ARLINGTON, VA – The National Waste & Recycling Foundation (NWRF) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026–2027 scholarship programs. This year, the Foundation recognized 15 students through the new Darrell & Andrea Chambliss Family Scholarships, and the NWRA Women’s Council Scholarships that includes the Mickey & Ellen Flood Foundation Scholarship.
“These scholarship recipients represent the talent, ambition and innovative thinking that will move the waste and recycling industry forward,” said Michael E. Hoffman, president and CEO of the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA). “Through the generosity of our members and supporters, we are investing in their education while helping build a strong pipeline of future leaders prepared to serve our industry and its communities.”
Darrell & Andrea Chambliss Family Scholarship Recipients
Established through an endowment from Waste Connections US, Inc., the Darrell & Andrea Chambliss Family Scholarships support students whose education and career goals align with three areas important to the future of the waste and recycling industry: leadership development, technological advancement, and safety and compliance.
The inaugural recipients are:
- Isabel Rodas Torres, Leadership Development
- Emily Mobley, Technological Advancement
- Adam Fabiano, Safety and Compliance
“Waste Connections is proud to support these exceptional students as they pursue education that can make a meaningful difference in our industry,” said Ron Mittelstaedt, president and CEO of Waste Connections. “Darrell and Andrea Chambliss have long believed in developing people and creating opportunities for future leaders. These recipients embody that commitment through their dedication to leadership, innovation and safety.”
Each Chambliss scholarship provides up to $20,000 to an undergraduate or graduate student who works in the waste and recycling industry or has a family member working in the industry.
Mickey & Ellen Flood Foundation Scholarship Recipients
The Mickey & Ellen Flood Foundation Scholarship was established by the Detachable Container Association to honor the legacy of Mickey Flood and his wife, Ellen, co-founders of the NWRA Women’s Council.
The 2026–2027 recipients are:
- Adam Fabiano
- Cecilia Picoaga
- Georgia South
NWRA Women’s Council Scholarship Recipients
Since 2009, the NWRA Women’s Council has supported the continued education of students seeking to grow within or pursue careers in the waste and recycling industry.
The 2026–2027 Women’s Council Scholarship recipients are:
- Finley Eck
- Miuskarly Gonzalez
- Clayton Goodman
- Heather Hamilton
- Chastity Jones
- Madeline Pellitteri
- Isabel Rodas Torres
- Raegan Shindle
- Marissa Stone
“We are thrilled to recognize this year’s scholarship recipients and support them as they take the next steps in their education and careers,” said Tammy Holtzman, chair of the Women’s Council Scholarship Committee and district manager at Waste Connections. “Their determination and commitment are inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will make within the waste and recycling industry.”
The Women’s Council and Flood scholarships are available to employees of NWRA member companies and their dependents. Recipients must use their education to advance within the waste and recycling industry or pursue a new career in the field.
NWRF extends its gratitude to Waste Connections, the NWRA Women’s Council, the Detachable Container Association, and all scholarship donors whose generosity makes these educational opportunities possible.
For more information about NWRF and its scholarship programs, visit wasterecycling.org.
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ABOUT NWRF
The National Waste & Recycling Foundation (NWRF) is the charitable arm of the National Waste & Recycling Association, a 501(c)(6) organization. Operating independently as a 501(c)(3), the Foundation promotes public education, safety, and research initiatives that benefit the waste and recycling industry and the general public. Current efforts include a national campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of improper lithium-ion battery disposal and a scholarship program supporting future leaders in the industry.
About NWRA
The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) represents the private sector waste and recycling services industry. Association members conduct business in all 50 states and include companies that manage solid, industrial/hazardous, medical, and construction/demolition debris waste, and represent equipment manufacturers and distributors, and a variety of other professional service providers. For more information about NWRA, please visit www.wasterecycling.org.
NWRA/NWRF Contact
Genevieve O’Sullivan
National Waste & Recycling Association
gosullivan@wasterecycling.org
