Behind every successful Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) professional is a story shaped by determination, mentorship, and opportunity. For many, that opportunity often begins with an investment that makes education possible and affirms that someone believes in their potential.
IHMM and The IHMM Foundation are proud to share the story below from Erika Winning, CHMM, a dedicated EHS professional and member of the IHMM Board of Directors. Erika’s journey was forever changed by a single act of generosity. It is an experience that reminds us why the IHMM Scholarship Fund exists: to support students pursuing careers that protect people, workplaces, and the planet, and to ensure that cost is never a barrier to their success.
When I began my journey in Environmental Health and Safety, I had little more than curiosity, determination, and the faith of one EHS professional who believed in me. I juggled multiple part-time jobs while studying full-time. It was a small scholarship that made it possible for me to complete my degree. That scholarship did more than ease my financial burden; it told me my goals mattered and that someone believed in my success. The photo below is of me receiving my diploma upon my graduation from engineering school, an accomplishment these years later that is still profoundly meaningful.
That experience is why I mentor students today and why I support the IHMM Scholarship Fund. Scholarships are far more than financial aid; they are bridges between latent potential and genuine opportunity. They allow emerging professionals access to education, essential certifications, and the mentorship that sustains our industry’s integrity and future.
Students stepping into EHS now face soaring tuition, steep living costs, and limited access to practical learning experiences. When industry leaders and credentialed professionals invest in them, we invest in safer communities, stronger practices, and an industry rooted in trust and value.
If someone asked me why they should donate to the IHMM Scholarship Fund, I’d say this: because someone once donated to me—and it changed everything. Now it is our turn. Your support can open doors, amplify talent, and fortify our profession for generations to come.
Erika Winning, CHMM
Regional EHS Manager
Rust-Oleum
IHMM Director At Large
Erika’s story is a powerful reminder of how one act of generosity can create a ripple effect that lasts a lifetime. When we invest in students pursuing careers in environmental, health, safety, and hazardous materials management, we invest in a safer, stronger, and more sustainable future for all. The IHMM Scholarship Fund continues this legacy by opening doors, nurturing talent, and shaping the next generation of leaders who will carry forward our shared mission.
Join us in making a lasting impact. Your support can help shape tomorrow’s EHS leaders. Donate here.
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