Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year award

MRAA Educational Foundation Final Call for 2022 Scholarships, Darlene Briggs Marine Woman of the Year Award

The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) Educational Foundation has announced the final call for nominations and applications for the 2022 Annual Scholarships and the 2022 Darlene Briggs Marine Woman of the Year Award which will be presented December 5-8, at MRAA’s Dealer Week in Austin, Texas. Award information and applications may be found at the MRAA Educational Foundation Website.


Nominate an Outstanding Woman
Presented annually to an outstanding woman who is actively involved in the marine industry at any level, the Darlene Briggs Marine Woman of the Year Award recognizes long and devoted service, untiring commitment, and the advancement of women in the marine business.

The Darlene Briggs Award and educational Scholarships are intended to financially assist the professional development of those working in the marine industry. The deadline to submit a scholarship or award application or nomination is Thursday, Nov. 10.

Retail Members of the MRAA and their employees can now complete online applications for the Kevin Lodder Scholarship and Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship. Marine Trades Associations that are members of MRAA can also apply for the Foundation’s Marine Trades Association Scholarship.

“The MRAA Educational Foundation’s scholarships are ever evolving to promote a stronger workforce for our dealerships to meet the needs for our industry’s future,” said Jeff Siems, MRAA Educational Foundation President. “Scholarships are an important part of the overall effort of the Foundation as it supports expanding the marine industry workforce.”

Women from throughout the boating industry are eligible to be nominated or apply for the Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Award. This prestigious award, sponsored by MRAA and Boating Industry, has been continuously awarded each year since 1987, to an outstanding woman in the industry who is making a difference, no matter her position in the company or industry.

2021 Darlene Briggs Marine Woman of the Year Award recipient: Roxanne Rockvam, General Manager at Rockvam Boat Yards, Lake Minnetonka, Spring Park, Minn.

Click the links below to learn more about each of these offerings and to nominate or apply:

The Kevin Lodder Scholarship covers the tuition and provides a travel stipend for the recipient to attend Spader Business Management’s Total Management 1 Workshop.

The MRAA Educational Foundation’s Marine Trade Associations Scholarship provides financial support to their members for technical training.

The Duane Spader Leadership Development Scholarship, established in 2013, covers the tuition for the recipient to attend Spader Business Management’s Leadership Development Program.

The MRAA Educational Foundation presents, annually, the Darlene Briggs Woman of the Year Award. This honor is presented to an outstanding woman who is actively involved in the marine industry.

A nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization, the MRAA Educational Foundation has awarded more than 85 scholarships and awards collectively worth more than $194,000 over the past 18 years.  Donations from independent donors and corporate partners make all scholarships provided by the MRAA Educational Foundation possible. To learn more about donating, or to find more information about the MRAA Educational Foundation, visit www.marineedfoundation.org.