Inaugural Winner of Rising Women of Western Sydney Scholarship Announced
The inaugural Rising Women of Western Sydney Scholarship was announced yesterday at a ceremony at Parramatta Town Hall to coincide with International Women’s Week.
A passionate advocate for youth development and wellbeing, Kirstene Ciappara has been named as the winner of the Scholarship worth $30,000.
Kirstene is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of myDESIGN Education; an organisation which empowers students through self-discovery and career design. Her engaging workshops and tailored programs have been implemented across a number of innovative high schools, supporting hundreds of students to unlock what "lights them up" so they design study and career pathways that maximize their unique potential and contribute positively to society.
While accepting the award, Kirstene outlined her plans for the future.
“I am incredibly honored to be selected as the first recipient of the Rising Women of Western Sydney Scholarship. This opportunity will enable me to expand myDESIGN and reach many more students, helping them discover their passions and live out their purpose.
“I’m excited to use this scholarship to further my work in youth development and wellbeing, and I’m deeply grateful for the support from the Eels, Western Sydney University, and the City of Parramatta,” she said.
We believe the Rising Women Scholarship presents an incredible opportunity for Kirstene to scale her initiative and create significant social impact. The collaboration and support from the Eels, Western Sydney University, and the City of Parramatta will help to further elevate her program. While the other candidates were impressive, we felt Kirstene is in the best position to maximize the scholarship and create immediate impact
Jim Sarantino Parramatta Eels CEO
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the scholarship was about helping the next generation of influential women in the west to reach their full potential.
Western Sydney women are bright and resilient – this scholarship gives a promising young woman a chance to really make an impact. We want to invest in women who can be effective leaders for our community – women who will lead the way as we grow into a global City. Kirstene is a true rising woman of the west, and I look forward to seeing her continue her work to make a positive difference in our community.
Cr Martin Zaiter City of Parramatta Lord Mayor
Kirstene was chosen from a pool of highly impressive candidates for her innovative approach and dedication to youth wellbeing. Her enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference will undoubtedly resonate with the broader community, positioning her as an exceptional ambassador for the scholarship.
The Rising Women of Western Sydney Scholarship, a $30,000 initiative supported by the Parramatta Eels, City of Parramatta, and Western Sydney University, aims to support and empower young women in the Parramatta Local Government Area (LGA). The scholarship is eligible to women aged 18-28 who are already making a tangible impact in their communities.
The Rising Women of Western Sydney Scholarship package includes:
- $15,000 cash scholarship
- An internship with the Parramatta Eels in an identified business area
- A leadership course with the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue valued at $13,000
- $5,000 from Western Sydney University towards lifelong learning
About the Rising Women of Western Sydney Scholarship
The Rising Women of Western Sydney Scholarship is a collaborative initiative between the Parramatta Eels, City of Parramatta, and Western Sydney University. It offers a unique opportunity for young women in Western Sydney to receive financial support, career development opportunities, and leadership training to help them scale their impactful work in the community.
