Quick Escape 
YWCA Hamilton is proud to announce the winner of this year’s Olga Cloke Bursary – Emma Sawler!
Emma, her high school valedictorian, is passionate about volunteering, youth leadership and community building. She will join the Rotman Commerce at University of Toronto to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce.
Emma will receive $750, which will help with her tuition costs to pursue her studies. “I understand the importance of finances,” she said. “This helps ease some of the financial burden as I pursue my passions and education and advance my career – I am very grateful for this opportunity.”
After coming across a post about the scholarship on social media and reading up on YWCA Hamilton’s blog post about the previous recipeint(s) of Olga Cloke Bursary, Emma decided to apply. “I meet all the requirements and thought I should try it,” she laughed.
Annually, the Olga Cloke Bursary is granted to a prospective female student, offering financial support for her higher education. To be eligible for this opportunity, the applicant must be a resident of Hamilton, currently enrolled as a student, demonstrate financial need, and intend to pursue a post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree program.
Currently, Emma works as the Events Coordinator at the Peoples Church Hamilton. She is passionate about leading the youth and providing a space to build community. An advocate for mental health, she hopes to provide support and resources to youth dealing with mental health issues and substance use. “My community is a safe space for me, and I understand the importance of paving that forward.”
Through her studies and extra-curricular activities, Emma hopes to eventually combine her educational experience in finance and her passion for youth advocacy and run her non-profit organization.
Upon receiving this award, Emma joins the esteemed lineage initiated by Olga Cloke, after whom the bursary is named. Before her passing in 1974, Olga held significant roles, including chairing the YWCA Hamilton Building Campaign, serving as a former District Commissioner of the Hamilton Girl Guides Association, and holding leadership positions in the Zonta Club. The Olga Cloke Bursary was created by the Cloke Family in 1971 to commemorate Olga’s 75th birthday and in her honour, YWCA Hamilton collaborated with the Zonta Club of Hamilton to establish a fund that would carry on Olga’s community contributions.
Congratulations, Emma! We wish you the best of luck with your studies in the Fall and all your future endeavours!
