The Sister Thea Bowman Black Catholic Education Foundation is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of one of our scholars, Kennedi Williams ’27, a Film and Digital Media major pursuing a minor in Women’s Studies and Gender Studies at Loyola University Chicago. Next Monday, she will be inducted into the Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement (SCLA).
This selection recognizes Kennedi’s academic excellence and leadership potential, both of which reflect our mission to support African American students in pursuing higher education and developing their God-given gifts to the fullest. Kennedi’s service as a part-time summer camp counselor and, most recently, assistant clerk in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois likely influenced the decision to select her for this honor.
Patricia Lamberti, Loyola’s program director in multimedia journalism and instruction praised Kennedi for her academic achievements and leadership within the Loyola University Chicago community. By accepting this honor, according to a letter of invitation to the Society, Kennedi will join a national network of student leaders dedicated to excellence, service, and career readiness.
According to SCLA, they are a nationally accredited honor society that not only celebrates student achievement but also provides tools for professional and personal growth. With over 100,000 members across 850+ campuses since 2014, the organization offers a range of benefits, including industry-recognized certifications, mentorship opportunities, exclusive networking, and even free college credit scholarships. Members gain access to career-building resources from Google, Microsoft, and other industry leaders, helping them to stand out in an increasingly competitive professional world.
The Sister Thea Bowman Black Catholic Education Foundation exists to uplift students like Kennedi. By providing scholarships, mentorship, and opportunities that remove barriers to success, we are fulfilling the work of Sister Thea Bowman. Her legacy of faith, justice, and education ensures that African American students have the support and encouragement they need to thrive in college and beyond.
We congratulate Kennedi on this outstanding achievement and look forward to seeing how she continues to lead, inspire, and embody the values of both SCLA and the Foundation.
Joe Barker II
Executive Director