Scholarship Recipient Announced in Mary Cook Empowerment Program
Women in AV/IT (WAVIT) has announced Alexandra Garip of AVI-SPL as the inaugural recipient of the 'Mary Cook Empowerment Award: Designing the Future Scholarship'. The award, created in tribute to industry trailblazer Mary Cook, honours Garip's enthusiasm for audio-visual system design and her dedication to her career in the audiovisual sector.
The scholarship, supported by founding sponsor NV5 and in partnership with AVIXA, recognizes the legacy of Mary Cook, whose work advocating for women and fostering inclusiveness in the industry has left an indelible mark. Garip was chosen from a pool of exceptional candidates for her early-career drive, her innovative ideas, and her commitment to fostering inclusive, tech-driven audiovisual environments.
Sarah Joyce, AVIXA's chief global officer, expressed her delight at the scholarship's backing and welcome for Garip to InfoComm this year. She emphasized the opportunity for networking, learning, and career advancement that the event and the AVIXA Women's Council Breakfast offer for women in the AV industry.
Brandy Alvarado-Miranda, founder of WAVIT, lauded Garip for her embodiment of talent, energy, and potential that Mary Cook supported throughout her career. WAVIT is thrilled to acknowledge Garip as the first-ever recipient and to support her journey towards becoming a future leader in the industry.
As the scholarship winner, Garip will enjoy a comprehensive InfoComm 2025 experience, complete with networking opportunities and an extensive educational curriculum. Garip was humbled by her selection, viewing the award not only as a stepping stone in her professional journey but also as a tribute to the women who paved the way in the AV/IT industry.
The award will be formally recognized during InfoComm 2025 in Orlando, Florida (June 7-13), where WAVIT and its partners will commemorate Cook's legacy through special programming, memorial wristband distribution, and a networking event on Wednesday, June 11 from 6-8 pm, celebrating women in AV/IT.
For more information about the Mary Cook Empowerment Award and WAVIT's continued efforts to support women in the AV/IT industry, visit www.womeninavit.org.
- Alexandra Garip will leverage the educational opportunities at InfoComm 2025, supported by her winning of the Mary Cook Empowerment Award, to foster her growth in the audiovisual sector and technology.
- The Mary Cook Empowerment Award, established to honor Mary Cook's advocacy for women's health and self-development in the audiovisual industry, seeks to empower women in the realm of health-and-wellness, education-and-self-development, and technology.
- Throughout her career, Mary Cook championed the cause of women in the AV/IT industry, paving the way for the next generation of leaders like Alexandra Garip, who embodies Laura Cook's spirit of innovation and inclusiveness in the audiovisual networking field.
