Palatine Chamber WIBAF group awards scholarships
For the seventh consecutive year, the Women in Business Advisory Forum (WIBAF), a networking group of the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce, has awarded $1,000 scholarships to female high school seniors in the Palatine community.
This year's outstanding recipients are Becca Ruffalo from William Fremd High School and Jillian Smith from Palatine High School.
Ruffalo will be attending Indiana University in the Kelley School of Business, with a plan to major in both finance and marketing. In addition to her high academic achievements and a 4.01 weighted GPA through seven semesters, Ruffalo was also captain of the varsity cheerleading team, a member of the National Honor Society and the Vikings United Club, and an active community volunteer for organizations including Feed My Starving Children, Phil's Friends and Willow Creek Community Church.
She also has work experience as a cashier, lifeguard and cheerleading coach.
In her letter of recommendation, Fremd High School social studies teacher Lindsey A. Corcoran writes, "Becca has taken a rigorous course load while at the same time balancing a variety of commitments outside of the classroom. Becca is the type of student that any advisor, coach or teacher would be happy to have as a member of their organization, team or classroom."
Smith will be attending the University of South Carolina, where she will be majoring in business marketing. She took extensive business classes at Palatine High School while maintaining an impressive 3.97 weighted GPA through seven semesters. In addition to being captain of the volleyball team and playing competitive travel/club volleyball, Smith participated in numerous school activities, including National Honor Society, SADD, Varsity Club, and Future Business Leaders of America.
She was employed throughout her high school years and also found time to volunteer at St. Michael's Episcopal Church and Feed My Starving Children.
In her letter of recommendation, Palatine High School business education teacher Adrienne Stewart writes, "Jillian is a goal-oriented high school senior, and I consider it a genuine pleasure to be writing you on her behalf. Jillian is an outstanding individual and demonstrates excellence in class on a daily basis. She is a respected leader in school and is known for being committed to improving the school environment and climate."
To be eligible for the scholarship, female students needed a 2.75 GPA or higher with the intent of attending a two- or four-year college or university in fall 2021 to pursue a degree in a business-related field.
Other criteria considered by the scholarship committee included business coursework in high school, employment experience, participation in clubs/activities/service/volunteer roles, three short response questions and two letters of recommendation.
The $1,000 scholarships may be used for college tuition, fees, books or supplies.
Funds for the 2021 scholarship program were raised through a virtual fundraiser along with proceeds from WIBAF monthly networking meetings.
WIBAF is an active group of businesswomen who are interested in learning and networking with one another. Meetings include featured member presentations and organized discussions of business topics, along with time for members to profile their business and engage in networking with other members in attendance.
Meetings are held from noon to 1:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month. The fee for WIBAF networking meetings is $15 per person, with proceeds directed toward the annual scholarship program. Preregistration is required and can be completed online each month at www.palatinechamber.com.
This year's WIBAF scholarship committee consisted of Linda Hall with Connect to Community; Jord'an Helmick with J2 Massage; Julie Johlie with Rush Physical Therapy; and Greta Nielsen with Illuminate Therapy & Wellness.
For information about the Women in Business Advisory Forum, contact Greta Nielsen at gretan@illuminatingyou.com; Julia Tarnorutskaya at j2massagepc@gmail.com; or Sasha Ivanov at sasha.ivanov.vaahjq@statefarm.com.