others less fortunate than her.

CeCe, your actions have demonstrated the qualities of a leader.  You have positively impacted our campus.  I am honored to present to you, CeCe, with the 2006 Women’s Environmental College Leader Award.

Congratulations!

Written and presented by WE LEAD student Alyssa Marvel