Catalina Island Women's Forum Mentoring Program

Many people don’t know how much the CIWF does for the Avalon community.  Their mentoring program is a heartfelt labor of love that has been successfully managed by Kathie Fitzenberger and her committee for the past 3 years.  She arranges voluntary meetings with the Avalon junior and senior girls and brings a host of information and activities their way.  Some of the highlights of 2011-12 were a self-defense course demonstration, several lectures from professional women on a range of challenging occupations from law enforcement to health care, and many social times including mini-golf and a trip to Three Palms Arcade.  But what the graduating ladies remarked about as the most beneficial or favorite part of the program was the “reality check” they received, the realization that they are growing up, some moving away to college, and preparing to live a whole new life of independence. 

The mentoring program helps these girls develop some valuable life skills that are sure to make their transition off the Island more pleasant.  With the end of school comes the best part: the scholarship awards.  For the 2011-12 year CIWF received 19 scholarship applications.  The scholarship committee allotted 15 minutes with each applicant for a Q & A session allowing the girls the freedom to display their personality and aspirations for their future.  All the applicants are commended for their time spent with the Forum and each young woman received the priceless experience of sisterhood and fellowship through the program. It was a very difficult decision as all the applicants had exceptional qualities; however, the scholarship committee singled out the following ladies for their well composed application, polished interview skills, and thorough preparation for their move to college. 

2012 Women’s Forum Scholarship WINNERS:

CIWF Scholarships: Katherine Delehant, Alexis Romero, Evelyn Pedroza, Cristina Spruell, Teagan Machado, Sarah Jaeger, and Sadie Parsons.

Kathie Bogenschutz scholarship: Janeth Contreras.  

Cappannelli Scholarship: Reyna Virgen.