$100,000 given out in college scholarships

Linda Ha wants to be a news reporter, and she knew Women Leaders Forum’s ‘Young Women Ambassadors’ program would put her on the right track.

“I knew I had to sign up right away. It involved women empowering other women, increases leadership skills, and stuff you don’t get to learn at school,” Linda Ha, a senior at Cathedral City High School, said.

The program pairs up young women with professionals in their career of choice. The annual scholarship luncheon at the Miramonte Resort in Indian Wells awarded the top mentees with college scholarships.

“It definitely confirmed that I wanted to do something in journalism because it’s very exciting, there is something new everyday. It doesn’t get boring. You have a tight deadline. That’s what makes journalism so exciting,” Ha said.

All the scholarships handed out will add up to a little more than $100,000.

This money came from a grant and also the Women Who Rule’ luncheon fundraiser held in January.

“We have 22 award recipients who will each be receiving five thousand dollars,” Amy Blaisdell from Women Leaders Forum said. “College educations are getting more and more expensive. There are so many people in the Coachella valley that are working hard and trying to save for college and every little bit counts.”

“It could range from 20 thousand to 50, 60 thousand. Having a scholarship can help anybody because it’s very expensive. Going to work while in school can be difficult as well,” Ha said.

This scholarship makes it a bit easier.

“Young Women Ambassadors just really encouraged us to get out there and run the world,” Ha said.