Portrait by ChiChi Ubiña

YWCA Greenwich will be holding its 6th Annual Women Who Inspire Awards to recognize exceptional women in our community. YWCA Greenwich’s Women Who Inspire Awards was established to recognize and celebrate outstanding women who have excelled in philanthropic, professional, and volunteer pursuits. Importantly, these honorees have enriched the lives of many in our community. This event acknowledges the changes in society that have led to the fluidity of work/life pursuits for women of today.

 

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Nia Forbes is a freshman at Greens Farms Academy in Westport, CT. She is an active community volunteer who focuses on underserved communities, animal rights protection, and environmental causes.

Nia is a REACH Prep Student Ambassador and serves as a guest greeter and tour leader at their annual fundraising event where she explains the value of being a REACH Prep scholar from her perspective. Nia is a leader on the Greens Farms Academy Community Service Board where she participates in weekly visits to Elder Care in Westport providing companionship to seniors with dementia. Nia is also an active volunteer with Jack and Jill of America, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving, and civic duty.

Nia was recently appointed as the We Are One Teen Champion for the Stamford-Norwalk area Jack and Jill chapter where her work ensures an inclusive space for participants with disabilities. In June 2023, Nia received the Greens Farms Academy “Middle School Motto” award which is presented annually to the one student who best exemplifies the motto “dare to be different, dare to be yourself,” in such a way as to have a positive impact on the Greens Farms Academy middle school community. Nia is also involved with Aspire Living and Learning Academy and LiveGirl which encourages leadership and inclusivity in the lives of young girls.

Nia explored her passion for animals and the environment at the Maritime Aquarium where she had the opportunity to conduct conservation research experiments alongside the aquarists and exhibit team to monitor wildlife.

In Nia’s young volunteering life, she has obtained hundreds of hours of community service and hopes to continue to give back as she progresses through high school and beyond. Nia plans to study law in the future and pursue a career advocating for equity and justice for all.