The AMCTO Executive Diploma in Municipal Management (EDMM) Equity scholarship provides one annual full program registration to an individual from an equity-deserving group. The scholarship, valued at over $3,700, supports recipients’ municipal professional goals, leadership learning, and development. We are proud to announce Mariah Blake as the recipient of the first-ever AMCTO EDMM Equity Scholarship.
Mariah Blake is a municipal professional with over seven years of experience across local government, federal service, and the non-profit sector. She currently serves as a committee coordinator with the City of Kitchener, where she supports governance, legislative processes, and public engagement to help foster transparent and effective decision-making.
Throughout her career, Mariah has worked at the intersection of policy, community engagement, and service delivery. Her experience includes supporting the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Youth at the federal level, coordinating complex municipal initiatives, and working directly with community members in frontline and non-profit environments. This diverse background informs her collaborative approach and her commitment to connecting strategic priorities with community needs.
Mariah is passionate about local governance, advancing equity in the workplace, and building strong communities from the ground up. A lifelong learner, she is committed to inclusive, holistic public service and is proud to contribute to resilient, connected communities through both her professional and volunteer work.
“I am incredibly grateful to be selected as an AMCTO scholarship recipient. This opportunity represents an investment not only in my professional growth, but also in the communities we serve and in advancing equity across the municipal sector. I am passionate about inclusive and transparent local governance, and I look forward to continuing to build the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully in this space.”
- Mariah Blake
2026 EDMM Equity Scholarship recipient
As this year's EDMM Equity Scholarship recipient, Mariah will be enrolled in the program beginning this fall term where she will develop further foundational knowledge, skills, and competencies required to be a successful local government manager. The program helps support those with three or more years of supervisory experience, mid-level managers, and high-potential municipal employees on track to take on senior management or leadership roles.
“On behalf of the AMCTO Board of Directors and staff, I want to thank all those who applied to our EDMM Equity Scholarship and congratulate Mariah on her success. I look forward to seeing Mariah and other future scholarship recipients grow in their municipal careers and drive positive outcomes for our communities."
- Kyle Pratt, MPA, CMM III, CHRL, CMO, Dipl.M.A.
President, AMCTO
The EDMM Equity Scholarship is an annual program that will accept applications from eligible individuals each spring for enrollment in the subsequent fall program term. Registration for EDMM and other AMCTO education programs for the upcoming fall 2026 term opens July 2.
For more information or questions about AMCTO education programs, please contact our education team.