Greetings Dear Friends,
Even though 2024 may have been quite contentious for some people, American Women of African Heritage, Inc. (AWAH) remained steadfast in its mission and vision.
Our proudest moments are those when we are informed that a Black woman attending SUNY Westchester Community College (SUNY WCC) to obtain a two-year degree has been awarded a scholarship through AWAH’s Second Chance award.
Meet this year’s scholarship recipient…Shawnikkwa.
Shawnikkwa has worked in medical billing for the past 20 years and is currently employed at a billing group in Chappaqua, New York. She will obtain an A.A.S. (Associate in Applied Science) degree in Health Information Technology, concentrating on coding. She is a single mother of two: a teenaged son who is in the 9th grade and a daughter who is currently attending Brooklyn Law School. Her daughter encouraged her to return to school and pursue her dream of acquiring a college education. Shawnikkwa laughed at the thought that both she and her daughter will graduate in Spring 2026. She is so thankful for AWAH’s generous scholarship.
In our 2023 letter you met…Brigette.
An update on Brigette who expects to graduate in Spring 2025 with an A.S. (Applied Science) degree, concentrating in human services. She is in the process of applying to a four-year college to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work. Let’s wish her much success!
What’s New?...
A new scholarship has been approved by AWAH members named “AWAH’s Pathways to Workforce Scholarship” which is the first of its type at SUNY Westchester Community College. These programs are short-term courses lasting 6-9 months. Depending on the discipline, they may be less expensive and will lead to a certificate in such disciplines as: IT & IT Help Desk Technician, HVAC, CNA, LPN, CompTIA Data, OSHA and construction, to name a few.
SUNY WCC partners with companies so that these students will be able to be employed in their discipline. In today’s world, some students prefer to learn how to “work with their hands” rather than obtain a degree and find themselves unemployable.
SUNY WCC will announce recipients of this scholarship in the coming months and you will hear about them in AWAH’s Newsletter next year.
AWAH’s Literary Celebration, March 23, 2025 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Jay Heritage Center Rye, New York
As 2024 draws to a close, it is our hope that you will continue to support AWAH as the organization moves into a new year.
Friends, remain steadfast, share a smile with a stranger and be kind.
Wishing you and yours a Happy and Healthy 2025!
With Warm Regards, Gloria Welcome
Gloria Welcome, President American Women of African Heritage, Inc.
WCC Workforce Scholarship Check Presentation
L-R: Mary Lane Cobb, Toni Cox Burns, Helen Williams, Dr. Teresita Wisell (WCC), Rita Jones, Gloria Welcome, Kitty Gordon, Dr Belinda Miles (President, WCC), Gwen Cort, Eddie Mae Barnes, Phyllis Hyacinthe
Missing members: Bridget Crichlow, JoAnn Dudley, Theresa Murphy, Bentley Patterson, Francine Shorts, Cheryl Small Jackson, Claudett Stothart, Pattie Wade Dozier, Janette Wilson
AWAH, Inc is a tax-exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code EIN#51-0438309
AWAH, Inc. P O Box 376
White Plains, NY 10603