BEMA announces recipients for inaugural Ascend scholarship

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BEMA announces recipients for inaugural Ascend scholarship

9 May 2022

Joanie Spencer

Since 2008, Joanie Spencer has covered the retail and wholesale sides of the baking industry.
Serving associations such as the American Society of Baking (ASB) and BEMA, Joanie is also in demand as an industry presenter on bakery operations and trends. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Rockhurst University and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri.

When she’s not running or playing soccer, Joanie spends her time with her husband and 11-year-old son.

OVERLAND PARK, KS — Ahead of its 2022 Annual Convention, BEMA has announced the winners of the inaugural BEMA Ascend scholarship, chosen by the association’s Membership Value and Engagement Committee.

“These scholarship winners are aspiring leaders in our midst,” said Kerwin Brown, BEMA president and CEO. “Convention 2022 will offer these individuals a broader look into the industry while simultaneously allowing each of them the opportunity to share their unique subject matter expertise with our industry’s colleagues and customers.”

This year’s Ascend Scholarship winners include Sheryl Bryan, director of supply chain operations, AMF Bakery Systems; Amy Estrada, project engineering manager, Rademaker; Mitch Lund, chemical engineer, HaF Equipment; and Corey Wagner, test engineering supervisor, JLS Automation.

Each scholarship recipient has the option of a paid registration to BEMA Convention 2022 in San Diego or full access to the virtual Workforce Edition for themselves and their organization. The virtual Workforce Edition includes experiencing the keynote speaker and daily business sessions. In-person and virtual scholarship winners will receive special recognition and an award during the General Membership Meeting at Convention.

Criteria for the inaugural Ascend scholarship included being a first-time attendee to Convention, representation by employer that is a BEMA member company in good standing, a strong demonstration of leadership qualities and a clear desire to gain industry knowledge and education.

"These scholarship winners are aspiring leaders in our midst.” —Kerwin Brown | president and CEO | BEMA

Nominations for the award came from a leadership peer within their company who is invested in their professional career growth. Nominators will attend Convention activities alongside their scholarship winner.

“It’s our greatest hope that each of this year’s scholarship winners will get to experience the BEMA magic and comradery that comes from getting to know industry peers in a social, family-friendly environment,” said Kelly Allen, senior manager of membership and meetings. “BEMA is proud to offer a space where bakers and supplier professionals can come together to learn and network.”

BEMA’s Membership Value and Engagement Committee is a voice for the association’s members to the Board of Directors. The committee is responsible for developing strategies for membership recruitment and retention, boosting member engagement through valuable resources available to BEMA members.

For more information on committee involvement and the BEMA Ascend scholarship, visit the organization’s website.

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