Lucy Appel, third from left, was one of only five winners of the scholarship.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 100 professions are still considered “non-traditional” fields for women, as they have less than 25% female representation. In an effort to change statistics like these, the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Denver Scholarship Foundation, recently awarded scholarships to five young women, including Lucy Appel, a sophomore at CSU.
The scholarships were presented on May 15 at the Chamber’s annual Girls Rising event, which recognizes and honors women who have excelled or are seeking careers in male-dominated fields. This event provides an opportunity for Colorado’s business leaders to discuss developing a pipeline of female leaders, hear from other women who have found success, and celebrate the five young scholarship winners as they continue on a road less traveled.
‘Trailblazers and visionaries’
“These young women are trailblazers and visionaries taking action for a better tomorrow,” said Kristen Blessman, president and CEO of the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce. “As a business community, we must show young women what leadership looks like in these fields because if they can see themselves there, they can find their way there.”
The scholarship winners were nominated by the Denver Scholarship Foundation, a local nonprofit that supports Denver Public Schools’ students on their journeys to and through college. The young women selected for the scholarship were nominated because of their value to the community, academic achievement and exceptional student leadership on campus.
Appel is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in construction management and potentially a master’s degree in architecture or urban planning. She hopes to find a job in construction and eventually run her own company. She is passionate about getting more women interested in construction.
The scholarship dollars come from the Denver Scholarship Foundation and contributions from local community members. The Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce will continue to offer scholarships and mentorship to advance women in business so young women understand they can reach their goals – in any industry.
