Three $1,500  Scholarship WNEA awards were presented to local women at the Women’s Network Exchange Scholarship and Donor Appreciation Banquet at the London Bridge Resort Thursday.

Stacey Benjamin (studying at Liberty University online), Arielle Hopple Thompson (studying nursing at Mohave Community College-Lake Havasu City Campus) and Anjali Sheresta (Arizona State University-Lake Havasu Campus) were among those awarded by the WNEA Scholarship Committee. Winners are also granted a one-year membership in the Women’s Network Exchange organization.

WNEA scholarship winners, Arielle Hopple Thompson, and Stacey Benjamin pose with their significant others at the WNEA banquet. Not pictured was third winner Anjali Sheresta.  Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

“Our WNEA members and I are so excited to be able to award these scholarships after fundraising all year long and seeing all the hard work pay off . We are able to achieve this each year with the help of our businesses and members. We are so happy to give that money away every June,” said Janet Cruz, WNEA President 2022-23.

Through an application process, WNEA provides scholarships to local women in achieving their personal and career goals or who are working to advance their careers through continued education or  returning to the work force. Funds are raised through donors and fundraising efforts by WNEA members and volunteers.

“Our Scholarship Committee had the tough task of reading through 27 applications and selected three amazing recipients. I am so happy for them,” said Jackie Oskolkoff , WNEA member and Scholarship Committee Chair.

WNEA businesses and donors also recognized included Scoops, Purple Leopard Boutique, Crown Jewels of Havasu, Anderson Auto Group, and Farmers Insurance -Anthony Okolskoff Insurance Agency, LLC.

WNEA is a local 501 C3 nonprofit organization established in 1997. It’s mission is to support women in business.

Scholarship Committee Chair Jackie Okolskoff, Janet Cruz, WNEA president 22-23, Vice President Karol Falsetti 22-23 Committee Members Mary Delasantos and Connie Hess pose with the winners.  Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Jackie Oskolkoff of  Farmers Insurance Anthony Oskolkoff Insurance Angency LLC, was recognized for her support of the WNEA Scholarship fund     Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Vice President Karol Falsetti and Jack Welden (not pictured)  of Crown Jewels Of Havasu,  were among donors recognized for their support of the WNEA Scholarship Fund  Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Scoops, LeTawnya Landry was recognized for her support of the WNEA Scholarship Fund. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene