April 27, 2025
As one of two Senior members of Women In Focus Inc. it gives me great JOY to write this article. WIF has been paving the way with financial contributions to students for 39 years.
We envision a world in which dreams are fulfilled through a worldwide partnership where all barriers to education are erased for students of color. On April 27th at the Goodman Community Center, we awarded 23 scholarships for a total of $82,500. WIF has a tradition of honoring our past members with a named scholarship, Gloria Jones-Bey- Jan Studesville- Virginia Henderson & Rose Ann Brown. This year seven students will receive two-year awards, fifteen one-year awards and one student will receive a four-year award. WIF has been a vital part of the Madison community for 42 years, a group of committed passionate women making a difference. For 39 years we have been able to support scholarships from our one signature event, The Martin Luther King Jr. I Have a Dream Scholarship Ball. WIF believes in starting the educational process early. We support a volunteer Literacy program at the YWCA for many years, and currently at the Salvation Army. In the early years we brought in prominent personalities & groups to showcase the analogy “If you can see one you can be one”. Our passion has always been and continues to be championing causes to support education. Martin Luther King Jr. quote said: Life most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others.” WIF can answer that question with a resounding voice through our Scholars, like Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne, Dr. Tosha Songolo and former YWCA CEO Vanessa McDowell to name a few.
Please mark your calendars and consider supporting the I have Dream Ball on January 17, 2026, at The Monona Terrace.
