Calling all Mid Cantabrians who want to advance their leadership skills.
Advance Ashburton Community Foundation has two leadership scholarships on offer this year, for $10,000 each.
It is the first time in two years the Advance Ashburton scholarship is being offered as it was not offered in 2023 due to the inaugural Jan Early Memorial Scholarship being launched at the same time. However, this year both will be awarded.
In 2022, leadership grants were made to Methven women Liz McMillan and Janine Holland, who are reflecting today on how worthwhile the grants have been for them.
McMillan used hers for a five day women in leadership course at Outward Bound.
‘‘The whole experience of applying for the scholarship and going through the interview process felt worthwhile. Being able to decide what course I wanted to use the scholarship money for was really empowering,’’ McMillan said.
Holland used hers to attend two Institute of Directors courses to strengthen her financial knowledge and leadership skills.
‘‘I was approached to apply and took a bit of persuasion to start with. Like many others I didn’t see myself as leading; rather I’ve stepped into a gap working with a group of people to achieve something ambitious, a new community rest home in Methven,’’ Holland said.
She said the process of applying was worthwhile in itself, as it was a chance to reflect on one’s goals.
‘‘I’d encourage others to apply for that benefit, as much as the award. My advice is have a go; you’ll find the experience of applying as helpful as the end outcome.”
Last year the Jan Early Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Lorna Humm, a practicing veterinary surgeon .
The scholarship is to enhance the leadership skills of an outstanding woman in Mid Canterbury, to enable them to grow their skills in governance and enhance their capability of creating a better Ashburton District.
Jan Early held many leadership positions and contributed significantly to groups in the district.
She became chair of Barrhill Chertsey Irrigation in 2021 and had aspirations to continue her governance work with other companies and her ultimate goal was to become a Director of an NZX listed company.
This dream was unable to be realised when Jan lost her battle with cancer in May 2023.
In providing the Jan Early Memorial Scholarship her husband Grant, and her twin sons, Ben and James, hoped to encourage more women to realise their own leadership aspirations by being able to undertake training in governance.
Humm is looking forward to undertaking a company directors oneweek course with the Institute of Directors later this year.
‘‘This scholarship means the world to me, and has made it possible to taken on this well regarded company directors course, which I simply could not have funded otherwise. The faith shown in me by the foundation and the Early family was humbling, I remain so grateful,’’ Humm said.
She encouraged others to apply for this year’s scholarship, not only for the financial and training opportunities it provided but also as it would open up opportunities for wider connections.
– To apply for the scholarships which close on August 23 go to advanceashburton.org.nz/leaderscholarship-closes-23rd-august.html
