Selby Gardens is excited to announce Zuleima Martinez of Sarasota as the award recipient of the inaugural Virginia B. Toulmin Leadership Scholarship. Martinez will be graduating on May 3 with an associate’s degree from the State College of Florida with a 3.72 GPA and will be pursuing her bachelor’s degree in communications at the University of South Florida in Tampa this fall. She has been actively involved with Girls Inc. for many years. The Virginia B. Toulmin Leadership Scholarship, awarded in honor of and in partnership with Selby Gardens President and CEO Jennifer O. Rominiecki as the scholarship’s first mentor, is a merit-based scholarship aimed at recognizing and encouraging female students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and leadership qualities. "Knowing what a significant impact Mrs. Toulmin and her legacy had inspired me to follow in her footsteps," says Martinez. "I am beyond grateful for this opportunity.” In addition to receiving a $15,000 award from the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation and mentoring sessions from Rominiecki, Martinez 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.