The ATHENA Scholarship Fund Windsor and the Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2026 ATHENA Scholarship Luncheon at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts, celebrating four exceptional young women who exemplify leadership, academic excellence and community service – and two of this year's honourees are graduates of St. Clair College.
This year's recipients are Samantha Clements (St. Clair College), Ashley Dunn (St. Clair College), Simran Toor (University of Windsor) and Jennifer Yu (University of Windsor).
In a special announcement during the luncheon, Loretta Stoyka, President of the ATHENA Scholarship Fund Windsor, revealed that thanks to the generosity of the program's sponsors, each of the four recipients would receive an additional $1,000, increasing the value of each scholarship from $5,000 to $6,000.
"We are absolutely delighted to be able to surprise our four scholars with this additional funding," said Stoyka. "Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, we are able to provide even greater support as these remarkable young women pursue their educational and career goals. Their investment is not only helping these scholars today but also investing in the future leaders of our community."
"Each of these young women embodies the spirit of ATHENA through her leadership, determination and commitment to helping others reach their full potential. We are so proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing the difference they will continue to make in our community and beyond, Stoyka added.
The additional funding brings the total value of scholarships awarded at this year's luncheon to $24,000.
The ceremony was capped by a keynote speech from Kristin Kennedy, President and CEO of Windsor Regional Hospital and Erie Shores HealthCare. Kennedy, who was honoured as a St. Clair College Alumna of Distinction in 2022 as a Nursing graduate, delivered an inspiring keynote address titled The Next Generation of Women Who Will Change the World.
Samantha Clements – Graduate of Electromechanical Engineering Technician – Robotics program
Samantha excels academically while serving as a student leader and mentor. In April 2025, Samantha graduated with Distinction from the University of Windsor with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Option. She then enrolled in St. Clair College's Electromechanical Engineering Technician – Robotics program.
"I'm so honoured. This is actually my second time applying for the scholarship. The first time, I wasn't selected. But I tried again, and this time, I had more life experience," she said. "Knowing how many people apply and how difficult it is and everything that you have to collect and submit to even be considered for the scholarship, winning just feels amazing."
Clements is now charting her own course at Big 3 automaker Stellantis in Michigan, where she works as an engineer.
Her volunteer work includes being a Student Tutor at St. Clair College and a Peer Mentor and a Robotics Student Representative. She was a Peer Mentor with GirlUp UWindsor, a program designed to support high school students pursuing a STEM major in university.
She demonstrates strong leadership and team-building skills as a student athlete on both the University of Windsor and St. Clair College women's volleyball teams.
"I do a lot of mentorship and I also coach volleyball. So, teaching kids is a whole other beast, and I think that gave me a lot of experience to talk about," she said.
Clements said she isn't done with her education yet – she wants to get a master's degree in engineering management.
"I think there's a huge push for a need for women in leadership positions in the automotive industry, especially. With the way things are going, there are already more now than there have ever been," Clements said. "So, I think it's really important for me to continue the trend and to be a part of that."
This scholarship is named in memory of Melissa Macor and presented by her parents, Loris and Michelle Macor.
Ashley Dunn – Graduate of Business Administration – Marketing
Ashley combines outstanding academic excellence, leadership and commitment to community impact. She graduated from St. Clair College in 2026 with an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration – Marketing.
Her school-based leadership included her role as Student Council Director at St. Clair College. As a member of the Sexual Violence Prevention Committee, she helped promote awareness, education and well-being within the school community.
"I feel incredible. I do make sure that I put myself into the community as much as possible, so I just feel very appreciative that we're being recognized for all that," Dunn said.
Dunn was appreciative of the honour and was sure to thank all the people and organizations who helped her along the way, including United Way's On Track to Success program, and the Stephanie and Barry Zekelman Foundation.
"I come from a family where nobody has gone to post-secondary – mainly just because they haven't had the financial means to," said Dunn. "So, first off, being able to go, because my family has made sure that I've had the opportunity to at least get the opportunity to go, and then having all these other people support me in this journey, like the ATHENA Scholarship Committee, it means a lot."
Dunn previously competed in the Miss Windsor competition, representing the Windsor community at public events and fundraisers, including those supporting the United Way and the Optimist Club, building strong community relationships. She also participated in fundraising initiatives including the United Way and Hiatus House.
She's currently completing her degree at the University of Calgary, while working as a general manager at a Pilates Club, working towards her own certification.
"I believe that mobility and strengthening is very, very important, especially for those older individuals," said Dunn. "To be able to make them kind of feel like themselves again is something that I really value."
Dunn plans on returning to Windsor and competing in Miss Universe Canada in 2027.
"It's my next big pageant journey, which just opens up my platform more," Dunn said. "Now I could have all of Canada where I can try to help and encourage women to follow their passions, their dreams, get more education."
"And then who knows? We'll see where life takes me," she added.
Ashley is the recipient of this scholarship named in honour of Dr. Patti France, former President of St. Clair College.
About the ATHENA Scholarship Fund Windsor
Selection criteria for the ATHENA Scholarship Program include community involvement, potential for leadership, academic excellence and inspiring women to reach their full potential. The recipients were on hand to make brief presentations about their educational experiences and career aspirations.
The ATHENA Scholarship Program is generously sponsored by the University of Windsor, St. Clair College, WFCU Credit Union, GreenShield, Empire Communications, Matthew Stoyka, Loris & Michelle Macor, Devin Financial Group Inc., Rotary Club of Windsor (1918), Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Rotary Club of Windsor-St. Clair, Roth Mosey & Partners LLP, Generator Design, Families First, Insight Advantage and Chalet Studios.