Palatine Networking Group Offers Scholarships

The Women in Business Advisory Forum (WIBAF), a networking group of the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to be able to award two $1,000 scholarships again this year. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide non-renewable awards to be used for college tuition, fees, books, or supplies. Two awards will be given: one to a student from Fremd High School and one to a student from Palatine High School. To be eligible, female students must have a 3.0 GPA or better, with the intent of attending a 2-year or 4-year college or university in Fall 2016 to pursue a degree in a business-related field.

To apply, students can visit www.palatinechamber.com and select “WIBAF Scholarship” under the Chamber tab. Required materials include the completed 2016 scholarship application form, a non-certified copy of the student’s transcript, and two letters of recommendation. The application form includes questions about business coursework, clubs and activities, service and volunteer roles, and a choice of short answer questions.

Funds for the scholarship were raised through a fashion show fundraiser, prize drawings at monthly networking lunches, and a raffle offered at the annual Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce Keys to Success Awards Dinner.

The 2015 scholarships were awarded to Kaitlin Conklin of Palatine High School, now attending University of Indiana, and Nivedita Sriram of Fremd High School, now attending the University of Illinois. Conklin said, “I am so grateful to have received the Palatine Chamber WIBAF scholarship for 2015. Not only has it helped towards tuition, as a young woman hoping to succeed in the business world, having the support of this organization is something money simply cannot buy. I cannot thank WIBAF and the Palatine community enough for supporting me." Nive Sriram, the recipient from Fremd High School, had the following to say about this opportunity: “I am very grateful to have received the WIBAF scholarship and would like to express my gratitude because this scholarship has helped with financial costs. I think it is amazing that the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce awards these scholarships to young women to help them achieve amazing things as a business student in college. This scholarship continues to remind me to continue to work hard to pursue my dreams at the U of I.”

WIBAF is an active group of business women who are interested in learning and networking with one another while discussing business related topics. Meetings are held once a month, on the second Tuesday of each month from 12:00pm to 1:30pm. Meetings are divided between organized presentations including business topics and member features, along with time for networking with other members in attendance. The luncheon fee is $15 per month or $40 per quarter. Pre-registration is required no later than the Monday morning prior to each meeting. Registration after noon on Monday will be $17 per person. All attendees are given 30-60 seconds to provide their "elevator pitch" during the introduction portion of each meeting. If you are interested in hosting a luncheon, featuring your company for a longer 10-15 minute presentation or offering a 15-20 minute business topic for the group, please contact one of the WIBAF co-chairs: Julie Selof at 847-496-6246 or jselof@palatineparks.org or Mari Beth Darling at 847-254-7227 or platelady247@gmail.com.