Three area women received college scholarships this summer from American Association of University Women (AAUW) West Chester-Chester County as part of the branch’s support of non-traditional women students whose education was interrupted due to family obligations, employment or lack of funding.
In addition to the annual $1,500 Alice Lawson Scholarship, branch members added two Pandemic Relief Scholarships of $1,400 each this year.
The Alice Lawson Scholarship winner is Jaleesa Washington of Downingtown. Jaleesa, the mother of an 11-year-old daughter, completed an associate of science/business management degree with honors at Harcum College during May 2020. She's currently enrolled in business administration at Bloomsburg University, with plans to continue at Temple University for a master’s degree.
Jaleesa says her goal is to own her own food business, which she's already named “Ja’s Kitchen.”
Bloomsburg University instructor Julie Ambrose confirms Jaleesa is exceptionally motivated, combining leadership skills and outstanding intellectual abilities. “After reading the biography of Alice Murphy Lawson, I believe Mrs. Lawson would have enjoyed meeting and supporting Jaleesa and her educational journey. Jaleesa is not only smart and hard-working, but also compassionate, and a bit of a pioneer in her efforts to move her career forward," she says.
Winners of the Pandemic Relief Scholarships are Katelyn Hollis and Nichole Carter. Funds for these two special, one-time scholarships were generously donated by AAUW members as a result of the economic challenges created by the pandemic on non-traditional women students.
Katelyn Hollis, a resident of Malvern, earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Ohio University in 2011. After working in education, she moved to Port au Prince, Haiti, where she became the director and house mother of an orphanage. In her 3.5 years there, she says she learned about endurance from a global perspective. When she returned to the states, Katelyn discovered a special interest in becoming a registered dietician. She's currently enrolled at Immaculate College in the College of Adult Professional Studies, with a goal of achieving a bachelor's degree in nutrition/dietetics.
Phoenixville resident Nichole Carter is enrolled at the University of Valley Forge, majoring in early childhood education. She's been engaged in this field for more than 20 years, earning an associate’s degree in 2015. She's currently working on a bachelor’s degree at Valley Forge. One of Nichole's professors, Lorraine Fillipo, says Nichole is exceptional in many areas, such as her high level of commitment, initiative and positive attitude.
Nichole, the mother of three, says she has a passion and dedication for educating young children, and supporting the family unit. Nichole works as lead infant/toddler teacher at Mom’s House of Greater Philadelphia in Phoenixville, and hopes to continue working with children after graduation. She says, “I look forward to changing the world, one family at a time.”
