Congratulations to Marcia Malloy!
In honor of Women’s History Month, Bay Mills Community College is excited to highlight the incredible women in our community. We asked the community to nominate their inspirations who embody leadership, passion, and dedication so we can all celebrate their achievements and contributions.
On this International Women's Day, BMCC would like to congratulate Marcia Malloy on receiving the most nominations for this year's Women's History Month spotlight! Here are what her nominators had to say about her:
Marcia embodies what every Native woman should want to be. She is kind, caring, compassionate, talented, and smart. She has a loving family that means the world to her, and she treats others with kindness always. She works hard to spread her knowledge of Native language, history, and way of life. She has worked at Ojibwe Charter School sharing this knowledge for over 22 years now. She is someone I look up to and admire. I could go on and on about her wonderful qualities. I am glad to call her a true friend.
Because I think she exemplifies what you are looking for in a nominee. She is very committed to teaching our children about our native culture as well as any staff member who she feels can benefit learning more about our community and beliefs so they too can better understand and teach our children. She is always willing to step in and help where needed even without being asked. She played an integral part in getting Ojibwe Charter School opened and still plays a major part in the daily operations whether in the classroom or in the administration offices. She is always ready to greet you with a smile and an Ojibwe greeting or Ojibwe word of the day.
She is just an absolute role model. She has spent her whole life dedicated to the children of Bay Mills. Through teaching, play, culture, and love; Marcia is the reason many kids will grow up saying "miigwech" instead of "thank you" and showing the natural world the respect it deserves. And you can just see the joy that gives her!
Marsha played a pivotal role in the establishment of our Ojibwa Charter School, dedicating countless hours to ensure its success. Her tireless efforts were foundational in assisting in the development of the BMCC language program, which has become a cornerstone of cultural education initiatives within not only our community but including several other tribal nations. Beyond her work in education, she has actively participated in several tribal committees, taking on significant responsibilities as a school board member and engaging deeply with the children’s welfare committee. Her contributions extend far beyond official titles; she has embraced a variety of roles within the community, from serving as secretary to various tribal chairpersons to assuming the responsibilities of principal. Her presence in the classroom, during recess, and in the lunchroom has had a lasting impact on countless students. This remarkable woman has also devoted time to mentoring young people, including her beloved grandchildren, sharing her vast cultural knowledge with individuals of all ages, both in structured school settings and during the immersive experiences of Clay Camp. Even those who simply strolled to the lake for a swim were irresistibly drawn to her infectious spirit and often found themselves joining in the laughter and activities of her lively group. Her home has always been a sanctuary, where the door remains open for heartfelt conversations or shared meals, ensuring that nobody leaves without a satisfying meal and a warm smile. A true warrior at heart, she has faced serious health challenges that have tested her physically, yet her indomitable spirit has never wavered. It continues to radiate, inspiring those around her. For all these reasons and more, I wholeheartedly believe she deserves to be highlighted as an extraordinary figure in our community.
Here is a list of all nominees:
All nomininees and the community are invited to kick back at our WHM pajama & movie night in celebration of these nominees and all women!
Pajamas are not required but encouraged.