South Bay Women's Network

2024 Scholarship Presentation & Recipients

by

South Bay Women’s Network (SBWN) hosted its Scholarship Presentation at The Benedict in Morro Bay this year. Members, guests, and scholarship recipients came together to celebrate six Cuesta College female re-entry students, each receiving a $1,000 scholarship.

The scholarship recipients represent a diverse range of backgrounds and academic pursuits. Each woman has demonstrated exceptional drive, resilience, and dedication to her educational goals. The scholarships will provide vital financial support, helping them overcome educational barriers and navigate the challenges associated with pursuing higher education.

The funds for these scholarships came from this year’s Garden Party Scholarship Benefit and the Clue the Movie fundraiser at the Bay Theater. We also received generous support from the SLO Women’s Network, SBWN members, and other supporters. This important effort shows SBWN’s strong dedication to empowering women in the South Bay community and helping them succeed in their education.

Thank you to our Scholarship Interview Committee – Valerie Parillo and Denise Lowe.

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPIENT VIDEOS

Scholarship recipients with SBWN Scholarship Chair Valerie Parillo
Alexis Aquia – Information Technology
Emily Jauregui – History with a special interest in Chicano/Indigenous Studies
Indira Ochoa – Psychiatric Technician
Samantha Morris – RN
Jamie Rose Annelle Villanueva – Addiction Treatment Studies
President Denise Lowe 

Not pictured: Tina Riley – RN

Spring Fling High Tea Fundraiser

by

Stylish hats and elegant attire were plentiful at the Spring Fling High Tea Fundraiser, which took place on Sunday, April 21st. Attendees, including both members and guests, enjoyed a delightful high tea menu featuring finger sandwiches, soup, salad, tea party desserts, sparkling wine, and an assortment of teas. A special thank you goes to The Savory Palette for providing a wonderful meal. This was our first fundraiser of 2024, with the goal of raising funds for the SBWN Cuesta College Female Reentry Student Scholarship Program. The event successfully raised enough money for potentially two scholarships. Many thanks to all the wonderful women – and men – who joined us at the Spring Fling, as well as those who generously contributed their funds, gifts, and time to ensure the event’s success.

Thank you to Brittany Stewart from Limitless Skies: Custom Photobooth Services who kindly volunteered her time and photo booth for our event. Our guests had fun posing for their close-up shots. Brittany is our new social media intern.

2023 Scholarship Awards Presentation

by

South Bay Women’s Network (SBWN) awarded (11) scholarships of $500 each this year to Cuesta College female students. Funds for these scholarships were raised through this year’s $40 for 40 Year 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 5, 2023 at The Savory Palette Wine Bar in Morro Bay.

Thank you to our Scholarship Interview Committee, Valerie Parillo (pictured with all the recipients), Denise Lowe and Karen Wilson.

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS:
Angelica Aguirre/Psychiatric Technician
Micaela Baldwin-Granger/Criminal Justice
Cassandra Booker/Addiction Treatment Studies
Peyton Ellis/Nutrition & Dietetics (not pictured)
Norma Esguerra/Criminal Justice with Photography
Danielle Hernandez/Business Administration
Sandy Infante/LVN
Sophie Kinnebrew/Welding and Steel Cutting
Jennifer Kirby/RN
Jennifer Pina/ Psychiatric Technician
Alyssa Salazar/ AST Nutrition and Dietetics,AS AA in Communications

Angelica Aguirre
Micaela Baldwin-Granger
Cassandra Booker
Norma Esguerra
Danielle Hernandez
Danielle Hernandez
Sophie Kinnebrew
Jennifer Kirby
Jennifer Pina
Alyssa Salazar
Member, scholarship winners and guest enjoyed a warm meal.
2023 Board of Directors: Deborah Howe, VP; Denise Lowe, President; Dawn Rodden, Marketing Director; Ali DeRoche, Treasurer; Debbie Wacker, Secretary

Garden Party Scholarship Benefit 2023 Photos

by

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.

Scholarship Committee Co-Chair Viewpoint

by

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.