Five of our awards this year were presented to members of WLF's Young Women Ambassadors (YWA) program.  Inaugurated in 2004, YWA is a high school outreach program that gives young women the unique opportunity to develop leadership, critical thinking and life skills to enhance their perspectives, goals and success both as women and future leaders.  The YWA program emphasizes education, responsibility, teamwork, independent thought, creativity, appreciation for diversity and civic participation.

WLF is pleased to announce the 2009 President’s Circle Scholarship recipients: Alisha DeLara of Coachella Valley High School, who will attend U. C. Davis to study molecular biology and plans to become a doctor of infectious diseases; and Paola Alvarez of Palm Springs High School, who will attend COD before transferring to a four-year institution to pursue her dream of becoming a great architect.  DeLara served as president of the YWA Executive Board; Alvarez was a member of the YWA Executive Board and served as chairperson of the YWA’s 2009 Trophy Competition project.

Additional Young Women Ambassador WLF Scholarship Award recipients are Cathedral City High School's Erica Castro Razon, who will attend U. C. Riverside to study biochemistry/biology and plans to become a doctor; Desert Hot Springs High School's Claudia Pena, who will attend U. C. San Diego to study political science and plans to become a government leader;  and La Quinta High School's Dominique Adams, who will attend Smith College to major in women's studies and plans to become a university professor.

WLF Scholarship Awards were also presented to Desert Mirage High School's Lindsay Gutierrez, who will attend Scripps College to study sociology and psychology and plans to become a school psychologist; and Mt. San Jacinto High School's Natalie Alcantar.

Women Leaders Forum is proud and happy to continue our tradition of supporting Coachella Valley high school young women in their educational pursuits to become future women leaders.