Association Forum Celebrates 2025 Scholarship Recipients and Launches Member Support Fund

The Association Forum Foundation proudly announces the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, recognizing exceptional professionals who are shaping the future of the association industry. In addition to celebrating these rising leaders, the Foundation is taking bold action to address current workforce challenges by launching the new Member Support Fund, a $75,000 investment to help professionals stay connected, reskill, and grow through challenging times.

Association Forum recognizes that job losses and shrinking professional development budgets are making it harder for talented professionals to access the learning and connections they need most.

Through the Member Support Fund, members and recently active professionals who are experiencing financial hardship, can apply for grants that cover registration for Holiday Showcase 2025 (December 3–4), Association Forum Membership through half-year or 18-month dues grants, and participation in select 2026 learning programs, including the LAB Program, Associations 101/201, Emerging Leaders, and Fit for Purpose.

Applications for the Member Support Fund open on October 29 and are due by November 17 at 11:59 p.m. CT. The review period will take place from November 18–24, with notifications to recipients sent on November 26. Another round of applications will open at the top of the 2026 calendar year. These two rounds of funding will add up to the total investment of $75,000.

“At Association Forum, we know that empowered professionals build elevated, resilient organizations,” said Artesha Moore, FASAE, CAE, President and CEO of Association Forum. “This fund is about more than financial relief—it’s about making sure every professional has access to the skills, connections, and opportunities that keep our community strong. When we invest in people during challenging times, we strengthen the future of our entire profession.”

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Celebrating 2025 Scholarship Recipients

The Foundation continues to uplift emerging leaders through its annual scholarship program, providing access to transformative learning experiences, leadership development, and professional growth through Association Forum programming.

Emerging Leaders Program Scholarship Recipients

The Emerging Leaders Program runs from July to November and is designed to build critical leadership skills, expand professional networks, and prepare participants to lead with purpose. This year’s full-tuition scholarship recipients are:

• Mahjabeen Ahmed – American Association of Neurological Surgeons
• Annalie Garcia – Society of Actuaries
• Caitlin Griffin – Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Pam Rosenberg – American College of Rheumatology
• Clarissa Oquendo – American College of Rheumatology
• Hazel Oreluk – American College of Healthcare Executives
• Jackie Throop – HR Source

Bree Anne Sutherland Scholarship Recipient

• Anastacia Barbosa-McBride – Marketing Manager, Bostrom
  Ana leads marketing strategy for two national associations, serves on the Marketing & Communications Committee for Association Latinos, and is a proud monday.com Ambassador. Her application stood out for its innovation, technical strength, and mission-aligned leadership.

CAE Study Group Scholarship Recipient

• Emily Burnett – Society of Women Engineers
  Emily was recognized as a highly engaged and rising star in the association space. Judges praised her clarity and commitment. She will participate in Association Forum’s CAE Study Group this fall, running from Sept. 24 to Nov. 18.

Expanding Access Through Philanthropy

To further expand access to these impactful programs, Association Forum and its Foundation are proud to announce the formation of a new Fundraising Committee. This group will focus on increasing awareness of the Foundation’s mission and generating funds to support additional scholarships and leadership development opportunities.

These scholarships and the new Member Support Fund are made possible through generous contributions to the Association Forum Foundation. Your donations directly support rising leaders and ensure that cost is never a barrier to accessing high-impact professional development.

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Whether you’re a long-time member or a new supporter, your contribution helps us invest in the next generation of changemakers.

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