EWI Birmingham Presents 2024 Education Scholarships to Further Education Among Area Youth and Adult Students
 

Endowment of the LaKisha McKay Memorial Scholarship honors beloved chapter member

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In April 2024, the Birmingham chapter of Executive Women International (EWI) presented nine scholarships at its annual benefit dinner, held at the Regions Field Diamonds Direct Ballroom. Two scholarship programs – Executive Women International Scholarship Program (EWISP) and Executive Women International Adult Students in Scholarship Transition (ASIST) – represent the nonprofit group’s largest annual endeavor toward fulfilling its mission to bring together women from diverse businesses for the purpose of enhancing personal and professional development and encouraging community involvement.

 

The EWISP scholarship is a non-discriminatory educational scholarship program benefitting high school seniors interested in pursuing an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree or a certification program in a specific career path.  Scholarships are awarded based on scholastic achievement, leadership qualities, good citizenship and extra-curricular activities.

 

The ASIST scholarship helps provide financial support to adults in a variety of transitional situations and aims to positively impact the personal life, employment, family and community of the recipient. This non-discriminatory educational scholarship program benefits adults facing economic, social or physical challenges who are looking to improve their situation through educational opportunities.

 

This year, two additional scholarships were provided to honor a beloved and fallen member of EWI Birmingham. The LaKisha McKay Memorial Scholarship was made possible thanks to the generosity of two anonymous benefactors in the Birmingham community with the intent that the recipients carry forward LaKisha’s light and love for community and connection.

 

According to 2023-2024 EWI Birmingham President, Cory Talley, “LaKisha’s recent passing was a tremendous loss for our chapter. To have the opportunity to recognize her many contributions in such a special way while inspiring others to positively impact our community through advancing their education was a beautiful testament to her memory.”

 

2024 EWISP recipients:

• Erial Malone, Ramsay High School                                                      $4,000 scholarship

• Diana Lewis, Ramsay International Baccalaureate High School        $2,000 scholarship

• Kennedy Sabree, Minor High School                                                   $2,000 scholarship

• Milia Skanes, Cornerstone School of Alabama                                    $2,000 scholarship

• Mya Richardson, Alabama School of Fine Arts                                    $2,000 scholarship
  Recipient of LaKisha McKay Memorial Scholarship

 

2024 ASIST recipients:

• Ivanna Coleman, Lawson State Community College                          $5,000 scholarship

• Amber Jones, Lawson State Community College                               $3,000 scholarship

• LaKeisha Bennett-Jackson, Bevill State Community College             $2,000 scholarship

• KaDezia Bouyer, Lawson State Community College                           $2,000 scholarship

      Recipient of LaKisha McKay Memorial Scholarship

 

2024 EWI Birmingham Scholarship Program judges:

• Diana Almeda – Business Manager, Enterprise Mobility

• Joy King ─ Owner, Eat. Drink. Ride. with Comedienne Joy

• Perren King ─ VP, Collegiate Sports, Eventive Sports

• Wes Lester – Controller, Enterprise Mobility

• Sandra Robinson – EWI Birmingham Sustaining Member, Alabama Power

• Dale Thornton – Owner/Operator, McDonalds

 

“EWI Birmingham is incredibly appreciative to our panel of judges,” stated Talley. “The time devoted to reviewing the applications and interviewing each applicant is significant. This important work ensures these funds are awarded to the most deserving applicants, and we are grateful for the support of these esteemed individuals.”

 

In addition to the benefits afforded by the EWI Birmingham chapter, the first-place recipient of the ASIST scholarship will be submitted to the EWI national organization for consideration of an additional scholarship ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. National scholarship recipients will be announced at the annual EWI conference in September.

 

Talley added, “Thanks to the efforts of our chapter members, their tireless work fundraising throughout the year and our generous supporters, we are incredibly proud to present $24,000 in scholarships to these nine outstanding women. Empowering women to continue their education is a critical step toward women pursuing positions of professional advancement, which in turn, enhances leadership opportunities and benefits our community.”

 

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About Executive Women International

Executive Women International is a premiere women’s organization focused on careers, connections and communities and represents 1,200 members across the United States and Canada. EWI empowers women in their leadership journey, promotes the cultivation of lifelong connections and supports literacy-focused philanthropic initiatives. Information on the Birmingham Chapter of EWI is available at ewibirmingham.com.