Cheryl Speranza Leadership Institute for All Mercy Students
Today, Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women announced the launch of the $1.2 million world-class Cheryl Speranza Leadership Institute for all Mercy students enrolled in grades 9 through 12. The Institute will help young women gain the experience, opportunities, and inspiration needed to earn leadership roles in the world. In addition, the Institute will provide scholarship opportunities for women of diverse backgrounds. All student scholars of this Institute will have access to extraordinary tools, experiences, and resources to forge success in school and beyond: including access to mentors, tutors, and youth advocates.
The Institute is in honor of Cheryl Speranza, a 1965 Mercy graduate who passed away from pancreatic cancer in March 2018. Prior to her passing, Paul and Cheryl Speranza co-created and co-funded the Institute through a generous gift from the Speranza family and the Cheryl and Paul Speranza Foundation.
Following the announcement, Dr. Bernice A. King, chief executive officer of The King Center and daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, gave a special keynote address focusing on the importance the Cheryl Speranza Leadership Institute which will create the next generation of diverse civic, business, and community leaders. #MercyLeadership