Rider junior wins $10k scholarship for global supply chain studies

Lillian DeMarco was selected out of 125 applicants to receive a $10,000 scholarship toward her tuition.

DeMarco, a Rider University junior dual major in global supply chain management and business analytics, was selected for John Galt Solutions’ second biannual Scholarship for Future Supply Chain Leaders.

“Her commitment to her studies and personal growth already has her well on her way to becoming a supply chain leader of the future," says Anne Omrod, CEO of John Galt Solutions.

DeMarco says that many of her career goals are focused on making a difference in this world, especially for those in disadvantaged communities around the world.

“Soon I hope to channel my supply chain knowledge and business acumen to help produce clean irrigation systems in deprived areas of the United States and developing countries, spread awareness about prevalent issues plaguing our world, and economically empower and fight for justice for underrepresented groups and minorities,” she says.

DeMarco also hopes to make a positive impact on the corporate world. Her ultimate career goal is to become a member of an executive board or a CEO of a large company to execute efficiency into forecasting and analytical processes, promote corporate social responsibility and create an equal opportunity work environment for success among all demographics.

"I look forward to seeing where her career takes her and in what way her commendable goals to create positive sustainable change in disadvantaged communities manifest," Omrod says.

The curriculum of Rider’s undergraduate global supply chain management program was ranked in the top two in the nation by global research firm Gartner, Inc. Developed by Rider’s AACSB-accredited Norm Brodsky College of Business in partnership with top international companies, the program equips students with the skills and experiences needed for a career in one of the most in-demand specializations in today’s business world.

“Rider does a great job preparing students for the future," DeMarco says. "Thanks to it being the small, private education I was seeking, I have had real-world, hands-on experiences that I may not have gotten the opportunity to partake in otherwise."

She has interned with Accenture at Educational Testing Services' warehouse, participated in the Johnson & Johnson 2019 University Case Competition, engaged in the American Statistical Association's DataFest and contributed to building community in Rider's residence halls through her role as a community assistant, among other activities.

DeMarco values the ample networking opportunities the Norm Brodsky College of Business provides through events, panels and workshops for many majors year-round.

“I find it helpful to personally meet with established professionals and network with peers in my field of interest as a precursor to entering the industry, and Rider understands its value,” she says.

DeMarco, who is currently studying abroad in Australia, says she wasn’t expecting to be the recipient of the scholarship, and discovered she won by answering a phone call from an unknown telephone number. The news really started to sink in until a few minutes after personally hearing from Omrod.

“There's just a different feeling that you get when you win something based on deserved merit versus based on luck," she says. "It's an amazing feeling, and I encourage everyone to apply for that job, scholarship, internship or leadership experience that you may have been too hesitant to do previously. You truly never know, you might be exactly the candidate that they're looking for.”