Amelia Swiecki, Virginia B. Toulmin Leadership Scholarship Award Recipient
Sarasota, FL.| July 2, 2025 – Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is excited to announce Amelia Swiecki of Sarasota as the award recipient of the 2025 Virginia B. Toulmin Leadership Scholarship. Ms. Swiecki is a rising junior at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, pursing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies with minors in biology, film, and Spanish.
The Virginia B. Toulmin scholarship is awarded in honor and partnership with a local leader in the Sarasota community – and that distinction has been bestowed to Selby Gardens’ President and CEO Jennifer O. Rominiecki, who served as the scholarship’s inaugural mentor during the 2024 award cycle.
The scholarship includes a $15,000 award provided by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. Through this program, the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens seek to contribute to the development of future leaders and professionals who will make meaningful contributions to the non-profit sector and our community. The scholarship will provide a pathway for successful leadership in the business and nonprofit world by providing mentorship, opportunities to observe leadership in action, and financial support to high-achieving juniors or seniors pursuing bachelor’s degrees and holding a minimum GPA of 3.5.
“The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation envisions a world in which all individuals have an equal opportunity to realize their potential and thrive,” said William S. Villafranco, Trustee of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation. “Through Virginia’s enduring legacy, we aim to inspire and support the dreams of today’s young scholars — helping them access the tools and guidance they need to succeed. The Toulmin Leadership Scholarship exemplifies our unwavering commitment to advancing educational opportunities and investing in exceptional students who demonstrate talent, determination, and leadership. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Amelia Swiecki on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to the bright future ahead.”
Ms. Swiecki was identified by a scholarship selection committee comprised of Selby Gardens’ Board of Trustees and Advisory Committee members, as well as 2024 Toulmin Leadership Scholarship recipient, Zuleima Martinez. She emerged as the leading choice of four finalists selected from a pool of 30 highly qualified applicants. The criteria was based on outstanding academic records, leadership, and a demonstrated commitment to positive community impact. The 30 candidates represented Eckerd College, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida State University, New College of Florida, Rasmussen University, Ringling College of Art and Design, University of Central Florida, and University of South Florida.
Holding a 3.84 GPA, Ms. Swiecki balances a full class schedule with two jobs. On campus, she works at the Eckerd College Community Farm as the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Manager, leading a team of students to harvest and pack boxes of fresh produce to the Eckerd community. There she also helps coordinate events such as Farm Fest and Goat Petting and assists in caring for the farm’s chickens. Outside of Eckerd, Ms. Swiecki works at the local nonprofit organization Tampa Bay Watch as an Environmental Education and Animal Husbandry intern, assisting with daily public educational programs and animal care.
This summer, Ms. Swiecki has been conducting research in the Finger Lakes region of New York on environmental microplastics through The National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF REU) at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. She is excited to utilize what she has learned this summer– ranging from environmental sampling to science communication– and apply it to future coursework and her time at Selby Gardens.
Ms. Swiecki remarked, “This scholarship is more than just financial support– it is encouragement to keep moving forward and pursuing my dreams. It is an incredible honor to be recognized in this manner and to be afforded the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Virginia B. Toulmin and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki, two purpose-driven leaders. I am eager to learn more about nonprofit leadership and work toward a future where environmental education and equity go hand-in-hand.”
“Amelia is a truly exceptional young student who embodies the ideals of the Virginia B. Toulmin Leadership Scholarship,” said Jennifer Rominiecki, President and CEO of Selby Gardens. “The Toulmin Leadership Scholarship is designed to support and empower future leaders through access to mentorship and immersive professional experiences. At Selby Gardens, we believe deeply in the power of mentorship as a catalyst for personal growth and long-term success. I am thrilled to welcome Amelia to Selby Gardens as part of this important initiative. Her time here promises to be both impactful and inspiring — not only for her own journey, but also for our organization as we continue to foster leadership and innovation through meaningful mentorship.”
In addition to receiving mentoring sessions from Rominiecki, and other members of Selby Gardens leadership team, Ms. Swiecki will be appointed to Selby Gardens’ Advisory Committee to observe Rominiecki in action — participating with local community, scientific and business leaders — and also receive a one-year membership to Selby Gardens.
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