Distinguished Young Women OF New York


is part of a national scholarship program that promotes and rewards scholastics, leadership and talent in young women. Earn scholarships for higher education, personally develop through the DYW Life Skills Workshops, and make new friends from around the state.


Learn more

Photo of Ekene Ezenwa
Ekene Ezenwa
Distinguished Young Woman of New York for 2024
State Program Information

Class of 2024 Program

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Where:
The Arts Center of the Capital Region
265 River St, Troy, NY 12180

Tickets:
$5 with complimentary program book

Life-Changing Experience

College scholarships are awarded at the state level and millions in college-granted scholarships are available nationally. The state representative will advance to the national program for the opportunity to compete for cash tuition scholarships. To participate, you must be in your junior of high school. Participants are evaluated in the areas of: scholastics, interview, talent, self-expression, and fitness.

Applications for the Class of 2024 have now closed.

Paperwork deadline: December 7, 2023


Apply Now

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of New York

Photo of Ekene Ezenwa
Ekene Ezenwa
FromClarence Center
University PreferencePolitical Science major
Career GoalLawyer/Litigator

2024 Distinguished Young Woman of New York

Photo of Ekene Ezenwa
Ekene Ezenwa
From
Clarence Center

University Preference
Political Science major

Career Goal
Lawyer/Litigator

Achievements:
National Commended Scholar through the National Merit Scholarship FoundationNational African-American Recognition AwardArea All-State First Violinist- 6th ChairSchool Honor: Christus Super Omnia award presenter (honorable alumni award)Outstanding Delegation (First Place) in Model UNSchool: St. Francis Tuition Scholarship and Award

Activites:
History Club (Model UN and IAC History Bowl) Student Moderator and CoordinatorSummer Internship: New York State 8th Judicial District InternMock Trial: Lead AttorneyStudent Council OfficerEducation Collaborative of Western New York: Student Leader/PresenterFundraiser Organizer (School and Community)Violin/Saxophone Performance (Community, Regional, State levels)St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute Swing Choir Section Leader, Theatre ParticipantBlack History Month Steering Committee Founder and CoordinatorTennis Team Manager & Participant

Additional:
Erie County Fair Marching Band: Section Leader, Participant (every summer-3 years)School Summer Camp CounselorFundraiser Organizer for May 2022 Buffalo Shooting VictimsRoswell Park: Ride for Roswell Multi-Year VolunteerSJCI Swing Choir: multiple community concerts for underserved schools, elderly homes, and across multiple communities.

2024 State Participants

Photo of Ekene Ezenwa
Ekene Ezenwa
CityClarence Center
University PreferencePolitical Science major
Career GoalLawyer/Litigator
TalentClassical Violin
Photo of Eliza Strum
Eliza Strum
CityTiconderoga
University PreferenceNortheastern University
Career GoalSpeech Language Pathologist
TalentTap Dance
Follow Distinguished Young Women of New York