The McGowan Foundation, Inc., hosted a delightful 4th Annual Scholarship Awards in Brooklyn on July 13. This event was a proud, powerful, and poignant milestone in the Foundation’s mission to uplift, educate, and inspire.
President N. Melissa Harding set the tone for the event as the Mistress of Ceremonies. She continues to lead the charge of the Foundation by championing educational and humanitarian missions inspired by the values of community, resilience, and compassion.
President Emeritus Lourdeth A. Ferguson told Caribbean Life that while traditionally held in Guyana, this year’s celebration marked the Foundation’s first in New York, further affirming its commitment to bridging cultures and expanding its impact between Guyana and the United States.
Honoring excellence, this year’s distinguished scholarship recipient, Alliyah Culley, embodies the very spirit of perseverance and brilliance. An inspiring 23-year-old with a remarkable academic pedigree, Culley graduated from The Bishops’ High School in Guyana, earning her Associate Degree in Law with a stellar 3.6 GPA. She currently attends New York City College of Technology, where she is in her final year of studies.
“Coming from Sophia Village in Guyana to navigating life as an international student in the United States has challenged me, shaped me, and strengthened me,” Culley shared in her moving acceptance speech as she was presented her award by Board Member and former Chairperson Rock Harding.
The ceremony also paid tribute to the late Minerva McGowan Beaton, whose quiet acts of grace transformed lives. President Emeritus Lourdeth Ferguson presented a posthumous Spirit Award, which was received with deep emotion by her husband, Douglas Beaton, and daughter Denica Kouame.
McGowan Beaton’s legacy of kindness lives on through her tireless work. In her honor, the Foundation presented a commemorative plaque and check to continue her work of love and generosity.
Uplifting values and family unity, Vice President Dianne McGowan Brutus reaffirmed the Foundation’s core values: service, empowerment, and cross-cultural connections.
