Three of this year’s four Athena scholars have a UWindsor connection: master’s student of engineering Aya Abu-Libdeh, alumna Crystal Bryan, and law grad Nina Jabbari.

The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a luncheon Nov. 1 to honour the recipients of the scholarships, which recognize post-secondary students who excel academically, get involved in their community, serve as outstanding leaders, and assist women in reaching their full potential as leaders.

Abu-Libdeh completed her undergraduate studies in electrical engineering at the University of Windsor in 2022 and will earn her master’s degree this year. As chair of the local chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, she led outreach events for elementary and high school students in science and technology disciplines.

Bryan added a diploma in public relations from St. Clair College to her 2020 UWindsor degree in liberal arts and professional studies. She served for five years as an organizer of the African Diaspora Youth Conference. A pilot and active lieutenant in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve, Bryan mentors and coaches youth in the 364 Lancaster Air Cadet Squadron.

Jabbari finished her juris doctor degree in 2024. In her role as the White Ribbon chair for Windsor Law’s Women and the Law Club, she advocated for women’s rights and against violence against women.

Claire Buxton, a biomedical science student at the University of Guelph, is the fourth 2024 Athena scholar.

The Athena Scholarship Fund is celebrating 25 years in Windsor. The University is a gold sponsor of the luncheon, which will hear from WFCU Credit Union president Eddie Francis (LLB 2002) on the topic “Authentic Leadership: Being Your Best Self.” Find more details and purchase tickets on the chamber’s website.