Network of Executive Women Awards Scholarships to 9 Local Women

The Network of Executive Women (NEW) recently awarded 9 scholarships to adult local women who have committed themselves to furthering their education in pursuit of a better life for themselves and their families. The recipients are working towards degrees in a variety of fields including diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, social work, business administration, business communication and business law, ethics and principles of management, public health, and biology.

NEW was founded in 1979 by Phyllis Holt, to address the common interests of businesswomen in the community and help them grow and prosper. One of the primary community services of the organization is their annual scholarship program which for more than 20 years, has provided monetary support to women who would not ordinarily be able to afford educational programs.

The objective of NEW’s scholarship awards is to offer college scholarships to adult women who have experienced a break in their education and are in need of financial assistance. By obtaining their degrees, retraining, or certification, these women are able to find meaningful employment, better their present position, or re-enter the work force. These scholarships are unique in that they are for adult women, not high school students. In the past two decades alone, the organization has awarded nearly $225,000 to women in the community. To be eligible, applicants needed to meet the following requirements:

• Be at an undergraduate/graduate level but not transitioning from high school to college.
• Be enrolled at an accredited school in New Haven or Fairfield County.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Be enrolled, continuing, or returning to school to further their educational goals or training to enhance their job skills.

Several of the scholarships awarded honor former members of NEW who have made a significant impact on our organization and in their communities. These scholarships include:

• The Harriet Cohen Haggerty Memorial Scholarship: named in honor of Harriet Cohen Haggerty with funds generously donated by the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce.
• The Donna Marino Memorial Scholarship: named in honor of Donna Marino with funds generously donated by the Marino family.
• The Phyllis Holt Scholarship: named in honor of NEW’s founder and a pioneer for the organization, this scholarship is funded by NEW.

About Network of Executive Women

Network of Executive Women (NEW) is an organization that addresses the common business interests and issues of women in executive, professional and entrepreneurial roles through the exchange of ideas, information, and experiences. For more information visit, networkofexecutivewomen.org.