Jennifer Dewland, a graduating student from Holland College’s wildlife conservation technology program, is the first recipient of the Davida Stewart Women in Leadership Award.
The college established the award on International Women’s Day in 2018 in memory of Davida Stewart, who was the first woman to serve on its senior management team and a dedicated Holland College employee for more than 20 years.
Stewart began working with the college in 1970 as a divisional chairperson.
She also served as the principal of the School of Business and Applied Arts (which included the School of Visual Arts and the Culinary Institute of Canada) and director of the Elderhostel programs.
She was integral in the development of language study tours for the college. She retired in 1993 as director of development and external services.
After retiring, Stewart continued to champion Holland College as a proud retiree.
She was a member of the history project committee, which advised author Wayne MacKinnon on the development of his book, “A Record of Achievement: Holland College the First 25 Years”.
The new award is available to female students graduating from any post-secondary program at Holland College.
Recipients are selected based on their contributions to the student community and the broader community, their dedication and commitment to their peers and their promise as a leader in industry and the community.
Dewland was nominated based on her ability to motivate and lead her classmates, along with her contributions to the college and the broader community.
When Stewart began working at Holland College in the 1970s there were few women in senior management positions. Today’s 13-member senior management team is comprised of six women, with many others serving in leadership capacities college-wide.
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