CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Leaders in the community and at Parkland College joined together at the Women of Impact Scholarship meeting last week. Attendees heard from three scholarship recipients about why this award was so impactful. Parkland President Pamela Lau welcomed community leaders, educators, and scholarship recipients by highlighting why this program is essential to the community.

At the luncheon, scholarship recipient Sade Dozier, is grateful for her community of women. “Women make so many sacrifices to help others have opportunities. I am so appreciative of the community of women who have helped me achieve what I want to do.” A second recipient, Ava Binion, talked about why welding appealed to her. “In my major, industrial psychology, welding seemed to fit perfectly to combine all of my interests. This scholarship made it possible for me to explore my passion in a male-dominated field. Any women can do this.” The third recipient who spoke, Leslie Godrnez, credits the women in her life for making her grow. “There are a lot of strong women in my life, and this scholarship helps us worry less about money.”

Nineteen-year-old Ava Binion is utilizing her scholarship to become a welder.

The Parkland College Foundation invites the community to join in celebrating and support women students at the annual Women of Impact Scholarship Celebration, set for June 2025 at the Parkland College Student Union in Champaign. The event, with the exact date to be determined, promises an evening of hors d’oeuvres and drinks, all in support of scholarships for female students at the college.

Leslie Godrnez credits the strong women in her life for getting her here.

Attendees will enjoy a business casual gathering and have the opportunity to contribute to the Parkland Women of Impact Scholarship Fund. A minimum donation of $100 is required to attend, and gifts are 100% tax-deductible and directed to supporting scholarships for women pursuing their academic goals at Parkland. Gifts of $500 or more will also be recognized as part of the Parkland College Foundation President’s Circle.

One of the scholarship recipients, Sade Dozier, talked about how earning this scholarship has made her education attainable.

The Women of Impact is a grassroots giving circle dedicated to empowering female students through scholarships and community engagement. The organization invites members to not only donate but also participate in reviewing and selecting scholarship recipients during the event. Each $2,000 scholarship is divided between two semesters, helping ease the financial burden for recipients.

Speaker and Life Coach Heidi Ester led the group in “Finding Their Joy.”

Those interested in becoming part of the Parkland Women of Impact or sponsoring the event can reach out for more information or RSVP. For questions or sponsorship inquiries, contact Lesa Brandt at lbrandt@parkland.edu or call 217-351-2458.