Spotlight on Ava Edwards, 2024 Lincoln University Sheila Y. Oliver Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Meet Ava Edwards '28, a 2024 recipient of the Lincoln University Sheila Oliver Memorial Scholarship and a passionate advocate for gender justice and student well-being.

Ava is pursuing a B.S. in Political Science with a minor in International Relations on a pre-law track, with the goal of becoming a gender justice youth lawyer and educating communities about Title IX.

Through her work with the National Women’s Law Center’s Gender Justice Youth Council, Ava helped develop a strategic plan to address sexual harassment and catcalling by introducing a Title IX course for incoming freshmen. She also collaborated with national policy leaders and engaged in grassroots advocacy discussions about key gender justice issues.

Ava Edwards interned for the National Women's Law Center, where she presented her CAPSTONE project in Washington, D.C.

On campus, Ava serves as a Health and Wellness Ambassador at the Inclusion and Belonging Center, designing events that connect students with mental health professionals and support resources. She also serves as the Class of 2028 President and a member of the 77th-78th Student Senate, ensuring that the voices and concerns of her fellow students are addressed. 

Thanks to the Sheila Y. Oliver Memorial Scholarship, Ava can focus on her goals without worrying about finances, continuing to promote health, wellness, and inclusion for all students.

Ava is a shining example of the next generation of leaders carrying Sheila’s legacy forward.