NEW ORLEANS — The Junior League of New Orleans (JLNO) recently awarded three inaugural scholarships with recipients receiving a combined $15,000. Through a generous donation from Maria and David Huete, JLNO started this scholarship fund to help women obtain degrees or certificates necessary for joining the workforce or for advancement within their careers.
“We are pleased to award our first two Huete Scholars and one JLNO Scholar this year. The three grant recipients excelled at advancing the wellbeing of women by improving economic opportunities for women and supporting women’s potential to seize those opportunities; providing needed family support to alleviate the burdens on women caregivers; and promoting information and resources for women’s health, allowing them to live healthy and happy lives” said President Kristen Koppel.
Jennifer M. Mills, Huete Scholar, is an entrepreneur and esthetician who is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Health and Wellness at Tulane University’s School of Public Health full time and working multiple jobs. She hopes to one day take her passion of health into the community by building a business of functional wellness.
LaTisha K. Pooler, Huete Scholar, is the mother of twins, and returned to Southern University of New Orleans last fall to pursue her criminal justice undergraduate degree. She eventually plans to attend law school.
Candice M. Pedesclaux, JLNO Scholar, is a single parent of three children working full-time to support her household, and she is enrolled at Tulane University pursuing a Business Administration degree with a concentration in Accounting. Her ultimate goal is to become a financial advisor.
“These scholarships provide financial support to non-traditional female students seeking to start or complete a post-secondary degree” said Scholarship Committee Co-Chair Elizabeth Janke. “We want to give these scholars the opportunity for economic success and independence.”
JLNO strives to make a difference in the community by promoting the potential of women through voluntarism and leadership development. With a membership of over 2,100, JLNO is the 9th largest Junior League in the world.
During the past five years, JLNO has invested more than $3 million and approximately 225,000 volunteer hours in the Metropolitan New Orleans area.
For more information on how to donate in support of JLNO’s scholarship opportunities, please visit: www.jlno.org/scholarship.
