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Empowering Women Through Education: EWNJ's 2025 Scholarship Awards

The Executive Women of New Jersey (EWNJ), a prominent organization aiming to advance women in corporate leadership, proudly awarded $35,000 in scholarships to seven exceptional graduate students during their Annual Holiday Celebration. This initiative forms part of the prestigious EWNJ Merit Scholarship Awards, which has contributed nearly $1.5 million in scholarships since its establishment.

During the event, two remarkable recipients were honored with special distinctions: the President's Award and the Past President's Award. The President's Award recognizes the individual with outstanding academic achievements and professional promise, while the Past President's Award acknowledges the next highest qualifications and commitment to excellence. This year’s awardees represent institutions like Felician University, Rider University, Jersey City University, and Seton Hall University.

Highlighted Awardees

The awardees for EWNJ’s 2025 scholarships include:

• - Talin Medzadourian Araian (President's Award - Doctor of Counseling Psychology, Felician University)
• - Lisa M. McLaughlin (Doctor of Education, Educational Technology Leadership, New Jersey City University)
• - Yeasmin Ali (Past President's Award - Doctor of Counseling Psychology, Felician University)
• - Nadège Napoleon (Doctor of Counseling Psychology, Felician University)
• - Kierstyn Mackenzie Castillo (Master of Arts in Teaching, Rider University)
• - Judith Hopkins (RWJ Barnabas Award - Doctor of Counseling Psychology, Felician University)
• - Audrey Simon (Master of Science, Physician Assistant, Seton Hall University)

Susan Dromsky-Reed, the current president of EWNJ, expressed pride in recognizing these remarkable women for their resilience, ambition, and leadership qualities. "Our scholarship program demonstrates EWNJ's dedication to helping women transform their academic aspirations into professional success," Dromsky-Reed remarked.

Celebrating Leadership and Diversity

Diane Dunn McKay, the EWNJ Scholarship Chairperson, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of supporting future female leaders. She stated, "We are excited to stand behind these exceptional women who embody the future of leadership. EWNJ is committed to helping them flourish in their academic pursuits and professional journeys."

EWNJ's Graduate Merit Award Program is renowned for being the largest provider of scholarships for non-traditional graduate female students in New Jersey. The scholarship not only alleviates the financial burden associated with graduate studies but also facilitates the development of a robust pipeline of diverse women leaders throughout the state.

A non-traditional student is defined by EWNJ as someone returning to school after a hiatus, completing their education later in life, or coming from diverse educational and socio-economic backgrounds. EWNJ has been swiftly working towards breaking down barriers that hinder women from ascending to leadership roles for over 40 years.

Profiles of Scholarship Winners

Among the recipients, Talin Medzadourian Araian, a doctoral candidate, expressed her gratitude, highlighting how her journey—transitioning from a career in pharmaceutical sales to pursuing her passion for psychology—represents resilience and growth. "This award serves as both an honor and a re-affirmation of my journey," she shared during the awards ceremony.

Yeasmin Ali, a fellow doctoral student, who is navigating her studies as a first-generation college student, emphasized the importance of representation in education, stating that this recognition also symbolizes hope for underrepresented communities.

The scholarship winners' experiences are diverse, from those focusing on culturally informed care in mental health to aspiring educators dedicated to inspiring the next generation of students. Judith Hopkins, diagnosed with a chronic pain disorder in 2002, transformed her adversities into advocacy and plans to make significant contributions to the field of psychology.

A Vision for the Future

EWNJ continues to champion for enriched women's leadership and gender equity in business through research, advocacy efforts, and strategic educational programming. By supporting these women, they are not only investing in individual success but also paving the way for a more inclusive community in New Jersey.

As the network of accomplished female leaders grows, EWNJ’s efforts in the realm of scholarship and mentorship signify a commitment to empowering women and changing perceptions about women’s roles in leadership. To learn more about how to support future recipients and about EWNJ's impactful scholarships, visit EWNJ's website.