TOWSON, Md. – Towson University Community Partnership Coordinator Bria Bennett was awarded The Scott, Dallas, and Mia Pioli Family Historically Black College University (HBCU) Scholarship to attend the 2018 Women Leaders National Convention, which will be held in Atlanta, Georgia from Oct.14-16, 2018.
 
This is the inaugural year for the Scott, Dallas and Mia Pioli Family HBCU Scholarship. As part of the Women Leaders Women of Color Initiative, the Scott, Dallas and Mia Pioli Family HBCU Scholarship is awarded to one Women Leaders member per year, with preference given to a woman working in athletics at an HBCU or who graduated from an HBCU.
 
Bennett is a graduate of Florida A&M University in Tallahassee where she was a member of the Rattlers' swimming team. She earned the FAMU Women's Sportsmanship Award. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native also received her master's degree from La Salle University in strategic communications.
 
In addition to the scholarship, Bennett was accepted as a mentee into the 2018-19 Women Leaders in College Sports Mentorship Program.
 
"It's a blessing to be chosen by a wonderful organization for such a prestigious scholarship," Bennett said. "I am excited to attend my first Women Leaders National Convention as well as participate in the mentorship program. I am looking forward to enhancing my network, learning from some of the best in our industry and applying it to my role here to make Towson better."
 
Bennett has been a huge asset to the Tigers since starting last September. She has helped Towson strengthen its partnership within the athletic department. Towson hosted the Special Olympics summer block party and had some of its staff members participate in the polar plunge challenge, which was one her favorite events.
 
The recipient of this scholarship demonstrates a commitment to intercollegiate athletics and the student-athlete and have a need for financial assistance. Applicants completed an application form, which includes a brief essay that addressed her professional goals and how Women Leaders and our National Convention can help her achieve them, and one reference.
 
Women Leaders in College Sports is the nation's premier leadership association that develops, connects, and advances women working in intercollegiate athletics. The scholarships are made possible by donations to the Women Leaders in College Sports Foundation Fund, which supports all member scholarships to the organization's educational programs, including the Women Leaders National Convention, along with the NCAA / Women Leaders Institutes for Administrative Advancement, Leadership Enhancement Institute, and Executive Institute.
 
Scholarships include 15 general registration scholarships, 10 Women of Color Scholarship, two HBCU Scholarships, one Scott, Dallas, and Mia Pioli Family HBCU Scholarship, one Judy Sweet Scholarship, and one Chris Voelz "Cha-Ching" Fundraising Scholarship. The 30 winners, selected from 97 total applicants, represent Women Leaders members at all levels and across all divisions.