Executive Women International Pomona Valley chapter members want to encourage the pursuit of the American Dream.
One of the best ways of achieving it and being successful is through education. And while members want everyone to succeed, they are focusing their efforts on helping women, particularly those who are in transition.
“Executive Women International wants to help women develop into leadership roles and one way to do that is to offer scholarships and a chance at an education,’’ said Jaenene Maldonado, chairwoman of the Adult Students in Scholastic Transition program for the local chapter. She also is a business owner and Claremont resident.
“What we want to do is to try and identify women that are going back to school or re-entering the work force. Last year we awarded a scholarship to a returning woman veteran who was disabled and another scholarship went to a young woman whose mother died and she helped raise her siblings,’’ Maldonado said. “We want to tell women that although they may have hit a rough patch in their lives, don’t give up. There are opportunities and options if you only will take advantage of them.”
Executive Women International is a professional business organization that brings individuals from diverse businesses together to promote member firms while promoting personal and professional development. The Pomona Valley chapter raises money to help those in need of financial aid to further their education in their career pursuit.
Applications now are being accepted through March. Applicants must demonstrate financial need; be the heads of households with small children; be displaced homemakers; or be socially, physically or economically disadvantaged. A committee of chapter and community members will decide on scholarship awards. The amounts and number of recipients vary each year. Recipients will be recognized at a May awards dinner.
“We want to get the word out in the community that we are here and we want to help. I’ve reached out to local colleges, community colleges and shelters such as the House of Ruth. We want to make sure women know about us and can tell us their stories,’’ she said.
The Pomona Valley chapter was established in 1951 and has more than 40 members. It meets monthly. Some of the member firms include AltaPacific Bank, Arbonne, Graber Olive House, The Claremont Club, Chaffey College, San Antonio Community Hospital, First Street Art Gallery, Glendora Florist and Dr. Anna M. Torres.
In addition, the Pomona Valley chapter is partnering with California Women Lead and HOPE to present a program in Fontana aimed at helping women become involved with government through membership on boards, commissions or committees.
Speakers for the May 1 program will include Mona Pasquil, appointments secretary for the office of Gov. Jerry Brown; Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown; Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren; Fiona Ma, state board president of California Women Lead; Rachel Michelin, executive director and chief executive officer of California Women Lead; and Gwendolyn Cross and Helen Torres, gubernatorial appointees. The event will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fontana City Hall, 8353 Sierra Ave., Fontana.
