Three University of Windsor students and graduates have been recognized for their leadership, academic achievements and contributions to the community through the 2026 ATHENA Scholarship Program.
The recipients were honoured alongside a fourth scholarship winner at a Nov. 6 luncheon hosted by the ATHENA Scholarship Fund Windsor and the Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce.
The UWindsor honourees are Simran Toor, Jennifer Yu and Samantha Clements.
A 2026 graduate of Windsor Law, Toor has championed women's rights as co-president of the Women and the Law Windsor Chapter. She has also supported survivors of domestic violence through the One Billion Rising campaign and helped organize community initiatives with the Windsor Law Sikh Students Association.
Yu, a biological sciences student, volunteers with the Welcome Centre Shelter for Women and Families and the university's Womxn Centre. Aspiring to become a physician, she hopes to reduce barriers to health care for women.
Clements graduated with distinction from UWindsor's mechanical engineering program in 2025 and is now studying electromechanical engineering and robotics at St. Clair College. She has also mentored young women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through GirlUp UWindsor and competed on the women's volleyball teams at both institutions.
The fourth recipient, Ashley Dunn, graduated from St. Clair College's business administration - marketing program in 2026. Her community involvement includes serving as Miss Windsor - Community Ambassador and supporting fundraising initiatives for United Way and Hiatus House.
During the luncheon, Loretta Stoyka, president and founder of the ATHENA Scholarship Fund Windsor and a UWindsor Faculty of Law alumna, surprised the recipients with an additional $1,000 each. The increase raised the scholarships from $5,000 to $6,000 apiece, bringing the total awarded to $24,000.
The luncheon also featured a keynote address by Kristin Kennedy, president and CEO of Windsor Regional Hospital and Erie Shores HealthCare, titled The Next Generation of Women Who Will Change the World.
The ATHENA Scholarship Program recognizes community involvement, leadership potential, academic excellence and a commitment to inspiring women to reach their full potential. The program is supported by local sponsors, including the University of Windsor and St. Clair College.
