The WLAM Foundation often hears from awardees on the impact of scholarships they have received. Here are excerpts from comments made by prior awardees:

Jennifer Hill, 2007 General Motors Scholar attending the University of Michigan Law School, wrote:

 

The support of the General Motors WLAM Scholars program is critical to me – and all the others you have supported – because every bit of financial support helps make the pursuit of public interest work possible. Moreover, encouragement from members of the legal community means a great deal; you legitimate public interest work, and you motivate me, and I’m sure other recipients, to work even harder. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

 

 

Karissa Holmes, 2007 Ford Scholar attending Wayne State University Law School, wrote:

 

While attending law school I have been involved in several organizations that focus on community development and volunteering, including Students Helping Students Read, Student Board of Governors and the Black Law Students Association. I have also been involved in several volunteer projects, such as Comcast Cares Day events and the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. In addition, I am currently a student in the law school’s Small Business and Non-Profit Clinic, and am providing free legal services to a local small business and non-profit organization. It is very comforting to know that businesses like Ford Motor Company are dedicated to uplifting the people and the community around them. By awarding me this scholarship, you are enabling me to concentrate more on schoolwork and community service without having to worry about finances.

 

 

Amanda Dallo, 2007 WLAMF Scholar attending the University of Michigan Law School, wrote:

 

I have represented abused children who had been removed from their homes, victims of domestic violence seeking divorces or custody of their children, children with diseases or disabilities seeking government benefits, and low-income families in landlord-tenant disputes. The sheer volume and diversity of cases in the metro-Detroit area made me realize how prevalent these problems are, and how often women and children in particular are left to navigate the legal system alone.

 

 

Meredith Mullins, 2007 Ford Scholar attending the University of Detroit Mercy Law School, wrote:

 

This award is particularly meaningful to me as I struggle with the demands of a full-time job while attending law school in the evening. As I do not believe it particularly common that evening students are recognized for their achievements, I am exceptionally honored that I have been selected for this prestigious award.

 

 

Breanne M. Smith, 2007 WLAMF Scholar attending the University of Detroit Mercy Law School, wrote:

 

I will be graduating from law school in less than three months with a substantial amount of debt as a result of obtaining a law degree as well as ordinary living expenses incurred throughout the past three years. The impact of this award, however, goes farther than simply helping to relieve these financial obligations. This gracious monetary award has assured me that my efforts in law school have not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. Such honorable recognition encourages me, upon graduation, to utilize my abilities and to begin a new chapter in my life while confidently entering the working world.

 

 

Allison Kent, 2006 General Motors Scholar attending the University of Michigan Law School, wrote:

 

I was very pleased and honored to receive the award. As you know, when a law student hopes to do public interest work after graduation, finances can be a stumbling block due to the loan burden. This award helps me to reduce that for this year, which is extremely helpful.

 

 

Lena Zwarensteyn, 2006 WLAM Scholar attending Michigan State University College of Law, wrote:

 

To be given this honor by lawyers whose work I admire is truly a great feeling. . . . I will use this scholarship wisely and will carry on my studies with new-found confidence. Thank you so much for this great honor!

 

 

Raquel A. Salas, 2006 Ford Fund Scholar attending Michigan State University College of Law, wrote:

 

In 1958, in his book "A Nation of Immigrants," President John F. Kennedy wrote that "everywhere immigrants have enriched and strengthened the fabric of American life." As an immigrant and as a woman I believe this assertion to be true, and I am committed to continue that legacy and your scholarship motivates me to continue to strive for excellence.

 

 

Marquita Sylvia, 2005 WLAMF Awardee attending Wayne State University Law School, wrote:

 

It is an honor to have been chosen by such an esteemed group of lawyers and women. Thank you!

 

 

Elizabeth Grace Cote, 2005 Ford Motor Company Fund Awardee attending the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, wrote:

 

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to you and all of those that contributed to and participated in the March 3rd reception. I was overwhelmed with the donors' generosity as well as how organized and elegant the evening was.

 

 

Robin Gonzalez, 2005 Ford Motor Company Fund Awardee attending the University of Michigan Law School, wrote:

 

It means a great deal to me to be recognized for my hard work in child advocacy . . . Your efforts to support women law students are tremendous! Thank you for the reception, the lovely food and the opportunity to meet so many great women.

 

 

Tanille Brooks, 2004 Ford Motor Company Fund Awardee attending Wayne State University Law School, wrote:

 

Thank you for the scholarship! The award banquet was excellent!!

 

 

Lana Panagoulia, 2004 WLAMF Awardee attending the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, wrote:

 

Once again, I graciously thank you for recognizing my achievements. It means a great deal to me that the WLAMF is advancing my career in such a generous way.

 

 

Osleen Barrington, 2004 Ford Motor Company Fund Awardee attending the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, wrote:

 

With my deepest gratitude, I thank the WLAM Foundation for selecting me. This recognition encourages me to continue pursuing my interests, while at the same time making a positive contribution to the lives of other women.

 

 

Barbara Byrum, 2003 Awardee attending the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, wrote:

 

Thank you all, so much for the scholarship; I used it toward my summer 2003 tuition bill. Thank you also, for the WLAM pin; I wear it with great pride.

I look forward to future WLAM events and toward becoming a member of this dynamic group.

 

 

Johanna Campbell, 2003 Awardee attending the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, wrote:

 

I am so honored, and I appreciate what the scholarship is doing for all of us. I am especially thankful for the scholarship this term, as I will be able to take summer classes instead of working, which will put me that much closer to graduation. And the sooner I graduate, the sooner I can start my journey in improving how the legal system treats domestic violence victims.

 

 

Margaret Olesnavage, 2001 Awardee attending the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, wrote:

 

There are not many "affirming" experiences in law school. The award and the reception were wonderfully affirming. I hope that I can continue your wonderful tradition supporting women law studens in Michigan. The award has paid for my bar review courses. I hope to join your ranks soon I continue my commitment to women, children, and family advocacy efforts.

 

 

Kathy A. Martin, 1999 Awardee attending the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, wrote to us:

 

I was thrilled to meet you and many of the members of your organization at the Foundation Luncheon at the Risata Restaurant in Detroit on May 15, 1999. I am impressed by the efforts of WLAM to advance the interests of women members of the legal profession. I find the goals and mission of the WLAM encouraging in all of our endeavors to advance the rights of women and basically make this world a better place to live.

 

 

Miriam H. Marton, another 1999 Awardee who attends the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University, wrote:

 

I am writing to thank you and the WLAM Foundation for the 1999 Foundation Award you selected me for. Women's issues and experiences have been my life's work, and it is quite an honor to have an organization such as WLAM recognize that.