Editor’s Note: This story was originally published on March 24, 2025. It has since been updated as of April 4, 2025.
WAVIT (Women in AV/IT) announced the establishment of the Mary Cook Empowerment Award: Designing the Future. Per the organization, the annual scholarship honors the late Mary Cook, a trailblazer instrumental in supporting women in AV/IT and a passionate advocate for advancing inclusion and mentorship within the industry.
About Mary Cook and Her Impact
According to WAVIT, 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 impact and dedication to helping women thrive in field, says the organization.
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, says WAVIT.
“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,” remarks 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.”
NV5 Joins as Founding Sponsor
As a founding sponsor, NV5 plays a vital role in establishing this scholarship, per a statement. Their contribution will directly support the recipient’s development and provide mentorship opportunities.
“Mary Cook’s contributions to the AV/IT industry continue to inspire us,” adds 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.”
Available Opportunities
The Mary Cook Empowerment Award: Designing the Future scholarship will provide invaluable opportunities for women in their early career stages, focusing on AV system design and audio/visual environments. According to WAVIT, the key benefits include:
- Full InfoComm Experience: Recipients will receive a comprehensive InfoComm tradeshow package, including full-show passes, education pass, travel, and lodging.
- Membership Opportunities: Scholarship recipients will gain WAVIT membership, AVIXA membership, and access to WAVIT’s Mentorship Program.
- Mentorship: Recipients will participate in WAVIT’s mentorship program, with potential mentorship from NV5, fostering growth and industry connections.
Scholarship Selection Process
WAVIT states that it has formed a dedicated scholarship committee to establish criteria, review applications and recommend finalists. Candidates must:
- Be women in their early career stages (2 years or less of experience)
- Show a commitment to AV system design and AEC fields
- Be U.S.- or Canada-based
- Aspire to create innovative audio/visual environments
According to WAVIT, applications are open now and close April 18, 2025. The organization will announce the recipient on May 2, 2025, with the scholarship culminating in a memorable experience at InfoComm 2025 in Orlando, Fla.
Promoting the Legacy of Mary Cook
To celebrate Mary Cook’s contributions, WAVIT announced it will:
- Launch promotional campaigns across social media and other industry platforms.
- Distribute memorial wristbands at InfoComm in Orlando, Fla.
- Collaborate with industry associations to honor Cook’s legacy during their events.
“Mary Cook exemplified what it means to uplift and inspire others,” states Brandy Alvarado-Miranda, WAVIT founder. “Through this scholarship, we aim to continue her mission of empowering women and advancing the AV/IT industry.”
