Today we’d like to introduce you to Vicki Tate.
Vicki, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have lived in Palm Beach County for 30+ years and have had the privilege to develop relationships with incredible, successful women in business. I love connecting people, as evidenced by my former career as a professional recruiter. One day it occurred to me that several of these women didn’t know each other. To rectify that situation, I hosted a brunch at my home, inviting six women that were important to me that I believed in turn, might be important to each other, either personally or professionally, or both. As it turns out, the connections became strong and with the support of these women, the Alliance of Women Executives (AWE) became a reality.
I founded AWE in June 2016 and received 501 (c)(3) status in December 2016. AWE is the realization of a vision to connect women in a meaningful way while making an impact on future generations. We do this by offering $1500 scholarships to young women who choose to or need to stay local for their college education.
AWE is a member-based nonprofit which meets monthly to network and quarterly for Dinner with Friends (DWF). DWF is a time for members to get to know one another on a more personal level and explore common interests while turning professional acquaintances into friendships. The relationships formed combined with our philanthropic vision are what makes AWE and our scholarship program succeed.
Our membership and scholarship applicants have continued to steadily increase in our 3 short years of history. Scholarships have been sponsored by local businesses, individuals, as well as a national nonprofit. In our inaugural year, we offered only 1 scholarship. Our 2nd year, we offered 4 scholarships and in April 2019, we proudly offered 12 scholarships. Our goal for 2020 is to offer 20 scholarships. Businesses, nonprofits, and individuals are encouraged to email me at vicki@aweinc.org to discuss donor opportunities and/or membership.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As with any new non-profit organization or even established non-profits, the struggle is raising money. To date, the expenses associated with running a non-profit, such as attorney and accountant fees, website development and maintenance, etc. have been covered by a small portion of the membership dues and generous unrestricted donations from a few AWE Board members and close friends of the organization. We are so committed to the many deserving young women whose sole goal is to attain a college education, that our “struggle” pales in comparison to some of their stories. Our applicants are asked to write a short essay about a challenge they faced and how they overcame it. These stories are moving and motivating – keeping us keenly focused on our mission to play a meaningful role in their futures through higher education.
We are deeply grateful to our current donors and will continue to seek donations, sponsored scholarships, grants, etc. to ensure that we can continue as an organization and expand our reach to serve more deserving young women in Palm Beach County.
Please tell us about Alliance of Women Executives (AWE) – what should we know?
AWE is a volunteer, member-based nonprofit connecting executive, professional and entrepreneurial women who also promote higher education. We offer $1500 scholarships to young women in Palm Beach County who choose to or need to stay local for college. While there are many nonprofits which assist students with their college expenses, AWE is solely focused on assisting Palm Beach County students with scholarships to attend Florida Atlantic University or Palm Beach State College.
AWE is a welcoming environment, anyone who believes in our mission and wants to become a member is invited to join. Our members are not required to fundraise or bring in new members although many do simply because they value our mission.
The community should also know that all AWE board members are volunteers, no one draws any compensation – 100% of money donated goes to support our mission.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
My proudest moment… receiving 501(c)(3) status for AWE and grasping the potential impact of our mission. Beyond that, I am grateful for and proud of the sustained growth of the AWE membership, the support of the community and the ability to assist young women achieve their goals of a college education. A highlight was our 2019 scholarship awards dinner. We awarded 12 scholarships to a diverse group of young women; some were either currently in or had been in the foster care system; some were the first in their family to attend college; and one was the first in her family to graduate high school. Knowing we have a small part in these students’ futures is an indescribable feeling. I’m proud of our organization’s commitment to keep pressing forward making a difference in each other’s lives and in the lives of these deserving young women.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are many people who deserve credit for the success of AWE beginning with my late father. He was a WW2 decorated veteran who put himself through college and medical school with the help of the GI bill. When I told him about my idea his immediate response was “what a great idea” and some of the last coherent words he said to me were “these girls need you, don’t give up, you can help them”. I’ve had tremendous support from friends and our board. Every board member has a full-time job yet they’ve answered phone calls at all hours, given wonderful advice and most importantly, they have been my “go-to” support system. AWE is a team effort!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.aweinc.org
- Phone: 561-789-8415
- Email: vicki@aweinc.org
Image Credit:
Gail V. Haines
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