Our Mission of Giving & The Power of Philanthropy
Expertise, diversity, philanthropy, and fellowship are woven throughout Boston University Women’s Guild, Women of Color Circle, and the greater BU community. Tapping into the University’s professional, academic, and philanthropic network, BUWG proudly welcomes a variety of BU professionals—all of whom share their experiences within their specified vocations.
As we look ahead to Boston University’s Giving Day 2022, it is an opportunity to express our gratitude and elevate our mission of giving. Since the Guild’s inception nearly 60 years ago, BUWG has proudly supported nearly 200 graduate students—women over the age of 30—through donor-provided awards. These scholarships underwrite extraordinary expenses, whether for childcare, travel, health issues, food, rent, or research projects. The impact is immediate, and the stories are powerful. These stories of resilience, growth, and gratitude are why we do what we do. Thank you to our past donors for bringing immeasurable opportunities to life.
The Power of Philanthropy
The power of giving not only benefits the recipients, but donors as well find it immensely rewarding to support the missions and goals of nonprofits dedicated to improving the world we live in. In making a gift to BUWG, at any level, you are investing in the future of talented and hard-working women scholars. Contributing to the BUWG Endowed Scholarship Fund means you are actively supporting women for decades to come.
BUWG Scholarship Awardees: Voices & Aspirations
Pursuing a graduate degree from Boston University requires academic strength, dedication, and a firm commitment to professional growth. Read about some of our scholarship awardees—their experiences and aspirations—and how BUWG helped positively shaped their graduate studies at BU.
Shakina Coplin (SSW)
“I am honored to have been selected for the Boston University Women’s Council Scholarship 2021-2022. This scholarship will help me break down generational barriers and continue to excel in my academic career. My hope is to bring representation into communities of color and inspire women and girls who look like me to reach for the stars.”
Shakina Coplin (SSW) is a graduate student at Boston University School of Social Work, clinical track. Born and raised in Boston, MA, she is a first-generation college student as well as the mother to an amazing 6-year-old girl. She holds a BA in African Studies and Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Boston and is also a graduate of Bunker Hill Community College. Her passion is working with families of color living in underfunded communities that have been historically neglected.
Michelle D. Riccio (SPH)
“I am passionate about sexual and reproductive health (SRH), especially empowering women with the knowledge and resources they need to direct their health. This award will allow me to pursue a transformative summer practicum with an SRH organization. Because such opportunities are typically unpaid, the financial burden falls on the student to fund the entire experience. This award will provide the financial resources that I need to gain practical work experience with an SRH organization before embarking on a career in implementing reproductive health programs.”
Michelle D. Riccio (SPH) is a current Master of Public Health candidate with over ten years of experience working in the private and nonprofit sectors, including higher education, inmate rehabilitation, and animal welfare. She is the founder of a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that rehabilitates inmates and was featured in an award-winning documentary on Netflix. She is driven by her passion for public health, sexual and reproductive health, global health, criminal justice reform, and advocating for the voiceless worldwide.
You can help support students just like these, doing amazing work while navigating multiple demands, by supporting the BUWG Endowed Scholarship Fund. This fund is invested in BU’s endowment, with approximately 4% given out annually in awards, and the remainder of the income reinvested. The BUWG Endowed Scholarship Fund is dedicated to the Guild’s mission of investing in the future of hard-working and talented women scholars. We are halfway to our goal of $250,000; won’t you help us get there with your support? We are elevating our mission of giving to the BUWG Endowed Scholarship Fund on BU’s Giving Day, Wednesday, April 6. Please consider extending a hand, and donating to the BUWG Endowed Scholarship Fund.
Our awardees—dozens of amazingly talented BU graduate students—thank you for your support.
About the author: Suzanne Maselli is the 2nd Vice President for the BU Women’s Guild and Associate Dean of Development for the Boston University School of Medicine.
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