Opening doors to higher education
Why I started Woman of Wonder
As a single mother in Southwest Washington, I understood firsthand the challenges women in our region face—from Vancouver to Longview, from Camas to Castle Rock—when trying to access higher education while managing family responsibilities.
As I raised my daughter, I emphasized the importance of attending college. For me, it felt like a form of “mom insurance,” a way for my daughter to:
Secure a better-paying job
Provide protection through the ups and downs of the economy
Offer a chance at a career she would truly love
Too often, women find themselves in jobs they like, but don’t love. Higher education gives women choices.
Carol, the founder of Woman of Wonder and her daughter.
A $200 barrier to college access
I come from a family that values education, and I love engaging with people who work in the educational space.
During a conversation with a marketing professional at Washington State University Vancouver, I learned that sometimes what prevents a student from showing up on the first day of class is an amount as small as $200.
And I thought, “I’d pay $200 to help someone go to college.”
That seed of thought sparked the creation of the nonprofit Woman of Wonder right here in Southwest Washington. I wanted to help women in my own backyard - Clark County, Cowlitz County, the communities where I live and work
Supporting college women across Southwest Washington
As women navigate life and take on responsibilities, their choices can diminish and disappear. The opportunity to start or finish a degree often slips away under the weight of other responsibilities.
Woman of Wonder focuses specifically on women in Clark County and surrounding Southwest Washington communities because we believe local investment creates lasting regional impact.
We were founded in Vancouver, Washington in June of 2018, and I immediately spent the next six months fundraising. (Thank you, Facebook friends!)
Our first scholarships, although pretty dang small, were awarded in 2019. (Learn more about our Southwest Washington scholarship program.) However, we've seen how even small scholarships help women from Vancouver, Longview, Washougal, and rural areas access education that seemed out of reach.
Here’s your invitation to invest locally
Think about the women who have influenced you—those who supported you with love, a meal, or a word of encouragement.
Pass the gift forward
And here’s the secret to giving: Pass that gift forward to help someone else.
As you consider your gift, please know how grateful I am for your support. You understand that a little help can make a BIG difference in someone’s life.
And remember, we’re called “Woman” (singular) of Wonder, because we want our scholars to be able to stand up with confidence and say, “I am Woman Wonder.”
And after you make your gift, to support women in Southwest Washington pursuing education, I hope you’ll dare to stand up and say, "I am a Woman of Wonder."
Or, if you’re not quite there yet, I hope there is a special woman in your life so you can say, "I am loved by a Woman of Wonder."
All the best,
Carol Doane
Founder