A St. Clair College graduate is among a small group of young women being honoured with the Athena Scholarship at the 26th annual Athena Luncheon hosted at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts on Nov. 7, 2025.
Sarah Wilkins made her mark at St. Clair College for six years, combining academic excellence with a passion for social justice and community advocacy for equity, diversity, and inclusion.
She earned an Honours Bachelor of Applied Arts in Social Justice and Legal Studies at St. Clair College in 2025, and previously completed a Protection, Security, and Investigation diploma in 2021.
"I'm honestly just really grateful and thankful to be here with my fellow recipients and to join a long line of other amazing women who have received this award," Wilkins said at the ceremony. "It's hard to put into words how I feel."
The four women honoured this year include Kaitlin Ferraro, Gihan Joseph, Linda Nguyen and Wilkins, who are recognized for their achievements and dedication to empowering others. Athena Scholarships are valued at $5,000.
"The Athena Scholarship celebrates individuals whose values, leadership and determination inspire others to reach higher," said Loretta Stoyka, President of the Athena Scholarship Fund Windsor. "Each recipient embodies the spirit of Athena, showing that authentic leadership creates a ripple effect of excellence. Windsor continues to lead the way in championing these remarkable young women."
Sarah has served as president of the Social Justice Club and student lead of the St. Clair College Sexual Violence Prevention Team, mentoring and supporting students. As a Crisis Response Volunteer with Victim Services of Windsor and Essex County, she provides support for survivors of domestic violence.
"I've always had a passion for helping people and giving back to the community, and that's kind of what led me to the Social Justice and Legal Studies program," Wilkins said. "I've always known that I've wanted a career where I can help people and make a difference in the lives of women and girls, especially."
Wilkins was the recipient of many scholarships during her studies and says she thrived in the College environment.
"I personally loved my experience at the college. I knew early on that was the path I wanted to take over University. I really like learning hands-on, and all the professors are great," she said.
Her goal is to continue empowering women and advancing social justice, enhancing community well-being, and promoting diversity. Sarah is the recipient of this scholarship named in honour of Dr. Patti France, former President of St. Clair College.
"Recipients of the Athena Scholarship consistently demonstrate excellence — not only in their academic achievements, but also through their leadership and service within their institutions," said St. Clair College President Michael Silvaggi. "During her time at St. Clair College, Sarah truly embodied these qualities and more. She set a new standard of commitment by dedicating her time and energy to improving the student experience, leading initiatives and programs that enhanced campus life for all."
"Congratulations, Sarah, on this remarkable accomplishment. We are confident that you will continue to achieve great success in your future academic and professional endeavors," President Silvaggi said.
Ed Marocko, her former professor in the Protection, Security and Investigation program said it was a privilege to have Wilkins as a student.
"Sarah stood out not only for her academic excellence, but for her unwavering commitment and community advocacy," said Prof. Marocko. "Her leadership in the PSI/Police Foundations Society exemplifies her dedication to equity and inclusion. Sarah's volunteer work with Victim Services of Windsor and Essex County further reflects her compassion and drive to empower others."
"I have no doubt Sarah will continue to be a force for positive change in our community and we are proud to have had her in our program," Prof. Marocko said.
"Sarah was an exemplary student who most certainly personifies St. Clair College's motto of rising above the ordinary," said Prof. Elizabeth Strutt-MacLeod, who is the program coordinator for the Honours Bachelor of Applied Arts in Social Justice and Legal Studies program. "In both her academics and her ongoing involvement within the college and larger communities, Sarah has risen to the occasion."
"She consistently demonstrated her intelligence, diligence and organizational skills, which made her a role model for both her peers and for the students who have followed her in the Social Justice and Legal Studies (BASJ) degree program," said Prof. Strutt-MacLeod. "Sarah's ability as a natural leader for other students and her demonstrated confidence in a variety of challenges was most evident in her dedication as President of the Social Justice Club which held events to raise awareness and fundraise for community programs."
Wilkins currently works for the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority at the soon-to-open Gordie Howe International Bridge in security and intelligence and is responsible for safety and security planning.
"It's really a once in a lifetime project. I've never experienced anything like it. I work with an amazing team, and I'm really excited for it to open," Wilkins said.
Wilkins does plan to return to school, hoping to eventually get into a master's program.
"This scholarship will allow me to continue my education and my personal development, whatever that may look like in the future," Wilkins said.
