For the last 25 years, the WEDC Foundation has helped women achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence by empowering them to achieve their dreams of higher education. With the help of volunteer mentors, community donors, and sponsors of the Women Honoring Women (WHW) event, we provide our scholars with one-on-one mentoring, professional development workshops, and Flexible Financial Assistance (FFA).
This year marked the 22nd Annual Women Honoring Women fundraising event and added five new Honorees to the prestigious list of 115 previous Honorees. Through this celebration, we recognize prominent women in our community who have created a legacy and are serving as an inspiration to others.
22nd Annual Women Honoring Women
The evening began with a warm welcome from WEDC Foundation President Diana King, invocation with Sonja Green of Greene Development, Inc., and dinner accompanied by musical guest Wanda Wesolowski of The Wanda Band.
Following dinner was the program introduction with WHW Chair Camillia King-Stanley, representatives from Woody Anderson Ford, and Marie Waxel of WAAY 31, who served as the event's Mistress of Ceremonies.
With an introduction from Jennifer Linton, the WEDC Foundation's Executive Director, we had the privilege of hearing Scholar Pamela Bolden's story. Pamela is a senior at Alabama A&M University majoring in Criminal Justice. As a 53-year-old student, Pamela's journey exhibits that women can pursue higher education at any point in their lives to succeed in achieving their dreams.
2023 Honorees
This year's Honorees were an incredible display of successful women from all walks of life and backgrounds.
Alka K. Bhargav, founder of the Aum Foundation, achieves her dreams by providing more than 200 girls across Alabama with resources like mentorship, emotional support, and personalized ACT tutoring.
Dr. Teneshia Daniels is the owner, COO, and dentist of Premiere Dental Spa. Dedicated to serving her community, she provides free dental screens and treatment to students from Title 1 schools and Pre-K programs in the Huntsville City School System.
Marie C. Newberry, a dedicated community volunteer, cofounded Newberry Pecans with her husband and has one of the largest pecan orchards in North Alabama. She has also served on the board of directors of numerous organizations, from Arts Huntsville to the Madison Hospital Emerald Society.
Dr. Beth B. Richardson is the Madison Market President for United Community Bank. Her academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Finance, a Master of Ministry in Pastoral Studies, and a Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Leadership.
Joan R. Smith is a Senior Vice President at People Tec, Inc. and served as a US Army civilian for over a decade. She has experience leading aviation technical programs, directing missile research efforts, and managing multiple programs that facilitated improvements to the Army Aviation Fleet.
Impact of Women Honoring Women 2023
The Women Honoring Women event not only supports the WEDC Foundation's mission financially, but also shows the WEDCF scholars and the North Alabama community that although we all face struggles, we become more successful when we lift each other up. Through the Honoree's stories and the presence and financial support of the community, our 28 Scholars were shown that their dreams matter and that we, as women, become stronger when we stand together to empower and celebrate each other.
Women Honoring Women Sponsors and Supporters
Women Honoring Women wouldn't be possible without the fantastic support and dedication of our Board Members, Donors, Sponsors, and Volunteers.
Women Honoring Women 2023 was a night to remember, filled with stories of struggles and triumphs. For those who missed the event, you can watch the recorded show here and re-live the messages of inspiration.
With over $208,000 raised at Women Honoring Women this year, our mission can continue as we graduate 7 scholars this Fall and 13 more in the Spring, opening up spots for more women to be empowered through the WEDC Foundation. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our community and look forward to seeing you all again at next year's event on September 19th, 2024.