Carlene Cassidy Honored with Inaugural Wayfinder Award for Leadership
Celebrating Innovation in Entrepreneurship Education
The National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) has celebrated the significant contributions of Carlene Cassidy, the chief executive officer of the Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation, by naming her the inaugural winner of its prestigious Wayfinder Award. This recognition emphasizes the values of visionary leadership, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to promoting entrepreneurship.
Introducing the Wayfinder Award
The Wayfinder Award is NACCE’s newest initiative, aimed at honoring individuals who lead with purpose and inspire others within the community college landscape. Cassidy’s influential role as a founding member of NACCE and her dedication to addiction in entrepreneurship has not gone unnoticed. The Wayfinder Award stands as a beacon of hope and motivation for many aspiring entrepreneurs in various college settings.
A Legacy of Innovations and Impact
Cassidy’s journey is marked by an impressive array of accomplishments. Her initiatives, such as the annual “Pitch for the Skilled Trades” and the SkillPointe pilot project, have transformed aspirations into reality for countless students across community colleges. With over $750,000 awarded since its inception in 2019, the “Pitch for the Skilled Trades” competition has had a profound impact, with 27 community colleges participating, reaching nearly 1,900 students.
Empowering Future Entrepreneurs
Through her innovative ideas and unyielding support for entrepreneurship, Cassidy has created an environment where creativity and business flourish. “I am deeply honored to receive the inaugural Wayfinder Award, which embodies the spirit of innovation, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to entrepreneurship,” said Cassidy. Her commitment to empowerment resonates deeply with the goals of NACCE, echoing throughout the community college ecosystem.
About Carlene Cassidy
Before leading the Ratcliffe Foundation, Cassidy was the founding director at Anne Arundel Community College’s Entrepreneurial Studies Institute, where she served as a professor for 18 years. Her extensive background includes corporate leadership roles, including chief operating officer at a regional computer consulting firm. Additionally, her contributions extend to academia, having co-authored three management textbooks. Cassidy’s educational qualifications include a Master of Science from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science in health services administration from Providence College.
About NACCE
NACCE, as a thriving organization, works to ignite entrepreneurship within communities and educational institutions alike. By empowering college administrators and leaders with an entrepreneurial mindset, NACCE hopes to bolster job creation and enhance economic conditions in local areas.
About the Ratcliffe Foundation
Located in Annapolis, the Ratcliffe Foundation is dedicated to supporting job creation by filling gaps in the labor market through skilled trades training and entrepreneurship. By fostering partnerships within communities, the organization enhances the relevance of its programs through practical experiences like internships and apprenticeships.
Contact Information
If you wish to learn more about NACCE or the initiatives led by Carlene Cassidy and the Ratcliffe Foundation, you can reach out to:
NACCE
Contact: Carol Savage
Telephone: 978-857-1473
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wayfinder Award?
The Wayfinder Award is a recognition by NACCE that honors individuals for their significant contributions to entrepreneurship education within community colleges.
Who is Carlene Cassidy?
Carlene Cassidy is the CEO of the Ratcliffe Foundation and a founding member of NACCE, recognized for her dedication to fostering entrepreneurship.
How has the award impacted entrepreneurship?
The Wayfinder Award highlights leadership in entrepreneurship, inspiring others and encouraging programs that support innovation and skills development.
What are some initiatives associated with Cassidy?
Cassidy has led initiatives such as the “Pitch for the Skilled Trades,” which supports entrepreneurship and skills training among community college students.
What goals does NACCE pursue?
NACCE aims to empower college leaders to embrace entrepreneurship, enhancing their role in job creation within local communities.
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