Scott and Jessica Bishop
Scott and Jessica Bishop established the Noah Benjamin Bishop Memorial Scholarship in memory of their son, Noah Benjamin Bishop. Noah’s life was cut short and he did not get the opportunity to attend college and have an impact on this world. Noah’s parents, Scott & Jessica Bishop have strong ties to the University of Wisconsin. Scott obtained his BBA from the Wisconsin School of Business in 1992 and subsequently went on to earn his MBA from the University of Washington, Foster School of Business. Jessica grew up in the Madison area and attended UW-Lacrosse.
Scott is a thought leader on Corporate Innovation and how it is driven through a new leadership mindset around decision making, risk taking, and experimentation. He is an entrepreneurial, product management executive with a blend of strategy, business modelling, and research acumen. Dynamic, people-oriented and results-driven, he has a proven track record of driving innovation at some of the world’s leading companies such as Microsoft and Amazon. Jessica has committed her life to taking care of, and having a positive impact on, both children and their parents.
After a 20-year career in the US, the Bishops looked abroad for the next growth opportunity and relocated to New Zealand, earning citizenship in 2022. They believe that we can all learn a lot from Māori culture on the interconnectedness of everything (Whanaungatanga), the importance of guardianship for our land (Kaitiakitanga) and in unity of purpose and collective action (Kotahitanga).
For all recipients, they also provide this Māori whakatauki (proverb):
Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe, me he maunga teitei
_Seek the treasure that you value most dearly, if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain. _
This whakataukī refers to the importance of having big, bold ambitions and pursuing your destiny. It speaks of perseverance and endurance, refusing to let obstacles get in your way while striving to attain your goals. This also aligns with reflections shared by Rangitihi Rangiwaiata Tahuparae, Ko au te taupa, kihai i puāwai ōku moemoea . I am the only boundary to the fruition of my dreams.
Life is short. The Bishops encourage those around them with a quote inspired by Noah, “May we each have a part of ourselves that never grows up and lives life without training wheels.” The Bishops hope this scholarship helps its recipients take the next step toward their dreams. Be bold.