Flagler’s Women of Vision awards 12 scholarships

SAINT AUGUSTINE  – The Women of Vision Advisory Board of Flagler College has recently awarded scholarships to twelve deserving female students for the 2020-2021 academic year. This number increased significantly from the seven scholarships granted in 2019-2020. The value of this year’s awards is $32,000.

 “Because of COVID-19, many more families are experiencing severe economic hardships, and financial need among students is greater than ever,” said Kathi Keller, chair of the Women of Vision Advisory Board. “We were delighted to be able to help these exceptional young women who have maintained competitive GPAs, while actively participating in campus and volunteer work.”  

 Originally scheduled for May 7, 2020, the Women of Vision’s principal fundraiser, the Power of the Purse®, had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. This annual event, which features a silent auction of designer handbags and related items, a raffle of fine jewelry and luncheon for 340 guests in Flagler’s grand dining hall, has been a sold-out success each of the past five years.

 “The past generosity and support from donors, volunteers, sponsors, board members and the community have enabled us to fund the twelve scholarships for 2020-2021,” said Linda Allen-Hawkins, vice chair of the Women of Vision Advisory Board. “We are most grateful!”  

 Included in the awards was the special Robin Cooper Women of Vision Scholarship honoring the organization’s co-founder, who passed away in 2018. Chosen for the award was Autumn Parker, a senior who exemplifies Robin Cooper’s legacy of generosity and genuine concern for others through community service and campus engagement.

 A native of Gallatin, Tenn., Autumn is a second-time WOV scholarship recipient majoring in business administration and strategic communication.  She is a member of Flagler College Volunteers and is the current president of DOW Advantage, the Public Relations student society for nonprofit groups on campus. In this capacity, Autumn hopes to inspire people to direct their passion into nonprofit work and to help the St. Augustine community. She also assisted in the launch of a non-profit company whose mission is to educate, engage and empower future generations to end the global water crisis.

 Also receiving Women of Vision scholarships are:

 • Kate Barker, Royal Palm Beach – a rising senior, majoring in fine art;

• Peyton Beasley, Jacksonville – a rising senior and second-time WOV scholarship recipient, majoring in graphic design;

• Caitlin Caulfield, Cape Coral– a rising junior, majoring in political science;

• Patricia Cheney, DeLand – a rising senior, majoring in political science and international studies;

• Sabrina Gutierrez, Debary – a rising senior, majoring in psychology and English;

• Svetlana Kendrick, Winter Springs – a rising junior, majoring in secondary education and English;

• Jordan Neisler, Port Orange– a rising senior, majoring in strategic communication;

• Amber Palermo, Hauppauge, New York – a rising senior, majoring in hospitality and tourism management;

• Alanna White, Lusby, Maryland – a rising sophomore, majoring in business administration.  

• Emma Wilkinson, Northbrook, Illinois – a rising junior, Emma is majoring in coastal environmental studies;

• Savanna Williams, Sebastian, Florida – a senior, majoring in elementary education and exceptional student education.

 “Selecting the 12 winners was very difficult for the scholarship review committee,” said Sheia Pleasant-Doine, Flagler College’s financial aid director. “The applicants were all very talented and deserving.”

 In a recent video, Women of Vision Advisory Board Chair Kathi Keller said, “Although we are disappointed that we couldn’t hold the Power of the Purse® this year, the good news is that we have a great head start in our planning for next year’s event. Please mark your calendars for May 13, 2021.  We promise that it will be the best Power of the Purse® ever!”