Local Women Receive Grant Funding for Professional Development
WATERTOWN — Three entrepreneurs and a pair of nonprofit professionals are among the second group of women to receive grant support from the Maxine M. Quigg Women in Business Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation.
Marina Loew, assistant director and curator for the Clayton-based Thousand Islands Arts Center, was awarded funding to enable her participation in the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce Jefferson Leadership Institute, a year-long program focused on developing professionals in the greater Watertown area.
A 1000 Islands native, Marina joined the Thousand Islands Arts Center in 2017. Marina holds a Master of Arts in museum studies from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Arts in visual arts from Wells College. Marina is a former AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer who served in Hawaii. Her work at the Arts Center focuses on exhibition installation and collection management. She lives in La Fargeville.
Liz Phillips is a licensed esthetician and cosmetologist who owns and operates Bare Beauty, Watertown. She was awarded funding to support her pursuit of a nursing degree and associated expenses.
Liz graduated from Empire State College and later earned her cosmetology license from Continental School of Beauty in 2017. In 2021, she received certification in oncology esthetics from Oncology Training International to help clients who are undergoing cancer treatment. She lives in Evans Mills and is an active community volunteer.
Kylie Schell is the founder and executive director of Encompass Recreation, a Carthage-based nonprofit that provides sports and recreational opportunities for youth with higher support needs. She was awarded funding to support Encompass Recreation’s “Open Doors” program, which is a designation businesses and organizations can earn “by making a public declaration that they are welcoming and accepting of those with higher support needs.” Funding will help purchase items for sensory kits for 40 women-owned businesses to become more accepting and inclusive.
Kylie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is employed as a School Social Worker and Behavior Specialist with Jefferson-Lewis BOCES. She lives in Carthage with her husband and three children.
Melissa Tousley is a portrait photographer who owns and operates Sarissa Melissa Photography, Watertown. Grant funding will support her participation in “The 7 Pillars Program” offered by The Boudoir University, a comprehensive course which aims equip photographers with the skills needed to create a safe, inclusive space for their clients, fostering respect and empathy.
Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Merchandise Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York City. She lives in Adams with her husband and young son.
Alisa Woods is a licensed mental health counselor who owns and operates Alisa G. Woods, Ph.D., LHMC, Mental Health Counseling, Potsdam. Grant funding will enable Alisa to train with Elizabeth Byrd, a renowned cellist and sound therapy innovator, to master sound therapy techniques and offer cello therapy to a diverse range of clients, including those with limited resources.
Alisa holds a Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience and a master’s in mental health counseling. She began playing the cello at the age of 7. She is a member of the St. Lawrence University String Orchestra and the North Country Connections Orchestra. She specializes in trauma therapy at her Potsdam-based private practice.
Kimberley Horrill, Maxine’s sister-in-law, established the fund at the Community Foundation in July 2021 with a goal to increase local mentorship, volunteerism, civic and community engagement, and investment. Its mission is to perpetuate the life and legacy of Maxine Quigg by supporting and empowering women entrepreneurs in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties to succeed in their pursuits and realize their full potential.
“Our latest grant recipients are shining examples of the mission of the fund. Community orientated, passionate, with a few who had personal connections to Maxine,” Ms. Horrill said. “Our grants committee is proud of their goals and wish them every success as they move forward with their endeavors.”
Maxine was a successful real estate broker and a community and business leader in Jefferson County who passed away unexpectedly in April 2021. At the time of her passing she was serving on the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors.
“It was a pleasure and an honor to aid in the selection and award process of the Maxine Quigg Women in Business Fund grant recipients. Each recipient embodies the exact qualities that my Mom sought to embellish and reward: integrity, honesty, hard work, empathy and passion.” Maxine’s daughter, Kennedy Quigg said. “Congratulations to our newest recipients; we are excited to see you carry our mission forward in your life and business endeavors.”
Through access to grants for education, training, and entrepreneurship, the fund supports the advancement, development, and betterment of women who are beginning or growing a business in Northern New York. In doing so, women may be better positioned and equipped to realize their full potential for themselves, their families, and their community.
Applications for 2024 funding through the Maxine Quigg Women in Business Fund of the Community Foundation are now open. Applications for support must be received by Friday, May 24, 2024. Contact Kraig Everard, Community Foundation director of stewardship and programs, kraig@nnycf.org, or 315-782-7110, to obtain an application for this opportunity and learn more.
About the Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.