Fitzroy arts graduate wins prestigious Rotary scholarship

Carlton Rotary is very proud to announce that the club’s nomination for a Postgraduate Global Grant Scholarship has been successful; Antonia Kent from Fitzroy and a graduate of the University of Melbourne was one of two selected.

Antonia will receive a US$30,000 scholarship which will enable her to complete a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Criminological Research at Cambridge University during 2022/23.

The MPhil program will allow Antonia to build on her existing skills, knowledge and networks, which she will be able to use to undertake criminological research to address pressing challenges to community safety, particularly for women and girls. Currently, Antonia is employed as a senior policy officer, Office of Women, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing within the Victorian public service.

One of her key responsibilities has been to lead the development of a whole-of-Victorian-Government budget submission to implement the renewed Gender Equality Strategy 2022-2025.

In addition, Antonia has been identifying opportunities to support women’s economic wellbeing and recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic in Victoria.

When asked about what winning this scholarship meant to her, Antonia said, “I am so grateful to Rotary for supporting my future studies through the Global Grant Scholarship. Not only will this grant unlock many wonderful opportunities to develop my skills and make new connections, but it provides me with greater confidence to pursue my career goals. I will honour the trust and support of Rotary by conducting rigorous research to reduce gender-based violence, and working towards a safer, brighter future for women and children. I am really looking forward to beginning a close working relationship with Rotary.”

Antonia completed her secondary schooling at Brighton Secondary College, and a Bachelor of Arts, Double Major in Criminology and English Literature, a Bachelor of Arts (Degree with First-Class Honours) in Criminology and a Diploma in Language (French), all from The University of Melbourne.

Carlton Rotary is always interested in hearing from graduates with an outstanding track record of achievement in both the academic world and beyond. Last year, our successful candidate was a Junior Medical Doctor (Dr Elina Ziukelis) who has just completed a MPhil also at Cambridge University in Basic and Translational Neuroscience (focus on Dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease prevention).

Applications for the 2023 program will close in March 2023. Contact Keith Ryall for more information on [email protected] •