Woman of Wonder, a 501(c)(3) organized in 2018 to fund college scholarships, chose three Washington women for its first awards: Sarah J. Reitmeier, a 2019 graduate of Columbia River High School; Katherine L. Kelly, a student with Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Ariz.; and Kayla S. Parsons, current student at Clark College, Vancouver, Wash.

Sunday, June 16, 2019, during a special graduate event in Vancouver, Wash., President and Founder Carol Doane presented Sarah J. Reitmeier her award. “I’m impressed by the tenacious way Sarah pursued all options to make college happen,” said Doane. This fall, Reitmeier will attend Linfield College, McMinnville, Oreg., to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing degree specializing in Oncology.

The other award winners also have lofty goals. Katherine L. Kelley is studying for her Master’s in Teaching in Special Education, and Kayla S. Parsons’ long-term goal is to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

“All three of these women are exactly who we want to help,” said Doane, who promotes education as a path to leadership opportunities and pay equity.

Inspiration for Woman of Wonder came from Carol Doane’s mother, Wilma A. Doane, a woman who struggled to pay for her own college and championed women’s workplace rights throughout her career. “I’m honored to be part of this,” says Wilma A. Doane, who was also a donor to the scholarship fund. “What we would have spent on Christmas we donated to the nonprofit. It’ll will be rewarding to see these young women take our investment in them and use it finish their degrees and pursue their dreams.”

Scholarships are awarded to residents of Washington State who are accepted to an accredited college as a full or part-time student, who demonstrate need through a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid  (FAFSA®), and demonstrate desire through a personal essay.

Preference is given to single moms, women raised by a single parent, or women on their own with little or no support.

Scholarship applications are accepted January 1 through March 30.