Founder’s Legacy Fund Scholarship

The Founder's Legacy Fund seeks to carry on our Founder's legacy by providing scholarships to high school graduates, fostering education, and empowering the next generation. We invite individuals and organizations to contribute to this meaningful cause, ensuring that our Founder's passion for education and community service continues to make a lasting impact.

In loving memory of our founder, the Founder's Legacy Fund was established in 2022 to honor her remarkable life and contributions. This scholarship fund supports high school graduates transitioning from high school to college.

A proud Carbondale Community High School graduate, CAW's founder pursued her passion for law and paralegal studies at Southern Illinois University. Her journey led her to work as a court reporter and later as a paralegal. In 1989, she Co-founded Concerned African Women, Inc. (CAW), a not-for-profit organization, where she served as Founder, President, and CEO for an inspiring 32 years until her untimely passing.

Under her visionary leadership, CAW became a beacon of hope and positive change in the community. The organization dedicated itself to enhancing the lives of children, youth, and families through initiatives that improved reading scores, prevented juvenile delinquency, addressed family mental health and economic issues, and provided free after-school and summer programs for youth aged 5-18.

Our Founder's commitment to outcome-driven initiatives was evident in creating the "New Dimensions in Community Education Program." This innovative program aimed to foster total literacy among at-promise youth by considering their total environment, benefiting over 500 families annually. Her impact extended to developing various programs, including The Independent Parent Council, The Synergy Service Partnership, and the New Dimensions In Out-Of-School program, designed to empower families and uplift the community.

A tireless advocate for youth development and community activism, CAW has received numerous accolades under her leadership, including the Champions For Children "Program Of The Year" award, Children with Disability Inclusion Impact Award, and the Clinton Foundation – Alliance For A Healthier Generation, "Hero Award". She received the prestigious "Woman of the Year" award from the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. She played a pivotal role in grassroots initiatives, served on the executive team for Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek, and hosted renowned celebrities and advocates for events promoting literacy and community advancement

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