Letter of support from Judith Briggs - Consultant for ICL
February 14, 2009
Dear Selection Committee for Sauvé Scholars,
I am proud to write a letter of support for Josephine Tsui’s candidacy for the Sauvé Scholars Program. I have known Josephine for five years as an academic advisor for the Institute for Civic Leadership (ICL) program at Mills College in Oaklan, USA. The Institute for Civic Leaders program selects women who are cream of the crop as social change agents. Each year a group of fifteen women study past social movements, analyze policy surrounding social justice, and skills as activists that are tested with an internship. ICL has been supported by many women activist including the famous Senator Barbara Lee with her loyal Oakland constituents.
Josephine was awarded an $8000 USD bursury based on her past credentials. She excelled academically in ICL graduating with 2 A’s and a B+ on her transcripts. As I got to know her at ICL gatherings but also at the Stem Cell Research conference, she demonstrated critical thinking in social issues and has demonstrated a commitment to women’s rights. Josephine was also awarded the $1000 USD grant researching different leadership structures within feminist organizations and presented her work at the ICL reunion one year later.
Last year, Josephine’s leadership and advocacy skills took charge with ICL’s threatened closure. With little notice, Mills College made the decision to remove funding from ICL thereby removing the investment in female social activists. While in Ghana, Josephine wrote a detailed letter about her success as a woman social change agent and her journey from ICL to an international development worker. Sending protests emails to the Provost and dean of the faculty, and executive vice president of the college, Josephine’s letter was heard loud and clear and was instrumental in returning funding to ICL.
Josephine will make big waves in her life. Her dedication to social justice and women is a testament to her commitment to causes she believes in. I am happy and proud to support her. If you have any questions, you may contact me at the below email address.
Sincerely
Judith Briggs
Related posts: