Portrait by ChiChi Ubiña

YWCA Greenwich will be holding its 8th 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.

Riona McKersie, a senior at Greenwich High School, has centered her community service on mentorship, seeking to return the support, kindness, and encouragement she has received throughout her life.

A Girl Scout for twelve years, Riona has organized events for younger Scouts and engaged in numerous service initiatives. Last year, she was elected to the Girl Scouts of Connecticut Board of Directors, where she advocates for Girl Scouts statewide. From 2022 to 2024, she also served on the Girl Scouts of Connecticut CEO Board, advising the CEO on organizational improvements and event planning.

As a sophomore, Riona earned her Girl Scout Silver Award by creating “Weekend Kits” that provided educational activities for children at Greenwich Public Libraries. This past summer, she earned the Girl Scout Gold Award by launching The Positivity Project, a workshop that helps middle and high school students recognize and sustain positive experiences on social media. She collaborated with Greenwich High School’s Physical Education Department to integrate the workshop into the ninth-grade health curriculum and founded the Positivity Club at Central Middle School. She also partnered with a company focused on girls’ mental health online, sharing her workshop to inform development of their app.

Each year, Riona and her Girl Scout troop plan a March Madness event at YWCA Greenwich, where girls participate in activities including assembling snack bags for Meals on Wheels. She also works on the annual “Women in Government” event at Greenwich Town Hall, where Girl Scouts meet local leaders.

From 2024 to 2025, Riona served as a mentor in Greenwich High School’s “Stand By Me” program, pairing upperclassmen with freshmen as they transition to high school. This year, she volunteers as a mentor in a freshman biology class, supporting students with coursework and study skills. She is also deeply involved in service at The Parish of St. Catherine of Siena and St. Agnes.

Beyond service, Riona is Editor-in-Chief of the Greenwich Literary Magazine and a student leader across campus. She founded and currently serves as president of the Latin Club, co-founded and co-leads the History Club, and co-presides over the Student Policy Initiative Club, which advocates for student-driven policy solutions. She also served as a Class Representative in Student Government from 2023 to 2025.