November 2023
Greetings Dear Friends!
It has been a pleasure to work with my American Women of African Heritage, Inc. (AWAH) sisters as we continue to pursue our mission and vision.
Many of you will recall that in 2009, AWAH established its Second Chance Scholarship Award with the Westchester Community College (WCC) Foundation, for Black women returning to school to pursue their education. Each year since, AWAH has awarded this scholarship and, in 2021, established an endowment fund in the amount of $45,000.00.
Since years have passed, we want you to know about the success of some of our scholarship recipients…
Where Are They Now?...
Dawn, our 2023 scholarship awardee, graduated last May with an A.S. degree in Paralegal Studies. Although she faced some personal issues, she attained a perfect GPA. She is now a full time student, having won a full scholarship to attend New York University’s School of Professional Studies. Dawn plans to graduate with a B.S. degree in Leadership and Management. She looks forward to her ideal career in human resources, specializing in personnel development or compensation & benefits administration.
Ila, another scholarship recipient, hails from Jamaica, West Indies and attended WCC in 2016. With a background in office management, Ila completed her Liberal Arts program at WCC and enrolled in Hunter College where she acquired a certification for Teacher Assistant (TA). She completed her Liberal Arts program at WCC with a degree in Social Sciences. Currently Ila is employed as a substitute TA in the Mount Vernon Public School District. Due to the pandemic, Ila experienced a delay in permanent employment. However, she is a great example of what happens when one door closes and another one opens, as many school administrators are seeking to grant her permanent status.
Trameeka, Second Chance Scholarship awardee in October of 2015, graduated in May 2016 with an A.S. degree in Behavioral Sciences. While in attendance at WCC, Trameeka worked with the Westchester County Department of Social Services. Thereafter, she attended the Westchester County Department of Correction Officers Academy and graduated in February 2017. Trameeka met and married the love of her life and welcomed her two step-children in
June 2018. She earned credentials with the Correction Department to instruct new academy recruits. In August 2023, Trameeka was promoted to sergeant.
Meet our 2024 Scholarship Recipient…Brigitte
Arriving from Togo, West Africa in 1996 and fluent in French, Brigitte immediately enrolled in ESL (English as a Second Language) classes for 3 years. Education was always a priority for her and in 2017 she enrolled in WCC’s computer information services program. The pandemic caused her to make a pause in her studies. Currently working as a patient care technician at a local nursing home, she returned to pursue a degree in social work. She is expected to graduate in May 2024 with an A.S. degree, concentrating in human services. Her plan is to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work.
More Good News from AWAH…
American Women of African Heritage, Inc. has approved a second scholarship for women of African Ancestry attending Westchester Community College pursuing Workforce Development & Community Education programs. Stay tuned…
As 2023 draws to a close, it is our hope that you will continue to support the lives of women and girls as we strive to remain steadfast.
Here’s wishing you and yours a Happy, Healthy & Safe New Year!
With Warm Regards,
Gloria Welcome
Gloria Welcome, President
American Women of African Heritage, Inc.
AWAH Members: Eddie Mae Barnes; Mary E. Lane, M.D.; Gwenette Cort, Treasurer; Toni Cox-Burns, President Emerita; Bridget O. Crichlow; JoAnn Dudley; Thelma (Kitty) Gordon, Archivist; Phyllis C. Hyacinthe; Rita Jones; Theresa Murphy; Bentley Patterson, M.D.; Francine Shorts, Vice President; Cheryl Small Jackson, Recording Secretary; Claudett J. Stothart, Financial Secretary; Pattie Wade Dozier; Gloria Welcome, President; Helen Williams, Corresponding Secretary; Janette Wilson
AWAH, Inc. is a tax-exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Interal Revenue Code EIN#51-0438309 AWAH, Inc. P.O. 376 White Plains, NY 10603