Kascia DaSilva didn’t want to settle for a steady career in the middle lane and, thanks to a Dennis Pimental Internal Scholarship, Ms DaSilva is well on the road to achieving her ambition of a leadership role at Belco.
Ms DaSilva was already working as an occupational health, safety and environment (OHSE) coordinator at the power utility company when she applied for the $10,000 three-year scholarship last year.
As a 31-year-old with a family, she knew finding the time for the education would be challenging, but, she said: “I have always had a drive for continual growth and progression. As I look to continue to progress both personally and professionally, I am working towards attaining more professional designations and taking on a leadership role within the company.”
The award, one of Belco’s most prestigious scholarships, enabled Ms DaSilva to attend Oakland University, Michigan, to study for a dual Master of Science in Safety Management and Business Administration.
She said: “I am a wife, mother and professional. With that, the most challenging aspect is balancing my studies with my personal and professional responsibilities. However, I am enjoying the opportunity to delve deeply into safety, business and management topics and apply new knowledge to real-world situations. Completing these degrees will be a testament to my perseverance and dedication, and it will continue to be a source of pride and motivation for me. It has also enhanced my credibility and I believe it will continue to open opportunities for professional growth and leadership within Belco and the wider industry.”
Belco started its awards programme more than 40 years ago to help scholars improve their knowledge of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects that can help them prosper within the company and in the wider community. Awards range from $2,500 to $25,000.
Ms DaSilva was one of 19 Bermudians who received a total of $215,000 in Belco scholarship awards last year. She believes her experience at the company stood in her good stead throughout the application process:
“I believe my application was successful due to my strong academic background, clear career goals and demonstrated passion for the progression and success of the company, as my career goals align with the company’s vison,” she said. “Additionally, my experience as an OHSE coordinator at Belco likely showcased my commitment to the field.
“Finding out that I was successful was exhilarating and deeply gratifying, affirming that my hard work and dedication were recognised.”
Being a scholar has involved maintaining high academic standards, actively participating in relevant research, and contributing to the field through internships or projects. After completing her education, Ms DaSilva looks forward to continuing in the OHSE area, but with added responsibilities:
“I enjoy developing health, safety and environmental initiatives the most, as it allows me to innovate and improve our current programmes,” she said. “In the coming months and years, I aim to further enhance our safety, health and environment culture and take on more leadership roles within the organisation.”
She advised scholarship applicants to clearly articulate their passion for their chosen field and demonstrate how the scholarship will help them achieve their career goals: “Making their application stand out involves showcasing a unique perspective or innovative ideas they plan to bring to their field,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of perseverance and continuous learning: “The global market and fields are constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest practices and regulations is crucial. A scholarship like Belco’s can provide a significant boost, but dedication and passion are key to long-term success.”
For more information, visit belco.bm/ scholarships.
