Zonta awards $11,000 for continuing education scholarships to two young women and four Community Service Grants to local non-profit organizations. The recipients all strive to improve the status of women, children and families through health, education, service and caring
The Jane M. Klausman Women in Business scholarship was awarded to Zahra S. Kassim.
This scholarship is for young women studying business at the undergraduate level who are encouraged to seek leadership positions in business management fields in their community or throughout the world. Kassim is currently attending California State University, Northridge. After her anticipated graduation in Spring 2008, she hopes to pursue an MBA and return to Sri Lanka to open a consulting firm focusing on customer relationship management and consumer behavior. She would also like to volunteer as a business teacher helping under-privileged youth in Sri Lanka. Kassim received $500 from the local Santa Clarita Valley Club and will be eligible to compete at the District level with a potential of receiving one of six awards at the Zonta International (ZI) level.
The Young Women in Public Affairs scholarship recipient, Victoria Hanifan, received $500. This scholarship is awarded to pre-university/college young women who have demonstrated leadership skills and an interest in volunteer or civic causes. Hanifan is a student at Canyon High School and has been very involved with the Cancer Society by organizing campus support activities. She plans on attending San Diego State University and pursuing a career in business. As an awardee, she will be eligible to compete at the District level and potentially receive one of five awards at the ZI level.
The Zonta Community Grants Program applications were sent to various non-profit organizations in the community; four organizations received monetary support.
Child and Family Center Foundation received $2,000 for their Mobile Parent/Child Video Observation Travel Packs to work with a child and parent for in-home therapeutic interaction.
The Foundation for Children’s Dental Health Healthy Smiles pilot project was awarded $3,000. This program provides preschool fluoride varnish treatment and pediatric dentist referrals to children attending local federally-funded preschools.
The Santa Clarita Youth Project received $3,000 for expansion of their youth support groups. The Girls Issues Group serves the needs of adolescent girls in the Santa Clarita Valley addressing dating issues and personal risk-avoidance strategies. The Family Issues Group provides bilingual discussion regarding family dynamics because of issues such as divorce and peer pressure that might make them engage in risk-related activities, etc.
The SCV Committee on Aging/SCV Senior Center received $2,000 for their home-delivered meals program. Hot meals are delivered five days a week to homebound seniors and are often the only source of food and personal contact for these recipients.
For more information about Zonta, please contact Phyllis Walker at 661-251-1172 or 213-922-1084.