Women’s Foundation of Collier County Awarded $60,000 in Scholarships at 2018 Women of Initiative Honorees Luncheon
The Women’s Foundation of Collier County, a fund at the Community Foundation of Collier County, awarded twelve $5,000 scholarships for local women at the 2018 Women of Initiative Honorees Luncheon. The Women of Initiative Scholarship Fund was founded by Women of Initiative alumnae in honor of the 20th anniversary of the awards.
Jasmine Lopez-Ramirez
The scholarship is for women of any age who wish to pursue the completion of a post-secondary degree or certificate. They may be a graduating high school senior, a nontraditional student returning to school, or a student already in her post-secondary path.
Gerta Laine
Among the twelve scholarships recipients is Jasmine Lopez-Ramirez who will graduate from Lely High School this year and will be attending Embry Riddle Aeronautical University to major in Aerospace Engineering and minor in flight. She will also have her private pilot’s license by the end of her senior year.
In addition, Gerta Laine, single mother of 2 young children, received a scholarship. Gerta is a Naples High School graduate, who was previously homeless and car-less, and is now enrolling in Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology to study Practical Nursing.
The following women were awarded scholarships:
| Name | Educational Destination |
| Stephanie Desinor | University of Richmond
|
| Daniela Fernandez
|
Hodges University
|
| Tammy Gutierrez
|
Hodges University
|
| Brittany Ignell
|
Rasmussen College
|
| Gerta Laine
|
Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology
|
| Jasmine Lopez-Ramirez
|
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
|
| Maria Lourdes Lopez-Whitney
|
Florida Gulf Coast University |
| Yveleissa Martino
|
Florida SouthWestern University |
| Adjhany Severe | Florida SouthWestern University |
| Heather VanBrummlen
|
Hodges University
|
| Jean Viva
|
Hodges University
|
| Ashley Williamson
|
Rasmussen College
|
“We understand that education is the key to escaping poverty and a brighter future,” said Eileen Connolly-Keesler, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Collier County. “We are so grateful to the Women’s Foundation of Collier County Class Ambassadors for taking on this new scholarship initiative that will changes lives for local women.”
To learn more information about this scholarship or to make a donation to help more local women, visit swflscholarships.org or call 239-649-5000.
The 2018 Women of Initiative honorees recognized for their achievements are: Alice Arena, Bunny Brooks, Debra Haley, Judy Hushon, Emily James, Amanda Jaron, Patricia Jilk, Brenda Melton, Jeanne Nealon, and Wynnell Schrenk.
The 2018 Women of Initiative (WOI) Honorees Luncheon was sponsored by BMO Private Bank, eBella Magazine and Waterside Shops.