At the end of this past semester, CEMS students Brooke Bednarke and Sara Kalb produced a t-shirt fundraiser to support students in Kenya. As members of the UVM chapter of the Society of Women Engineers, they are keenly aware of the profound impact of supportive efforts on the global community. Bednarke just graduated as a Biomedical Engineer studying cells, tissues, and organ biomechanics. She is also continuing at UVM for one more year to get her Masters as part of the Accelerated Masters Program. Kalb is entering her senior year as a Biomedical Engineering student.
What inspired you to work on a fundraiser for students in Kenya?
SK: Brooke introduced me to the Weiss Scholarship Fund, her high school teacher founded it and it's a great way to give back and take away the financial burden of sending kids to school. Aside from it being a great cause, it really aligns with the Society of Women Engineers' values that we help provide education and empowerment to those in need.
BB: Mr. Weiss was my teacher in high school and when he introduced us to the education system in Kenya it was truly heartbreaking. So many kids, girls particularly, were very excluded from an education. I am very fortunate that I am in a position at UVM where I can encourage others to do some good.
How did it go?
SK: The fundraiser went really well. Fiona Doherty (a really amazing SWE board member) designed the graphic that we used. And, with Fresh Prints graciously agreeing to match the money raised, we were able to raise enough that went straight to the scholarship fund to cover student schooling for 50 days.
BB: I was so happy to hear that Sara was interested in helping do something for these kids too. I exchanged some emails between her and Mr. Weiss (who was so appreciative of this) and we then were able to do another fundraiser through SWE. Knowing that UVM engineering has played a role in someone else’s life in a way that will help empower them makes me feel so warm and thankful that I could be a part of that.
What did you feel and learn after this experience?
SK: I felt good giving back, next time maybe we can collaborate with other clubs so that the market isn't so niche and we can sell even more. Overall, I really learned that if you don't ask you don't receive. I knew I wanted a portion of the proceeds to donate and was willing to ask Fresh Prints to match. It was that easy and the donation doubled.
BB: We all have the ability to change someone’s life—we just have to decide if we are willing to. I really cannot thank Sara and everyone else who participated this part year to raise over $500 for this scholarship fund.