Nurturing leadership in others.
The Wilda Phillips Leadership Bursary Fund was established in 2006 by the YMCA of the National Capital Region in recognition of Wilda’s leadership and immeasurable contributions to the Y.
Sadly, Wilda passed away on September 4, 2020. This fund will continue to honour her incredible ability to achieve significant personal and professional success, without compromising her focus on people or her cherished values.
One of Wilda's greatest achievements was her ability to identify, nurture, and cultivate leadership in others.
It is in this spirit that the Wilda Phillips Leadership Bursary Fund was established upon her retirement. The fund will award a $1,000 bursary to assist a high school graduate/post-secondary student associated with the Y in furthering their education.
It is our hope that that this will identify and encourage future leaders who reflect the values of the Y in their current activities.
2022 Bursary Recipients
The Wilda Phillips Bursary Committee is pleased to announce that this year’s recipients are Hannah Scaletta and Sophia Desir.
Hannah Scaletta
Hannah is known by many of our Y members through her contributions to our Membership Sales and Services and Child and Youth recreational programming teams here at the Y. Originally hailing from the community of Quinte West, Hannah relocated to Ottawa and is now in her 1st year of the Bachelor of Education program at the University of Ottawa. Hannah has a long Y history, as she also worked with the Quinte West YMCA where she spent 5 summers working as a Camp Counsellor and Inclusion Worker.
Sophia Desir
Sophia works on the Housing Support Services team and supports our Second Stage Housing for Youth program here at the Y. In 2019, she completed the Police Foundations program at Algonquin, and is currently in her 3rd year at Carleton University in the Department of Psychology. Sophia is passionate about her work with vulnerably housed individuals and working with young people. She is the second generation in Canada from Haiti, and the second member of her family to pursue higher education and academic advancement.
On behalf of the Wilda Phillips Bursary Committee, and the YMCA of the National Capital Region, we wish Hannah and Sophia all the best in their studies!
How to Apply
Eligible applicants for the Wilda Phillips Leadership Bursary Fund must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in full-time studies at a recognized institution in a post-secondary program for the upcoming academic year.
- Be a family member of a current YMCA of the National Capital Region staff person or volunteer, or are themselves a part-time Y staff person, volunteer or participant.
- Demonstrate commitment to Y values.
- Actively engage in community development through the Y and/or other community agencies or initiatives.
- Submit a completed application form.
- Provide a copy of the requested school transcripts.
- Submit 2 letters of reference.