MARSHALL (MICH.)-Sonja Emziah was recently presented with the Merze Tate Explorers annual SHEro award. Emziah was presented with the honor during a regional Boy Scouts Southern Shores leadership meeting in Marshall.

The Explorers have had new opportunities open to them since joining forces with the Boy Scouts more than two years ago. The partnership provides the organization with resources, equipment, and arts and cultural experiences it otherwise would not be able to afford. Due to Emziah’s leadership, the Southern Shores chapter has increased its community outreach by record numbers. The partnerships allow schools, non-profits, and churches to join the organization while still maintaining their identity.

Because of Emziah’s patience, dedication to adding diversity to its units, and for her outstanding role as a leader, she is the Explorers’ third SHEro recipient.

2018 – Monique Grayson, Kalamazoo’s first African American female commercial airline pilot.

2017 – Karika Parker, Director of Careers in Health and Medicine at Kalamazoo College