As with any organization -- with anything in life, really -- I believe you reap what you sow. Being actively involved in WLF has been a tremendously positive experience and made my life richer. I have had the privilege of working with and really getting to know Coachella Valley high school girls and some of the wonderful local school counselors. I have worked with and really gotten to know a lot of great women. It all happened because I volunteered for the Wall Street Teens Committee in 2007. Find your passion -- whether it’s working with young women, helping to plan a fundraiser, greeting members at events -- and join a committee. Jump in and enrich your life!
Looking forward, I am both challenged and excited. We have an ambitious schedule planned for 2010/11. WLF’s 2010 annual leadership conference, L.E.A.D. - Lead, Educate, Aspire, Develop!, will take place on Thursday, October 19 from 4:30 - 9:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Esmeralda. We are thrilled to be partnering with several Coachella Valley women’s organizations for this year’s event.
WLF is expanding its Young Women Ambassadors program to any high school sophomore, junior or senior who is willing to commit. Sunday afternoon educational sessions will cover public speaking, leadership, financial independence, scholarship smarts, career panels, community involvement and handling change. Participants will be encouraged to continue and expand the Kind Campaigns started at several schools last year. In addition, WLF will be initiating One-to-One Mentoring as part of YWA this year where young women will be matched with a mentor in their prospective career field of interest. Each WLF mentor will spend a minimum of 4 hours per month with their mentee(s).
Finally, Pathways to Success has committed to match up to $25,000 in WLF Scholarships this year. That means 10 young women will each receive a total of $5,000 toward their college education!
I am honored to be President of WLF for its 10-year anniversary. Mary Roche’s vision in 2001 created an organization that has truly made a difference in the Coachella Valley. With your help and commitment, we will do even more.
