First10Forward is a non-profit comprised of women graduates of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, whose mission is to advance the professional goals of women and girls pursuing non-traditional careers.
Connie Dato English, President of First10Forward, commenting on the grant said “The CMA Education Foundation’s commitment to supporting future careers in marine transportation met with our commitment to support women and girls in the pursuit of careers where women are traditionally under-represented. We hope this, our seventh and largest grant to date, will enable the recipients to thrive in an industry we care deeply about.”
Lois Zabrocky, CEO of International Seaways and a member of First10Forward and who served as the Connecticut Maritime Association 2021 Commodore, said of the grant: “The CMA community is comprised of individuals for whom the U.S. maritime academies and marine transportation industry has provided a dynamic pathway forward while they have contributed to global trade. Our grant and commitment will help ensure another generation of women and girls can share in that dynamic life.”
Beth Wilson Jordan, Executive Director of the CMA Education Foundation (CMA EF) said of the grant: “The CMA EF is honored to receive this generous First10Forward grant which aligns with the CMA EF’s mission to promote and support maritime education. Since its inception in 2011, the CMA EF has supported both men and women students with scholarships, and this grant will allow us to increase the support this year with dedicated scholarships for female students. It is a generous grant from the 30 First10Foward members!
Beth Wilson-Jordan, herself an F10F member, added “I love the powerful message, this collaborative effort sends to female students, that thirty Kings Point women believe in you, believe women are needed in this industry and are willing to financially support your maritime education. We’re all in this boat together!” Thank you to the 30 First10Forward women for living the KP motto, Acta Non Verba!”
High school students, college students, companies, teachers, and administrators in the Marine Transportation field or with a passion for the industry are encouraged to reach out to the CMA Education Foundation for further information on internships and scholarships or to donate to support the mission.
