The Upper Keys Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) organization recently presented scholarships to four women from the community totaling $4,305.65, including a scholarship in collaboration with the Holly Given Fund.
The spring 2023 scholarship awardees are Hayley Anne Colarusso, a nursing student at the College of the Florida Keys; Nicole Blanche, a Key Largo School teacher enrolled in a master’s program for school counseling; Yaniuska Gilmore, pursuing a teaching certificate in Spanish; and Gabrielle Comeforo, a nursing student at the College of the Florida Keys (supported by Holly Given Fund).
Scholarship cycles run in the spring and fall. BPW received a record number of applications for this cycle. Requirements for consideration are a high school diploma or GED, Florida Keys resident for three years and three years of post-high school work experience.
BPW’s scholarship committee seeks women who demonstrate strong character and desire to have a positive impact on those around them, a commitment to collaboration with other women through active community involvement and define clear professional goals, making them strong role models for the current and next generation of working women.
“Our members’ generous support of education and training for local women makes a real difference to their professional advancement,” said Jill Kuehnert, BPW president. “I’m very proud we’re able to empower these amazing women, their families and our entire community.”
Upper Keys BPW was established in 1957 and continues empowering women in the 21st century. More information is at upperkeysbpw.org or bpwupperkeys@gmail.com.
