Trinity Williams, a member of Girls Inc. of Chattanooga and student at Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences has been chosen as a 2024 Girls Inc. National Scholar and awarded a $25,000 Suzanne Patmore Gibbs Courage Scholarship.
She was selected for her outstanding academic achievements, community service work, and dedication to the Girls Inc. mission of inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Trinity is one of three Girls Inc. SPG National Scholars selected in 2024 from across the United States and Canada.
Trinity has been a participant in Girls Inc. of Chattanooga seasonal camps since she was in first grade. She continues to participate in the IMPACT and SHE, She Can, She Will program. Additionally, she served on the Girls Inc. National Teen Advocacy Council (7th cohort). Trinity’s accomplishments are many and has completed 245.75 hours of community service in school-related activities such as Girl Scout (ambassador), Student Government Association, Black Student Association (co-founder and president), National Urban League Youth Council, Urban League of Greater Chattanooga Project Ready, and High School Varsity Volleyball.
Toccora Petersen, CEO of Girls Inc. of Chattanooga, expressed her pride in Trinity’s accomplishments saying, “Trinity embodies the spirit of Girls Inc. with her determination, intelligence, and compassion. Her dedication to her education and community is truly inspiring.”
“Receiving this scholarship in a way was the culmination of all the work I have done with Girls Inc.," said Trinity. "This scholarship reaffirms that not only my local Girls Inc. affiliate is behind me but that I have the backing of the national organization regarding my pursuit of higher education."
The Girls Inc. Suzanne Patmore Gibbs Scholarship program was created in 2018 in memory of the long-time supporter. The scholarship is awarded to Girls Inc. girls who have the courage to dream big and have a character consistent with Suzanne Patmore Gibbs. “She was a fierce advocate for all that is right and good in this world. She fought for women’s voices before it was a popular thing to do. She was incredibly brave, and she stood up for what she believed in.”
To date, over $7 million in Girls Inc. scholarships have made post-secondary education more accessible to high school young women and have inspired them to succeed in school and consider a broad range of career possibilities.