Designing the Future of AV Starts Here
The Mary Cook Empowerment Award supports women entering the AV/IT industry with mentorship, education, and real-world experience.
About the Scholarship
The Mary Cook Empowerment Award: Designing the Future was created in 2025 to honor the legacy of Mary Cook, a trailblazer who championed women in the AV industry.
Through this scholarship, WAVIT continues her mission by providing early-career women with the tools, connections, and opportunities needed to succeed in AV/IT.
What You’ll Receive
Selected recipients will gain access to experiences designed to accelerate their careers, including:
• A full InfoComm 2026 experience in Las Vegas (travel, lodging, and education included)
• Memberships to WAVIT and AVIXA
• Direct mentorship from industry leaders
• Access to a powerful professional network
Who Should Apply
This scholarship is designed for women who are:
• Early in their AV/IT careers (2 years or less experience)
• Passionate about AV system design, integration, or technology
• Based in the United States or Canada
• Ready to grow, connect, and make an impact
Key Dates
• Applications Open: April 2026
• Deadline: April 29, 2026
• Finalists Selected: May 25, 2026
• Recipients Announced: June 1, 2026
• Experience: InfoComm 2026 (June 17–19, Las Vegas)
Supporting the Mission
With the support of Shure and AVIXA, WAVIT continues to expand opportunities for women entering the AV/IT industry ensuring the next generation is empowered, connected, and ready to lead.
Application Process
- Phase 1:
- Applicants should fill out the scholarship application form. Please include information on your career/education level, as well as short paragraphs on why your should be selected as a candidate, and how design has inspired you in your AV/IT education/career.
- WAVIT will qualify candidates based on criteria set forth by the Scholarship Committee.
- Phase 2:
- Once WAVIT has qualified candidates in the designated time frame, we will ask candidates to record short video interview.
- All candidates will also be required to submit a letter of recommendation from professor or superior.
- Applications are open now, and close April 29th, 2026. The recipient will be announced on June 1, 2026, with the scholarship culminating in a memorable experience at InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas, NV June 17-19, 2026.
Your future in AV/IT starts here.
Mary Cook’s AV legacy began in 1991, later she would go on to co-found local AVIXA Women’s Council groups in Atlanta and Michigan. Her commitment to empowering women and championing their professional growth earned her a place in the SCN Hall of Fame at InfoComm in 2017. WAVIT’s scholarship initiative is a tribute to her enduring impact and dedication to helping women thrive in field.
To support the scholarship program, AVIXA has created a full InfoComm experience, which will bring recipients to the U.S. trade show to explore pro AV solutions, education, and networking opportunities.
Mary's employer and founding sponsor, NV5 has played a vital role in establishing this scholarship. Their contribution has directly supported the recipient's development and provide mentorship opportunities.
“Mary Cook exemplified what it means to uplift and inspire others,” said WAVIT Founder, Brandy Alvarado-Miranda. “Through this scholarship, we aim to continue her mission of empowering women and advancing the AV/IT industry. Best of luck to all the applicants!”
"Mary Cook’s contributions to the AV/IT industry continue to inspire us," said Kelly Stumpf, PMP and Principal Consultant of NV5. "By supporting this scholarship, NV5 is honored to uphold Mary’s legacy and foster the next generation of women leaders in AV/IT. We believe this program will help propel careers and promote the spirit that Mary championed."
“Mary was devoted to making tangible and lasting contributions to the AV industry and supporting women to develop their careers. She brought her technical expertise to her service on AVIXA’s Standards Steering Committee and was a very early driver of the AVIXA Women’s Council, where she was a strong supporter and advocate for women to pursue their CTS certifications,” said Sarah Joyce, Chief Global Officer, AVIXA. “We’re honored to collaborate with WAVIT and NV5 to create this scholarship in Mary’s name to help women continue to be supported and excel in our industry.”
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