STUDENT CENTER
Sheila Magero Receives Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund Grant
This year, Mandel Center student Sheila Magero was one of 10 women from various institutions in the United States that were awarded the Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund (MMMF) grant, which is an initiative of the World Bank Family Network (WBFN) that supports World Bank Group families. This award provides grants to support the education of women from developing countries who are committed to improving the lives of women and children in developing countries. Grantees study in accredited educational institutions in the United States and Canada and plan to return to their countries or another developing country approximately two years from the completion of their studies.
"I was excited to learn of my award and feel grateful that the MMMF selection committee chose to support my educational and career goals," Sheila said.
The Fund was set up in 1981 to honor the memory of Margaret McNamara, whose husband was president of the World Bank from 1968 to 1981. Since 1983, the MMMF has awarded 105 grants totalling $825,400 to 105 recipients from 51 countries.
The MMMF scholarship recipients were flown to Washington D.C. and hosted from May 15th to the 18th by WBFN families. According to Sheila, the highlight of the trip was the WBFN Annual Dinner at the World Bank, which was attended and addressed by both the World Bank president, Mr. James Wolfensohn, and his wife, Mrs. Elaine Wolfensohn, who is the Honorary President of the WBFN. Awardees interacted with World Bank staff and WBFN members and gave brief addresses outlining their educational and career goals. At this event, Sheila spoke about her strong interest in public health issues concerning women and children. She also spoke about how her Master of Nonprofit Organizations degree from Case would help her achieve her goal to provide effective management and leadership to programs in Uganda that enable women to access better health care for themselves and their families.
"The World Bank Family Network's hospitality was exceptional and I extend a special thank you to Cynthia Cook and her husband Peter, who were my host family while I was in Washington D.C.," Sheila said. "My fellow awardees and previous recipients are truly inspirational women and I am proud to be among people determined to work for the improvement of women and children's lives in the developing world."
To learn more about this program, visit the World Bank Family Network Website at http://www.wbfn.org.
