Meet Our Scholarship Recipients
Our scholarship recipients come from different backgrounds and are in various stages of their lives. Many are young women just starting out – working toward their first career. Some are women who are “re-starting” their career – whether through becoming widowed or divorced or finding it necessary to “re-invent” themselves due to economic factors. No matter where they are in their lives, they share a common desire to succeed and make a better life for their families.
We are grateful to be able to give these deserving women a “helping hand” that is not only financial assistance but also our vote of confidence – that we believe in them and their success. We celebrate their accomplishments and make an investment in their future.
Lovetre Leach
Lovetre Leach is currently enrolled in the Biological Science Course at Hillsborough Community College where she plans to major in Health Science and graduate in May of 2020. Upon graduation, she hopes to pursue opportunities with the CDC. In addition to working two jobs, including a full-time position as a Medical Laboratory Assistant, Lovetre regularly volunteers with Metropolitan Ministries. She is focused on both career and community and is sure to do well in her future endeavors.
Glory Okwori
Glory Okwori is a graduate of the University of South Florida, where she completed her graduate degree in Healthcare Administration and Public Health. She is currently enrolled in the doctoral program at East Tennessee State University while working part-time as a research assistant and expects to graduate in May of 2021. During the course of her studies, she has advocated for women’s rights, been involved in school leadership programs, and been a volunteer and the local VA hospital. With her work and volunteer ethic she will do well in the future.
Iryna Vasko
Iryna Vasko is currently enrolled at Hillsborough Community College, where she is expecting to graduate in June 2020 as a business major before pursuing admission to the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University Actuarial Science Program. Besides working full time, she serves as Vice President of Service for her sorority and an active member of the Collegiate 100, where she has worked on projects including Pathways to Success and Habitat for Humanity. She is focused on both career and community and is sure to do well in her future endeavors.
A Look Back At Previous Scholarship Recipients…
What a difference made in the lives of these three women last year! In January 2019, through the generosity of our community and attendees at the Tampa Bay BPW Foundation’s Annual Networking Night Event, we were able to award scholarships to the following young women from the Tampa Bay Community.
These women were described by others as persistent, dedicated, energetic, intelligent, driven, determined, responsible, and passionate. The selection committee found them to be all that and more. Each has overcome personal challenges and are diligently working toward their respective goals of higher education. They each maintain a high GPA; have proven financial need, and a commitment to their education.
THANK YOU for your support that allows the Tampa Bay BPW Foundation to financially support women. We hope you will join us at the next Networking Night, January 16, 2020, where you will have an opportunity to meet these women and other previous scholarship recipients.
Hope Ennis
Hope Ennis graduated from Sickles High School in 2008 and is currently enrolled in St. Petersburg College working toward her teaching degree with expected graduation in 2024. She is also working full time at PromiseLand Christian School as a preschool teacher. Her volunteer activities include First Baptist Church Volunteering Sunday school helper 2.5 hours 10 times, PetPal Animal Shelter, 4 hours, every other Saturday. She is a very determined individual and should be an asset to her community.
Melissa Londono
Melissa Londono is a single mother of two originally from Columbia. She started college there but came to the United States for a better life for her two children and better education for herself. She is currently enrolled in Hillsborough Community College full time and also working part-time which leaves her no choice but to take out loans to fund her education. She volunteers at her children’s school and also at her church. With her work and volunteer ethic, she will do well in the future.
Nina Wright
Nina Wright is a hard-working student pursuing her Juris Doctorate. Besides working full time at ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS 13TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT she has maintained a 4.0 in the graduate studies. She also volunteers at Families First LLC and her past work experiences include the Suncoast Rape Crisis Center and the First United Methodist Church Neighborhood Ministries. She is currently enrolled at Stetson University of Law and hopes to graduate by 2022. She is focused on both career and community and is sure to do well in her future endeavors.