Thank you to all the members and guests who attended our party to kick off fundraising for our 2023 Scholarship Program. All proceeds from tickets, raffle and plant sale will benefit the SBWN Cuesta College Adult Women Re-Entry Student Scholarship program. South Bay Women’s Network started the Scholarship Program in 2000 to benefit adult women re-entry students attending Cuesta College.
My name is Valerie Parillo and I am Co-Chair of the SBWN Scholarship Committee. This program is important to me because of my own past experiences. I wanted to be an RN. I was married with children and it was my educational dream. I went back to school and 8 years later I was an RN. People often said to me that they would like to do something but it would take too long. I thought, well, the time will go by anyway and I might as well keep moving towards my goal. I took a little time off as I became a single Mom and then I wanted a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, so 3 years later I accomplished that. Another break and my final goal was ready to be met. Four years later, I had a Master’s Degree and was a Nurse Practitioner. I went to school for 15 out of 23 years but at the end of that time, I had met my educational goals. I received a number of scholarships and fellowships during my school years. They meant so much to me. Financially, it was helpful, but just as helpful was having someone believe in me. A scholarship is a tangible expression of belief in someone. So if you have a dream, just keep showing up and working on it and reach out for help when you need it.
South Bay Women’s Network (SBWN) awarded (10) scholarships of $750 each this year to Cuesta College female students. Funds for these scholarships were raised through this year’s Halloween Party & Fundraiser, Garden Party Scholarship Benefit, a scholarship donation from SLO Women’s Network and generous donations from SBWN members and supporters. Potential recipients either submitted an application themselves or were nominated, and each was required to be a female Cuesta College re-entry student, defined in the educational system as one who attends college following an interruption in their post-high school education.
Presentation of our Scholarship winners was held on December 7, 2022 at The Savory Palette Wine Bar in Morro Bay.
Scholarship Winners
This year we hosted a Halloween Party to raise money for our 2022 Scholarship Program at SLO Public Market Saturday, October 29th. Both Women’s Network of SLO and 5 Cities Women’s Network partnered with us for a FRIGHTFULLY FUN night of music provided by DJ Stephanie West, food from Old SLO BBQ, beverages provided by Bottle Craft and of course great costumes! Thank you to everyone who help make this a fun event. Photos by Gina Cinardo, Ginici Studios.
We are so grateful to all our members and guests who attended the 2022 Garden Party Scholarship Benefit. The sun was out for awhile and the garden was blooming. Thank you to SBWN member Rita Flores and her husband Todd Davidson owners of Sage Ecological Landscapes for sharing their beautiful space. Singer Loren Radis provided the perfect music for the evening. We appreciate SBWN Member Denise Lowe and her husband John for pouring wine donated by Absolution Cellars and Denise. We raised over $1100 for our Scholarship Program.
South Bay Women’s Network (SBWN) awarded (11) scholarships of $500 each this year to Cuesta College re-entry female students. Potential recipients either submitted an application themselves or were nominated, and each was required to be a female Cuesta College re-entry student, defined in the educational system as one who attends college following an interruption in their post-high school education. Funds for these scholarships were raised through the Garden Party Scholarship Benefit, SLO Witches Paddle and generous donations from SBWN members and supporters.
Presentation of our Scholarship winners was held on December 14, 2021 at The Savory Palette Wine Bar in Morro Bay.
Scholarship Winners
