The Athena Scholarship embodies the values of her chosen profession, says social worker Marianne Stoesser.

“It strives for the empowerment of people to develop to their full potential and become agents for positive change in the lives of individuals, families and the community,” says Stoesser (MSW 2012), who will receive the award at a luncheon Friday hosted by the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The award carries a cash value of $3,000 and recognizes community involvement, potential for leadership, demonstrated excellence and academic standing.

Stoesser was active in campus life, volunteering with the WalkSafe program, serving as a student representative on the MSW committee, and presenting her research at academic conferences. Her community involvement includes stints volunteering for the Hospice, Hiatus House, and Glengarda Child and Family Services.

She now works as a therapist for the Regional Children’s Centre.

Friday’s luncheon will also recognize Stoesser’s fellow recipients, St. Clair College journalism student Melissa Iarusso and Windsor native Suzanne Robinson, a Master’s candidate in clinical-developmental psychology at York University. Tickets for the event are $40 for adults and $25 for students, available from the Chamber at 519-966-3696.